Wooden vs. metal handrail design: Which is best?

When designing a staircase, selecting the right handrail material is a crucial decision that can impact both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the space. 

For architects, designers, builders, and their clients, the choice between wooden and metal handrails is often influenced by factors such as the desired look, the environment in which the handrail will be used, and the specific needs of the property. Both materials offer distinct advantages, making them suitable for different types of projects, but which is best? 

In this post, we’ll explore the benefits and considerations of both wooden and metal handrails, providing you with the insights needed to make an informed recommendation for your clients. 

Whether you’re commissioning a bespoke wooden handrail for a classic, warm appeal or a complete metal balustrade for a sleek, modern finish, understanding the strengths of each material will help you choose the best handrail design to enhance your overall staircase project.

Why choose wooden handrails?

Wooden handrails are what you would typically associate within a staircase design – and for good reason. Wooden handrails have a wide range of benefits, including:

1. Aesthetic appeal

Wood has a timeless, natural beauty that adds warmth and character to any space – it can complement a variety of interior styles, from rustic and traditional to contemporary and modern. Wood offers numerous finishing options, including stains, paints, and varnishes, allowing you to achieve the exact look you desire. The ability to sand and refinish wood also makes it easy to update or refresh its appearance over time.

Wooden handrails can also be easily shaped, carved, and customised to match the specific design needs of the space. This can be achieved through traditional hand carving or through the use of a 5-axis CNC machine, which shapes the wood from five different directions simultaneously for extra efficiency and precision. Whether your client prefers intricate details or sleek, minimalist lines, wood can accommodate a wide range of design preferences.

2. Comfort and feel

Unlike metal, wood remains relatively warm to the touch, which can be especially appreciated in colder climates. This makes wooden handrails more comfortable to hold, particularly in residential projects. Furthermore, when properly finished, wooden handrails offer a smooth surface that is pleasant to the touch – enhancing the overall user experience.

3. Durability and longevity

High-quality hardwoods, like oak, maple, and walnut, are extremely durable and can withstand years of use without losing their structural integrity. And, with proper care and maintenance, wooden handrails can resist wear and tear – maintaining their appearance and functionality for decades.

4. Ease of customisation

Wood can be easily cut, shaped, and assembled to fit into custom spaces or unusual stair configurations, making it an ideal material for bespoke handrail designs. Moreover, depending on the preference for colour, grain pattern, and hardness, your client can choose from a wide variety of wood species – each offering its unique characteristics.

5. Sustainability

When sourced from responsibly managed forests, wood is a renewable resource. Choosing certified sustainable wood helps support environmentally friendly practices. Wood is also biodegradable, making it a more eco-friendly option at the end of its life cycle – compared to materials like metal or plastic.

6. Acoustic benefits

Wood naturally absorbs sound, helping to reduce noise levels in the home or building. This can contribute to a quieter and more peaceful environment, especially in residential areas.

7. Cost-effective

Whilst high-end hardwoods can be expensive, there are also cost-effective wood options, such as pine or poplar, that provide the aesthetic and functional benefits of wood at a lower price point. And although wooden handrails require periodic maintenance, such as staining or sealing, the cost of these tasks is generally low compared to the long lifespan of the material.

8. Historical and traditional value

Wood has been used in construction for centuries, giving it a historical and traditional value that metal handrails may not be able to provide. This makes wooden handrails a great choice for restoring older homes or adding a classic touch to newer spaces.

9. Ease of installation 

Installing wooden handrails is part of our service and is assembled on-site. We put a lot of work into our handrails during the manufacturing process, to try and take away the headache on site. We pre-assemble the entire handrail in our factory, fine sanding every single piece and joining them together so that there is minimal ‘fettling’ of joints on site.

Why choose metal handrails?

If your client is looking for a more sleek, modern and elevated look to their staircase design, then you may feel more inclined to choose metal handrails. But what other benefits do they provide?

1. Modern and sleek aesthetic

Metal handrails have a sleek, modern look that complements minimalist and industrial design styles. They are a good choice for spaces that prioritise clean lines and a streamlined appearance.

Metal can also be shaped into a wide variety of forms, from simple, straight bars to intricate, decorative patterns. This versatility allows for both subtle and bold design statements.

2. Durability and strength

Metals like stainless steel and iron are incredibly strong and can withstand significant weight and force. This makes metal handrails especially suitable for high-traffic areas and commercial projects.

Metal handrails are also built to last. They resist warping, cracking, and splitting, common issues with other materials. This durability ensures that they remain functional and aesthetically pleasing for many years.

3. Low maintenance

Metal handrails require very little maintenance. They don’t need to be stained, painted, or sealed regularly, saving time and effort in upkeep. Many metals used for handrails, such as stainless steel and powder-coated aluminium, are resistant to rust and corrosion – even when exposed to outdoor elements. This makes them a great choice for outdoor stairs.

Furthermore, unlike wood, metal is not susceptible to damage from pests like termites or rodents, further reducing maintenance concerns and increasing longevity (especially when used for outdoor stairs). 

4. Safety and code compliance

The inherent strength of metal ensures that handrails meet, and often exceed, safety standards – providing reliable support in both residential and commercial applications. Metal is also non-combustible, which adds an extra layer of safety, particularly in public buildings and commercial spaces where fire safety is a concern.

However, it’s important to remember that all handrails designed by Handrail Creations meet building regulations and safety standards where appropriate, so you can rest assured that your wooden handrails will also be incredibly sturdy, durable and reliable. 

5. Environmental sustainability

Metal is highly recyclable, and many metal handrails can be made from recycled materials. At the end of their life, they can be recycled again, reducing their environmental impact. Moreover, in some cases, metal production, especially with recycled content, can be more energy-efficient than the harvesting and processing of wood, although the exact environmental impact of both materials can vary.

