Author: Support

Choosing the perfect handrail for your home or business means sifting through lots of options. From various profiles to the choice of components, it’s essential to select materials that will allow your handrail to stand the test of time, maintaining its function and beauty. Handrails come in a variety of materials, including aluminum, wrought iron and wood. Wood is a commonly used material but presents many issues not found in alternative handrail materials.

What if we told you that you could have the elegance and sophistication of a wood handrail without the pitfalls? This article will address the common short- and long-term issues with wood stair handrails before introducing you to an innovative, long-lasting and low-maintenance alternative.

1. Often Made of Cheap Materials

Traditional wood handrails are often made of softer woods like pine to cut down on cost. Unfortunately, this also cuts down on strength and durability. Cheaper wood materials are prone to denting and scratching, requiring additional effort and maintenance to keep them looking nice over time.

2. High Warping Probability

Wood is a hygroscopic material, meaning that it is altered by the amount of moisture in and around it. When it loses moisture, it shrinks. When it gains moisture, it swells. Therefore, even indoors, dry or humid air can affect wood handrails, causing them to swell, shrink and warp over time.

Once a handrail is warped, fixing it is very difficult, if not impossible. This tendency to warp means that the majority of wood handrails are not suited for use as exterior wood handrails, though pressure-treated handrails can be used as deck railings.

3. Have to Cut/Miter

A continuous handrail is necessary for safety and stability and to comply with ADA standards and commercial and residential building codes. Special joints are needed to make a wood handrail continuous. You may also need to cut 45-degree angles and match the cuts to turn a 90-degree corner.

4. Reliable, Elegant Hardwoods are Expensive

If you choose to use wood for a handrail, there are more reliable options, such as maple or oak. These hardwoods are more expensive than the softer woods, though they are more durable. Another factor to consider when choosing hardwood is the look they create, which is desirable for a particular design aesthetic – namely, traditional.

Hardwoods generally don’t provide much in the way of structural improvements over softwoods. In addition, because they are primarily found in a pinch grip profile, they usually lack adequate handhold requirements and do not meet ADA guidelines or building codes.

5. Have to Drill in Brackets

One of the most pressing concerns for wood handrails is the installation process. Brackets and hardware must be attached directly to the wood handrail, presenting several challenges. First, the screws themselves have to be reasonably short, so they don’t puncture the top of the handrail. Because the screws are short, the brackets tend to loosen over time, creating a handrail that doesn’t provide a safe and secure handhold for people using the stairs or ramp.

Another challenge for installation arises when measuring for bracket placement. Because the brackets are screwed into the handrail, measuring the studs’ locations and lining up the brackets on the handrail must be precise. If you mismeasure, the brackets must be removed and repositioned, leaving holes in the handrail. These holes are not only unattractive but can cause splinters and damage the integrity of the wood handrail.

6. Requires Sanding, Sealing, and Staining

Many wood handrail options come unfinished. While this means that you can customize the stain to match existing woodwork or current design, it requires substantial work. To stain a wood handrail, you should first sand it to ensure there are no blemishes, which creates dust and mess. After sanding, staining requires a well-ventilated area and the possibility of multiple coats. Finally, the wood handrail should be sealed to help it maintain its appearance over time.

Even after all that work, a solid wood handrail runs the risk of warping, scratching or denting, leading to repairs or replacement down the road. Overall, this translates to more time and money spent.

Why Promenaid TrueWood™ Is Better Than Traditional Wood

Luckily, there is a better alternative to wood handrails. Promenaid offers an innovative solution that uses the aesthetic of wood handrails without the maintenance, mess and upkeep of traditional wood handrails. Promenaid’s TrueWood™ handrails are far superior to traditional wood handrails in several ways. TrueWood™ handrails are created by manufacturing a thin layer of genuine red oak or black walnut wood that is then bonded to Promenaid’s aluminum handrail. This process creates a handrail that will never warp and is as hard and durable as aluminum with the traditional beauty of real wood.

Unlike traditional wood handrails, a TrueWood™ handrail has all the benefits of aluminum. These benefits include a greatly reduced risk of denting, cracking or warping while maintaining the beauty of wood. In addition, this genuine wood handrail uses 50 times less than the amount of wood that a traditional wood handrail uses, making it a more sustainable option. In fact, our alternative wood handrails are manufactured in North America using sustainable materials.

