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

[JacobZ]

Hi @khwajas,

I'm in the same boat as @Jewelleryrescue here thinking a prefabricated product is a better option as safety is the most important thing.

You might like to check out the Peak Balustrade Designer for Bunnings as it can help you design a balustrade for your stairs and will direct you towards the correct products.

You may need to custom order parts which the Special Orders team at your local store will be able to assist with.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[khwajas]

Thanks all.  I am deeply impressed with how everyone is so forthcoming in help others.  I will look into this last option you sent.