6. Customisation 

Metal can be precisely cut, welded, and moulded into complex shapes – allowing for highly customised designs that meet specific architectural needs. Nowadays, laser-cut metal spindles and handrails can be used to bring to life even the most unique and challenging of projects. 

Metal handrails can also be finished in a variety of ways, including polishing, powder coating, or painting. These finishes not only enhance the appearance, but also provide additional protection against wear and weathering.

7. Cost-effectiveness

Whilst the initial cost of metal handrails may be higher than some other materials, their durability and low maintenance requirements often result in lower long-term costs. Metal handrails can also be prefabricated and installed quickly – reducing labour costs and construction time.

8. Hygienic properties 

Unlike wood, metal is non-porous – meaning that it will not harbour any germs or bacteria within the handrail. It is also smoother, making it much easier to clean – perfect for high-traffic areas and places where hygiene is a priority, such as schools, hospitals, public swimming pools and commercial spaces. 

Comparing wooden and metal handrails

So, how do wooden and metal handrails compare?

1. Aesthetic appeal

If your client is looking for a warm and traditional appeal to their staircase design, then wood is the way to go. If they’re looking for something more modern and contemporary, metal handrails could be a more suitable choice. However, thanks to the incredible versatility of wooden handrails, you can also design incredibly unique wooden creations that complement modern architecture, featuring geometric patterns or smooth, elegant shapes that draw the eye.  

2. Durability and longevity

Even with proper care and high-quality materials, standard wooden handrails aren’t as durable or long-lasting as metal handrails. However, hardwoods like oak and maple can last for many years, though they may require refinishing over the years to maintain their appearance. Here at Handrail Creations, we only use premium hardwoods to design our luxurious, reliable and incredibly long-lasting wooden handrails.

3. Maintenance requirements

Metal handrails require minimal maintenance and upkeep, other than regular cleaning and potentially protective coatings to prevent corrosion. Wooden handrails need slightly more regular maintenance, including sanding, staining, and painting to protect the material – though this is easily done. 

4. Cost

Wooden handrails tend to have cheaper upfront costs, depending on the type of wood, than metal handrails. However, metal handrails require less maintenance than wood, which decreases their cost over time. 

When it comes to choosing the right material for your budget, we would strongly recommend prioritising quality and long-term durability with one of our premium hardwoods. Whilst these materials have a higher upfront cost, their sturdiness and timeless appearance mean that they will last for very many years to come, making this a very smart investment.

5. Installation complexity

Depending on your handrail provider, both wooden and metal handrails can come pre-assembled or prefabricated to the site, for quick and easy installation. However, this is not always the case. 

At Handrail Creations, our wooden handrails come preassembled offsite, meaning installation is simple and easy – with the right professional knowledge. Metal handrails, on the other hand, more often require assembly onsite – including welding – which can be a complex, messy and potentially dangerous job, needing specialist knowledge and equipment to do so. 

6. Environmental impact

Whilst wood is generally considered a renewable source, it is only considered environmentally friendly if it is sourced and responsibly harvested from sustainably managed forests. It is, however, biodegradable, which reduces its environmental footprint at the end of its use. 

Metal handrails, on the other hand, can be made from recycled materials or recycled at the end of their use, but this isn’t always the case. The production of metal is also energy-intensive, which increases its environmental impact. 

7. Safety considerations

Wooden handrails provide a warm and comfortable grip when in use, making them safer and more ideal for residential spaces. However, if not maintained properly, they can develop splinters or cracks, which might pose safety hazards, along with potentially becoming a fire hazard in certain environments (e.g., industrial spaces). 

Alternatively, whilst metal is smooth and won’t risk cracks or splinters, it may not always be the ideal choice for grip – especially in colder climates. It is, however, non-combustible, making it a safer choice in commercial spaces and where fire resistance is important. 

When to choose wooden vs. metal handrails

Knowing these facts, how do you know which handrail design to recommend?

Wooden handrails are more ideal where the client requires:

  • A traditional or classic interior design
  • More options for customisation and detail 
  • A handrail that is comfortable and tactile 
  • A cheaper upfront cost (softwoods)
  • A long lifespan and timeless quality (hardwoods)
  • Better suited for homes and residential properties

However, metal handrails can be a more suitable option where the client requires:

  • A modern or industrial design
  • Stronger durability 
  • Low maintenance requirements 
  • Better suited for commercial properties and public buildings

Whilst metal handrails are a good choice for certain applications, such as for installation in industrial buildings, high-traffic commercial areas or outdoor stairs, the versatility of wooden handrails means that many projects are a perfect fit for our premium hardwood materials. These handrails boast excellent durability and longevity, and thanks to our use of 3D scanning equipment and 5-axis CNC machining, we can create totally unique wooden handrails to suit any design style.

Why not choose both?

If your client likes the features of both wooden and metal handrail design, why not consider blending the two?

Combining wood and metal in a bespoke handrail design offers a unique blend of aesthetics, functionality, and durability. This combination can leverage the strengths of both materials, providing a balanced solution that caters to a variety of design preferences and practical needs, including: 

  • A modern twist on traditional design 
  • Enhanced durability and longevity 
  • Reduced maintenance and upkeep 
  • Comfortable yet sleek to grip 
  • Adherence with safety and compliance requirements
  • Mid-range upfront costs and better long-term savings 

To blend the two materials together, we’d recommend designing a balustrade with metal spindles and a wooden handrail; combining the modern and industrial design of metal with the classic, comfortable and tactile effect of wood. 

When it comes to bespoke handrails, trust in our expertise. Contact us today for industry-leading advice or to book a consultation, or explore more information on our blog.

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