Another benefit of our TrueWood™ handrails is that installation is fast and easy as a result of our patented channel grip. This innovative channel allows for adjustable bends, clip-in brackets and lighting upgrades for your wood stair handrails. In addition, the channel means that measuring for bracket placement becomes substantially easier than if the brackets need to be screwed directly into the railing. If you mismeasure the bracket placement, you simply turn the twist-lock bracket 90 degrees and slide it to line up perfectly with the stud every time.

Promenaid’s TrueWood™ handrails can also be custom cut to whatever length you need, to the inch, in contrast to traditional wood handrails that come in pre-cut sections that must be cut to length. However, if you need to cut a TrueWood™ handrail on-site for installation, it can be cut with a standard miter saw as easily as cutting a 2-by-4 wood stud.

Like our Endura™ anodized aluminum handrails, our TrueWood™ handrails are ADA-compliant and meet the most stringent residential and commercial building code requirements.

We’ve created a series of educational training videos for your convenience to help you better understand the simplicity of Promenaid handrail installation. Additionally, we have a collection of documents and guides to help streamline the installation process. Finally, if you’re ever stuck, feel free to reach out to one of our experts for troubleshooting assistance.

Choosing our better, more durable alternative to traditional wood means cutting down on installation time and maintenance over the life of the handrails. With TrueWood™, you’ll no longer need to worry about warping, whether you install our handrails inside or outside. Beautiful and durable TrueWood™ handrails will meet your needs and look incredible doing it.

With several convenient purchase options, including kits and individual components, you’ll be on your way to the handrails of your dreams in no time. You can also use our search tool to locate a dealer near you. In some circumstances, our handrails can go from our warehouse to your job site in as little as 24 hours. Most orders placed before noon EST will be processed within 24-48 hours, and all shipments will be en route to you within two days of purchase.

Contact a team member at Promenaid today for more information on the best wood handrail solution for your space.

ADA-compliant handrails for ramps must meet specific criteria to ensure the safety of those using the ramps. While ramp use is intended for those using wheelchairs or people with stability or mobility issues that would prevent them from using the stairs, ramps are commonly used by everyone, including children. Therefore, meeting ADA requirements not only makes ramp usage safer for the intended users, but everyone can benefit from the added safety.

Promenaid handrails and grab bars are designed with ADA code compliance in mind. Our ADA-conforming handrails make it simple for you to navigate the installation process and comply with the necessary regulations to make your ramps as safe as possible for all users.

There are many misconceptions about what makes an ADA-compliant ramp handrail. For example, are ADA-compliant handrails required to have a “D” loop terminal, or is it sufficient for the handrail to extend beyond the ramp in any shape? While it’s still essential to verify your local building ordinances, you can be sure to find the appropriate handrail fixtures at Promenaid, no matter what you’re looking for. And, with our extensive collection of instructions and how-to guides, you’ll have the confidence and know-how to install a ramp handrail that not only meets ADA regulations but looks elegant and sleek as well. Read on for a brief rundown of what ADA-compliant handrails should look like and how you can achieve these standards with a handrail from Promenaid.

ADA Ramp Handrail Requirements

Railings on Both Sides

An ADA ramp handrail must meet specific requirements for safety and stability. For example, on a ramp with a rise greater than 6 inches, a continuous handrail must be included on both sides of the ramp and run along the entire length, including on switchbacks or doglegs.

In addition, the top surface of the handrail must be 34-38 inches above the walking surface of the ramp and must be a consistent height along the entire length of the ramp. Alternatively, if the ramp is used in an area that primarily serves children, such as an elementary school, day care or play area, the ADA ramp handrail should be 20-28 inches above the ramp. The handrail must then extend 12 inches horizontally beyond the slope’s end at both the ramp’s top and bottom. This extension must then return to the guard, wall or floor to prevent clothing or bags from snagging on the ends of the handrails.

Single-Sided Rail

ADA ramps that have a rise of 6 inches or less may have a handrail on one side only. The top surface of the ramp handrail must be 34-38 inches above the ramp and continuous along the entire length of the ramp. If the rise is greater than 6 inches, then an ADA-compliant handrail is required on both sides.

