Finding the right architectural handrails is an essential element in design that too often consumes considerable time, money, and effort. The journey from intricate planning to custom designs and specialized labor installation transforms what initially appears to be a minor concept into a time-intensive task for architects and builders.
Inspired by these frustrations in the architectural community, Promenaid created the world’s first modular handrail system combining style, versatility, speed and above all – simplicity.
The Most Important Aspects of Architectural Handrails
Seamless Planning
As an architectural element, handrails must fit seamlessly not only into the planning phase but also into the installation process.
For early planning, our team of architectural drafters is happy to review your plans to identify potential installation or code compliance issues. With the Promenaid Revit family, they will also provide detailed take offs for budgeting, 3D renders and engineer-approved Shop Drawings.
Last-minute adjustments to the handrail spec are often needed, especially to meet code requirements or when the as-built measurements don’t match the plans. Promenaid handrails can be customized and adjusted on the job site, making the process easier and saving you time.
Our customer service team helps installers make adjustments by finding and shipping adaptable and affordable in-stock components to the exact location they’re needed.
Not to mention, our team makes this process quick and easy to prevent serious delays in installations.
Safety and Code Compliance
Regardless of design, architectural handrails must comply with building codes and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Promenaid handrails comply – and even exceed – all requirements of the ADA, all Residential and Commercial building codes in every local jurisdiction throughout the USA, Canada and around the world.
Style
Modern design calls for a modern handrail. Choosing a style that fits your vision and creativity shouldn’t be a roadblock. Architectural railing systems should be available in a variety of finishes that fit with the building aesthetic and purpose. In fact, many architects we’ve worked with appreciate how Promenaid’s architectural railings don’t simply blend in, they add to the style of their projects. Here’s how:
Lighting
Our architectural handrails can be designed with built-in LED all-weather indoor-outdoor lighting, which makes the design process simple and procurement even easier. Instead of going through different manufacturers to find lighting and railing, both of them can be found in one place: Promenaid.
Wood Finishes
Finding a smooth railing finish is important, but finding a finish shouldn’t hinder the design possibilities of the space. Our real wood-wrapped railings—known as TrueWood—provide an additional option that maintains the same durability of aluminum handrails. Plus, it doesn’t just blend in with natural, organic aesthetics; it provides sustainable qualities to the appearance as well.
Bracket
Handrail Brackets should be able to be installed wherever needed and on any surface. Our patented brackets fasten anywhere along the entire length of the railing and to any surface. Better yet, they can be added, removed and even repositioned at any time – even after installation. With Promenaid you have the freedom to install architectural railings where you want them — drywall, concrete, brick – even on glass.
Flexible Installation
ADA requirements, along with commercial and residential building codes, mandate that handrails be continuous along their entire length. This can present challenges, especially when navigating corners or elevation changes. The difficulty increases when as-built dimensions don’t perfectly align with architectural plans.
Promenaid’s modular components simplify this process. The system is designed to be adaptable on-site, allowing for quick modifications during installation without the need for special tools or extensive training. This not only reduces labor costs but also eliminates the need for specialized labor, which can be costly.
Additionally, if extra parts are needed, they can be shipped as fast as overnight, ensuring that your project stays on schedule and within budget. With Promenaid, you save time and money by streamlining the installation process.
Uncompromising Durability
When selecting handrails for architectural applications, the finish is a crucial aspect that ensures both durability and aesthetic appeal. Whether the handrails are installed indoors or outdoors, they must withstand various conditions, including humidity, the salty air of marine environments, temperature fluctuations, and physical wear. A finish that can endure these challenges not only prolongs the life of the handrails but also maintains their visual appeal over time.
Anodized aluminum is an excellent choice for handrail finishes, offering both durability and elegance. Its satin finish provides a sophisticated look that complements many design styles. Additionally, anodized aluminum is well-suited for wet conditions, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor installations. Scuffs and abrasions that occur over time can be easily repaired using mild abrasives like Ajax, Comet, or Bar Keepers Friend, ensuring that the handrails remain in top condition with minimal maintenance.
This combination of durability and ease of care makes anodized aluminum a popular choice for architects and designers.
Mounting
Wall
Wall-mount handrails can be installed directly onto interior or exterior walls made of various materials, such as drywall, brick, stone, or cinderblock.
Glass
Glass-mounted handrails boast a modern look. An architectural railing system can be mounted to tempered glass to create a beautiful and modern design.
Free-Standing on Posts
Free-standing handrails on posts are typically used on ramps, walkways, and wide stairways that are not adjacent to walls. The Promenaid Tekpost offers a secure connection with just one bolt, and its base can be rotated to compensate for any slope, ensuring the post always remains perfectly vertical.
Handrail Styles to Consider
Flat Bar
A flat bar handrail is exactly what it sounds like — a flat bar. It creates a streamlined and modern look, but doesn’t have a profile that allows a strong grip.
Pinch Grip
A pinch grip handrail is one with a noncircular design. This profile is more ornamental than functional, but doesn’t allow the user to properly grasp the handrail to prevent a fall.
Round Profile
A round profile creates a sleek and modern handrail that also allows for a power grip, 5 times stronger than a pinch grip, making it the safest option for creating stability on a stairway or ramp.
Recessed Designs
A more modern take on a handrail, recessed designs are set into the wall, creating more space on the stairway. This stylized design requires some extra time and planning to incorporate.
Materials
There are a variety of materials available for architectural handrails, each with their own benefits and drawbacks.
Wood
The most traditional of handrail materials, wood handrails match many design styles. They are available in a variety of profiles from round to “bread loaf” pinch grips, and lean towards a traditional aesthetic.
However, they are often softer, lower in cost, and lower species quality. Not to mention, they have the tendency to warp over time and must be stained or painted, leading to maintenance over the years.
Aluminum
Aluminum handrails are modern, chic, and extremely durable. Satin-anodized aluminum in particular is easily repaired in the event of scuffs or abrasions, doesn’t chip or flake, and its superior strength means that it won’t warp.
Wood-Wrapped Aluminum
Aluminum offers numerous functional advantages but may not suit every design aesthetic. By bonding a thin layer of real wood to aluminum—a process known as “profile wrapping”— the traditional look of wood is achieved while retaining all the benefits of aluminum, such as resistance to denting, scratching, and warping, regardless of the railing’s length.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel handrails fit best with a modern design as they don’t have different finish options. They are incredibly strong as well as rust-proof.
Wrought Iron
Typically featured in traditional designs, wrought iron handrails have a slim profile due to their weight. The black finish is currently very popular, but the tendency to rust and the slim profile means extra maintenance and decreased safety.
The Best Handrails for Architects
The ideal architectural handrail seamlessly blends style with safety, is crafted from sustainable materials, offers easy installation, and ensures long-term reliability. Promenaid handrails meet and exceed all of those requirements.
Our aluminum handrail system combines elegance, versatility, easy installation, and code compliance for every type of construction. Whether you’re designing a residential or commercial building, our handrails will meet your needs with ease.
If you’re interested in learning more about our products—and how Promenaid can help you with your architectural needs—view our full product specifications.
