installing Hand Rail

[khwajas]

As age is having a toll on us I need to install a simple hand rail for my partner on three steps entry to the house.  I am aware there are pre fabricated products but I really like to build it myself and need some guidance as to the products I could use.  I have attached a photo of the the steps.  Perhaps one hand rail on one side is enough.  

 

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @khwajas 

I am a little biased towards protecting you here so  I hope you can read past that.

Your  health and  safety must come first if you dont know how to build one I highly recommend you us the prefab versions as a hand rail is there to support a fall first and for most .

Any hand rail  will steady you down but it also must catch you and support you in a falling situation. Elderly people often dont get two many second chances in a fall.

@khwajas  We all are aging have ever considered a wheel chair ramp  in that location the time may come  4  stairs stop your accessing your own  home?

I build a ramp to my front door with no steps we plan to live in our house and older age is planned into our future comfort and accessability .

We bought a single story house intentionaly and it payed of as in the past I had every day health issues that would stop me using stairs to get to  upstairs bed.

But that is my take on home ownership not yours.

So I recommend building a sturdy hand rail with the rails below.

These  hand rails are 1800 long if cut in half they may make a double sided  hand rail  Just need additional angled post /rail mounting 4x kit if they sell them.

I would  mount post 1 on the ground and post 2 on the second top step  or  to the original fluted  top stair post if it is very robust

PEAK 1800mm White Aluminium Deck Balustrade Standard Stair Baluster Kit

I/N: 0453714  $362^.52

PEAK Aluminium Balustrade

PEAK Aluminium Balustrade 1000mm White Deck Stair Post  I/N: 0220787  $83^.73

[khwajas]

Thank you kindly for showing rightful concern. I will try to source these materials.  

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @khwajas 

Thanks  for your understand   We hear on the news all the time common falls even of a chair are probably  the no1 accidents that can lead to broken hips etc. I put a 1 meter pool fence on a raised garden bed just for a freak accidntal  trip and fall protection as I see the risk as real and ever present as  we age.

If you  used a very  sturdy ground level post (Like  meantioned) with strong mounting bolts to the concrete  path you  will need to source angled mounting brackets to take a custom  rail and still have things sturdy. What rail  would you  use?  There are shaped  timber versions that may work.

Doing a custom rail I dont think you could match the Fluted  style of your veradah as it is very nice but an older stlye not seen around today in hardward stores.  So I think  the more plain simple white  hardware  I meantioned before on my  first post wont take away from your existing lovely verandah