Midrail

Including a midrail is not part of meeting ADA compliance, but it is crucial if the ramp is in an area that primarily serves children. To prevent entrapment, the midrail must be at least 9 inches below the single, primary rail. The midrail on an ADA ramp handrail should be 20-28 inches above the ramp and run parallel with the single rail above it to provide extra support for children.

Edge Protection

Continuous edge protection to prevent canes or wheels from going over the edge of the ramp is mandatory for all ramps requiring handrails. Edge protection can take the form of a curb, as shown above, or a barrier. The space between the ramp surface and barrier must be less than 4 inches.

Slope Change

Ramps are required to have 12 inches of horizontal railing at the top and the bottom of the ramp. To do this, the handrail requires a slope change to transition to horizontal. This extension doesn’t need to travel in the same direction as the handrail and can turn corners if necessary, as long as it provides added support when transitioning on and off the ramp’s surface.

Meet ADA Requirements with Ease

Promenaid makes installing handicap ramp handrails simple with our elegant wall returns, patented “L” brackets and adjustable elbows. Our ramp handrails can be purchased as part of a kit or assembled piecemeal to fit your ramp’s unique specifications. To see our handrails in action, find a dealer near you.

Meeting code requirements with Promenaid is easy. No matter what handrail you choose, you can rest assured that it will meet ADA requirements as well as those set out by the commercial and residential building codes. Our company was founded to increase mobility with attractive handrail solutions. Our ramp handrails are proudly manufactured in North America using sustainable materials and can go from our warehouse to your job site in as little as 24 hours.

Contact a representative at Promenaid today for more information on ramp handrail solutions.

Measuring your space for a stair railing is a reasonably simple task, yet it still requires precision for your finished handrail to provide reliable support and optimal fall prevention. Knowledge of a few basic building code requirements and understanding what to measure will remove much of the stress that generally accompanies building or renovation projects. In this article, we’ll discuss the required measurements for residential and basic ADA-compliant handrails on stairs.

Elements to Measure

Regardless of the building type, proper handrail installation requires you to understand how to measure for length and height of the handrail. In addition, when installing a handrail that conforms to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, measuring the stair slope angle is also required.

Measuring Handrail Length

The length of the handrail’s sloped section is measured on a line running along the nosings of all steps. This line starts at the nosing of the top landing and runs to the floor at the lower end. This line is called the “nosing line.” ADA-compliant stair handrails, which are mandatory in commercial settings, must run the entire length of the nosing line. In addition, these regulations require a 12-inch horizontal section of railing at the top of the stairs, starting at a point directly above the upper nosing.

In residential settings, handrails must conform to some but not all elements of the ADA guidelines. In these settings, the railing must be continuous, starting at the nosing of the upper landing and extending at a minimum to the nosing of the lowest step or “riser.” In addition, for optimal safety, the handrail should run the entire length of the nosing line wherever possible.

Promenaid continuous handrails are designed to be ADA-compliant, making it safer and simpler to go where you need to go.

Measuring Handrail Height

The top surface of the handrail should be between 34 and 38 inches above the floor or above the nosing line. Some installation guides suggest marking this height by measuring from the nosings of the steps. Because brackets should be fastened to studs or an equivalent solid structural member in the wall, it’s helpful to know where the nosing line is, since the studs are unlikely to line up precisely with the steps.

Note: In areas where children will be the primary handrail users, the maximum handrail height is 28 inches. If there is an adult handrail present, there should be a minimum of 9 inches of clearance between the two handrails.

Measuring for Stair Slope

Determining the stair slope is required to create the correct transition angle between the horizontal and sloped sections of an ADA-compliant handrail. If the slope is between 30 and 34 degrees, you should be able to use a standard 32-degree bend. If not, you may require a custom combination of bends or a Promenaid Universal Bend.

In order to calculate the slope of your stairs, measure the rise of the steps and the tread run. Then, you can simply use the table below to find the slope – also called stair pitch or angle of inclination – in degrees. Note that the angles where a standard 32-degree bend can be used are shown in grey.

A smartphone app can also be used to measure the stair slope. Position the long edge of your smartphone along the nosing line, or if a molding runs parallel to the stair slope, you can measure its angle instead. For ADA regulations for ramp handrails, check out this handy guide to ramp handrails.

