Challenges and Advantages of Wooden Handrails

 Wooden handrails are a popular choice for staircases and ramps. They are beautiful and add sophistication to a home’s interior design. However, they can also present challenges that make them less suited for certain applications than alternative handrail materials.

Warping and Deterioration

One of the main problems with wooden handrails is their tendency to warp over time. This can be a serious problem as it affects the safety and stability of people using stairs or ramps. In addition, warped woods are difficult to fix.

Another common issue with wooden handrails is their failure to meet ADA standards or building codes. These standards require that stair handrails be continuous and that they comply with the requirements of a pinch grip profile. Pinch grips allow only 25% of the maximum grip strength, which is not enough for safe walking or movement.

The installation process is another common challenge with wooden handrails. Because brackets and hardware must be screwed directly into the handrail, they need to be placed correctly. If you’re not precise, the brackets can splinter, creating holes in the handrail. Additionally, they can be easily damaged by the screws that hold them in place, causing further damage to the handrail.

Color Matching and Staining

Colour matching is a significant challenge with wooden handrails because different species of wood have very different reactions to stain. This makes it difficult to find a colour that matches perfectly, and can be especially challenging with woods like oak.

You might be able to avoid this problem by selecting a wood that is easier to colour-match, such as pine or hemlock. Alternatively, you can use a small tester pot to test the colour on a section of wood before applying it to the rest of the handrail.

Choosing the Right Type of Wood

There are several options for wooden handrails, but oak is often the most durable and long-lasting. This makes it a good choice for commercial applications that will be exposed to harsh weather conditions, such as wind, rain and snow. In addition, it is more resistant to rot and decay than other wooden materials.

It is also one of the most environmentally friendly types of wood. It has been used to build bridges for centuries, and it is also known for its ability to absorb carbon dioxide and release it during combustion.

Hemlock is also a durable option for wood handrails, as it has a strong natural resistance to insects and rot. It is a popular choice for people who like the look of traditional wood and want it to last as long as possible.

Lastly, hemlock can be stained or painted, giving you a wide range of colour options. Depending on your taste, you can choose a stain or paint that complements the overall theme of your home.

When it comes to durability, a wood handrail may be ideal for commercial applications, but if you’re planning to put the handrail in a residential setting, you should consider alternatives. Metal handrails are a cost-saving alternative that is durable and can be cleaned easily. They are also more modern in appearance than wooden handrails and can be used to meet ADA requirements.

What Are the Uses of Door Plates?

 Door plates are a great way to protect your door from damage. They can be installed on a variety of different types of doors and they come in a wide range of sizes.

The most common use for these door plates is to protect the bottom half of a door from wear and tear caused by heavy traffic or rough usage. They can be installed on the pull side or the push side of a single door and are typically sized to be 2 inches less than the width of the door panel.

They are also a common choice for commercial buildings where they may be subject to heavy daily abuse and can save the owner from costly repairs. They are available in a number of styles and are often made from durable materials like copper.

Another common use for door plates is to protect the keyholes and cylinders from wear and tear. This can help keep your doors looking and working at their best, so that your business can continue to thrive for years to come.

Escutcheon plates are small security fittings that are unobtrusive and designed to enhance the look of a door. They are ideal for situations where it is difficult to fit a traditional lock or other security feature because the door may not have sufficient space for such a fitting.

They also come in a variety of colors to blend in with the door and can be used on metal, wooden or glazed doors. They are a simple, low-cost and effective solution to protect your door against damage.

The simplest way to find out what type of plate is best for you is to measure the thickness of your door and consult with your local hardware store. They will have a large selection of plate styles and can recommend the one that will work best for you.

Alternatively, you can choose to have your door pre-prepped for a specific configuration. Some options include circular strike plates, full lip strike plates and extended lip strike plates. Circular plates are shaped differently and will only fit certain doors that have already been prepared for them.

These are a popular option for high-traffic areas such as warehouses and shops where people frequently kick the door open in their effort to carry objects. They are also valuable for homes where pets might scratch at the door to enter or exit.

They can be fitted to swinging and one-directional doors as well as vertically positioned gates and they come in various sizes to match your existing ironmongery. They are also a good way to increase the aesthetics of your door and can add character and a sense of style.

Fingerplates are a good choice for commercial or public buildings where there will be lots of people passing through the building and they are essential in any place where fingerprints are a problem. They can be fitted to a variety of different door types and are available in a wide range of colours so that they will complement your current ironmongery.