Popular Handrail Wood Colors

In addition to its basic function, a staircase in a home can be an attractive and eye-catching decorative feature. Whether building a new staircase or replacing an old one, carefully selected component staircase parts add function and beauty to a space. Choosing the handrail is possibly the most important decision to be made as it is the finishing touch to a well-designed and properly constructed staircase.

Wood is the most popular choice for staircases in both traditional and contemporary homes. Wood is versatile and is easily cut and precisely shaped into newel posts, balusters, risers, caps and rails. Additionally, natural woods from different species of trees provide nearly unlimited choices of colors, grains, and densities that will suit every style and design specification.

Red oak is a popular wood choice for indoor furnishings of any type, and a red oak handrail will finish a staircase beautifully and cost-effectively. Red oak is slightly lighter and more porous than white oak and has a slight pinkish undertone, hence the name. It can be turned, shaped and sized to meet any specification and the grain in red oaks is more evident than in white oak. This is an added design detail for any use where a strong wood grain is desired for esthetic reasons.

For a professional quality handrail, several different specialized pieces may be needed in addition to an uninterrupted run of straight handrail. The connector pieces that are needed will depend on the configuration and length of the staircase. For example, a quarter turn handrail fitting is used when a staircase takes a 90-degree turn. Over easing and up easing handrail fittings are used to span the vertical spaces between straight horizontal pieces and the angled handrails that follow the rise of the staircase. A well-constructed red oak handrail will add distinction to an elegant staircase, providing years of beauty, style and function.