What is a return on a handrail?

Asked by: George Page

Handrail returns are the individual segments connecting the end of a railing to the wall, a newel post, or a surface (like a sidewalk). Returns help protect individuals from the sharp edge of the rail; they also serve as a support system for individuals with mobility issues.

How do I make a handrail return?

And that space that centers our bracket in the center of the handrail. Now one hint one tip on brackets.

How do you return a handrail on stairs?

Handrail extensions must return to a wall, itself or the walking surface. Note: While it is a common practice to leave a gap between a wall return and the wall, some inspectors have rejected this as they consider it a return toward the wall and not a return to the wall.

What is a return balustrade?

Most newel caps are made from wood but metal ones are also available for a more contemporary touch. The balustrade enclosing the staircase itself is called the ‘rake balustrade’; one which encloses the edge of a landing is called a ‘return balustrade’.

What are the parts of a handrail?

Parts of a Railing System

• Baluster. A baluster is a short and decorative post, pillar, or column in a series that supports the top rail. …
• Balustrade. A balustrade is a railing supported by a series of balusters. …
• Bottom Rail. …
• Guardrail. …
• Hinge. …
• Landing. …
• Lattice. …
• Newel Posts.

Where should a handrail start and end?

The railing must be continuous, starting at the nosing of the upper landing and extending at a minimum to the nosing of the lowest step or “riser”. For optimal safety, whenever possible the handrail should run the entire length of the Nosing Line.

Do you need a rosette for handrail?

Rosettes are a necessary part of your staircase and they prevent the inevitable flexing of the handrail from tearing up the sheetrock on your wall. They also make it easier to paint your wall after the handrail system has been installed.

How are handrails measured?

I am going to use a nosing this has a one inch overhang here. And again we are going to be measuring. From the front top of the projected thread. So if it is vertical the riser goes all the way up

How long should handrail be on stairs?

Handrail height must be between 34 and 38 inches. Structurally, it must be able to withstand a concentrated load of 200 lbs. or a uniform load of 50 lbs./ft. Graspability requirements will limit handrail dimensions.

What side should stair handrail be on?

From ground floor to first floor the wall mounted handrail is on the LEFT, From first floor to second floor the handrail with the balustrade is on the RIGHT.

What is the end piece of a railing called?

Newel post: what is a newel post? A newel post is the heavy, vertical post at the end or turn of a handrail.

What are the different parts of a stair railing called?

Balustrade

• Spindles—the vertical supports that sit between a handrail and base rail. Also known as a balustrade. …
• Base rail—sits on top of the string or along a landing. …
• Handrail—a rail that sits on top of the baluster/spindles. …
• Newel post—the vertical post that supports the handrail at the top and bottom of the stairs.

What is the end of a bannister called?

newel post

A newel, also called a central pole or support column, is the central supporting pillar of a staircase. It can also refer to an upright post that supports and/or terminates the handrail of a stair banister (the “newel post”).

What are stingers on a staircase?

A stringer is the vertical support board or structural member that runs along each side or center of the staircase. The treads and risers are fixed into the stringer. Different stringers can combine with different types of stair treads to provide an almost endless combination of stair designs.

What is the difference between balusters and spindles?

A baluster and spindle is actually almost the same thing, but the word spindle is more commonly used because it is easier to remember and say. Balusters usually rest on a footing; this could be a step, floor or deck, whereas, spindles are supported by a horizontal rail at the bottom that is attached to the posts.