ABOUT HANDRAILS

Handrails are provided as a protective device on stairs, landings, and balconies. They are normally made of steel, stainless steel, or aluminium. Cable is sometimes used as an intermediate horizontal rail; alternatively laminated or tempered glass panels may be used. Model codes for handrail dimensions are published by the International Code Council, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

The leading handrail manufacturers, described below the panel of sponsored links, have comprehensive websites, with information on all aspects of handrails, including online catalogs, colours and materials for handrails, and care and maintenance of handrails.

SPONSORED LINKS

LEADING USA HANDRAIL MANUFACTURERS

Innovative Aluminum Systems: Handrails. Innovative Aluminum Systems is a supplier of aluminum building products, including handrails, which is based in Aldergrove, British Columbia, Canada. Its aluminum picket style handrail systems do not need maintenance, and are available in nine standard colors from white through almond to fence green and black. Its aluminum handrails comply with American Architectural Manufacturers Association standards for durability of organic coatings. Innovative Aluminum Systems also manufactures glass handrails in which the glass panels are held in an aluminum framing.

American Railing Systems: Handrails. American Railing Systems Inc., founded over 60 years ago, is based in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is a leading manufacturer of aluminum and stainless steel handrails. Its website describes a wide range of available sections for: Standard Top Rails, Standard Posts, Standard Intermediate Rails, Standard Insert & Bottom Channels, and Glass & Panel Framing. Handrails parts are stocked in White, Bronze, and Black. Other standard colors are: Cream, Beige, Clay, Gray, Glen Green, Evergreen, and Brown. Exact colors can be matched if required.

S&S Manufacturing: Handrails. S&S Manufacturing, of East Brunswick, New Jersey, is a leading manufacturer of architectural railings, including handrails. It was established in 1985 by Steven Silverman. Its website is organized into the following main sections: ADA Handrails, Balcony & Terrace Handrails, Glass Handrails, Mass Transit Handrails, Public School & University Handrails, Handrail Types & Finishes, Restoration Projects, and Specifications. Handrails are manufactured from aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and bronze.

Virginia Railing & Gates: Handrails. Virginia Railing & Gates, of Ashland, Virginia, is a leading manufacturer of handrails, railings, and gates. Its product range is presented at its website in the following categories: Aluminum Handrails, Brass Handrails, Cable Handrails, Commercial Handrails, Exterior Handrails, Glass Handrails, Interior Handrails, Pipe Handrails, Porch Handrails, Residential Handrails, Spiral Handrails, Steel Handrails, and Wood Style Handrails. Available finishes include: Aliphatic Acrylic Urethane Gloss, Coraflon ADS Fluoropolymer Coating, and Powder Coating.

USEFUL LINKS RELEVANT TO HANDRAILS

Wikipedia Article on Handrails

Old House Web

This Old House

CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT DIRECTORIES

We recommend the following professional construction directories, which include standard specifications, manufacturers' specs, and CAD details: 4Specs at www.4specs.com, Arcat at www.arcat.com, Arcom at www.arcomnet.com, Reed at www.reedfirstsource.com, Sweets at www.sweets.construction.com.

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Stair Product Guides: Balustrades, Handrails, Spiral Staircases, Staircases, Stair Gates, Stair Lifts, Stair Railings, Stair Rods, Stair Treads.

Other recommended portals: Archbone, Building Design, Homeone Australia, Lighting Directory, Sapling, Stone Network.

Publisher: Abacus Construction Index is a professionally edited directory of recommended construction websites, published by Extonet Ltd. It is financed only by Google advertising; no payment is received from included websites.