Do I need a steel core rail?
Steel core rails are often used to cap steel balustrades. A popular alternative to steel handrails, steel cores can help improve the strength and stability of more decorative handrail materials, such as timber and composite.
But what is a steel core rail, and what are the benefits of having one in place? Do all types of handrails need a steel core, or are some handrail systems better without one?
Here at Handrail Creations, we have years of experience in designing and making bespoke wooden handrails. In this guide, we’ll answer some of our customers’ most frequently asked questions about steel core rails.
What is a steel core rail?
Not to be confused with a steel handrail, a steel core rail is a flat bar installed atop a steel balustrade to support and reinforce the handrail. Often used with wooden handrails, steel core rails are designed to fit discreetly underneath the banister, securely anchoring it to the spindles (or balusters) below. They are typically around 20-40mm wide.
As steel is malleable, steel core rails can be shaped to conform to all the twists and turns of the staircase, following its incline perfectly from bottom to top.
Steel cores are typically manufactured from high-quality mild steel or stainless steel handrail materials. They may be available with various finishing options, such as powder-coating, to complement the balustrade’s overall design scheme.
Pros and cons of steel core handrails
Steel core rails provide much-needed internal strength to railing systems, especially where the handrail is made from a weaker material (such as wood). They provide a secure fixing point for anchoring the handrail to the balustrade and holding the spindles of the stairs in place.
With steel being such a strong and resilient material, a steel core’s main purpose is to enhance the strength and stability of the railing system. It does this in much the same way as a steel handrail would – but without the need to compromise on aesthetics.
The main disadvantage is that core rails can be difficult to control and manipulate. In many cases, the rail must be shaped by eye on-site, requiring a high level of skill and experience. Additionally, steel cores aren’t always suitable for each and every handrail, as we’ll discuss below.
What types of handrails need a steel core rail?
Steel cores are used in a variety of balustrade and handrail designs where appearance and craftsmanship are key, but good structural strength is still required. For example, with ornate wrought iron handrails, a steel core rail is the traditional method for fixing the iron balusters to various handrail materials, including wood. Steel offers a higher tensile strength than iron, and the core rail helps to reinforce the decorative ironwork, which can be delicate.
Often, more straightforward designs might not require a steel core rail. In some cases, it’s better to drill holes into the timber and fix the balusters or spindles directly in place. More complex handrail designs can sometimes benefit from the additional reinforcement of a steel core rail depending on the materials used, but as there isn’t a set rule for when a handrail will need a steel core rail, this would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
To discuss whether a steel core rail would work for your handrail design, speak to the experts at Handrail Creations today.
Handrail Creations and steel core rails
As part of our design service at Handrail Creations, we can digitally survey core rails in situ with exceptional accuracy, working to a 1mm tolerance. This ensures that each handrail is a perfect fit, even with the handrails being manufactured and assembled off-site in our factory.
Our precision even allows us to pre-drill individual holes for the staircase’s spindles, allowing them to slot neatly into the handrail. The result is a much cleaner finish, with no need for messy adjustments on site.
Whether you’re interested in beautiful bespoke handrails for your home or business, Handrail Creations can help. Contact us today to speak to our friendly team and learn more about our end-to-end service.