How to Install a Handrail

Once you’ve measured your space, you’re ready to learn how to install a handrail. Promenaid handrails are uniquely simple to install. Our handrails and grab bars are highly versatile and can be adapted to fit almost any space. Available in a variety of colors, our Endura™ anodized aluminum handrails are scratch and chip resistant, ensuring that your railings look their best for years to come.

For a traditional railing look, check out our TrueWood™ handrails. These classic handrails are made with a sturdy aluminum core wrapped in real wood. Requiring 50 times less hardwood to manufacture than traditional wood railings, our TrueWood™ handrails are highly durable and deliver the same level of strength as our aluminum-finished railings.

We offer a selection of how-to videos for every aspect of installing our innovative railings. Our documents page and blog are also excellent resources during the handrail installation process. If you run into an issue that isn’t covered by these resources, our team of experts is always available to answer questions and assist you.

Still unsure about how to measure for your project? Contact us at Promenaid and talk to an expert. We’ll help you design the perfect handrail for your home, business or your customer-beautiful, code-compliant, easy to install and delivered in as little as 24 hours. Our handrails can also be purchased through local dealers. (Find a dealer near you with our convenient search tool.) Whether you’re shopping for a kit or a handrail component, Promenaid is here for all of your handrail installation needs.

Stay tuned to this space for more handrail-measuring content!

A church’s congregation is usually made up of a variety of people. As the leader of your congregation, you undoubtedly work hard to serve the needs of everyone. When it comes to the safety of your flock both in and outside the church, there’s a simple solution: Promenaid offers a way to provide safe assistance for each member, from the youngest to the oldest.

Installing handrails in various high-need areas in and around the church can ensure that the congregation travels to worship safely with the support they need, regardless of age or ability.

Walking Assistance and Churches

Installing handrails in certain areas inside and outside of the church building provides walking assistance to and from the building. Helping ensure that your congregation members can attend services safely is just one more way to serve them. When you install an ADA-compliant handrail from Promenaid, you can be confident you’re getting a high-quality product that will last.

Our handrails are proudly manufactured in North America and are available in a variety of finishes to suit your church’s aesthetic needs.

Church Handrail Location Needs

Church handrails can be installed in a variety of areas inside and outside of the church, including:

Ramps

Indoors

Ramps leading to a stage or into the sanctuary are necessary architectural elements that help those with mobility issues navigate your church safely. Handrails installed on indoor ramps provide safety while complying with ADA requirements and building codes, making your place of worship accessible to all.

Outdoors

Exterior ramps, in addition to stairs, make the church accessible to everyone regardless of their age or ability level. However, outdoor ramps may present added challenges in wet or slippery conditions. A reliable handrail can help to mitigate these conditions and provide added safety to your congregants.

Stairs

Indoors

Depending on the church’s layout, stairs may be needed to access the altar, choir area, raised seating, basement, etc. When stairs are present indoors, installing a handrail on interior stairways is essential for the congregation’s safety.

Outdoors

Weather conditions significantly impact the ability of some people to make it to church. Incorporating handrails in outdoor areas can help more people feel comfortable attending church services. With sturdy outdoor handrails in place, wet or icy conditions can be traversed with increased comfort and ease.

Stages

Handrails can be installed in a stage area to help performers navigate around the area. Church stage handrails can improve safety for performers and guest speakers at your congregation.

Balconies

Balconies are equipped with a guard that prevents people from falling over the edge. Whether this guard is a wall or railing, it may be too low to provide adequate safety in some cases. Installing a handrail as a secondary safeguard helps ensure the safety of those on the balcony, whether they are watching the service or singing in the choir.

Wall-mounted and Free-standing

Depending on the location, a church handrail can be mounted to an existing wall to provide support. In other cases, the handrail may need to be free-standing to create necessary support. Promenaid offers modular handrail kits and pieces designed to be as versatile as possible. As a result, our handrails can be installed anywhere and in any configuration.

Features of the Best Handrails

Promenaid delivers everything you need in a church handrail. If you want an all-in-one solution that’s easy to install, look no further than our beautiful DIY railing and bracketing products. From flush wall returns to integrated LED lighting, our handrails and grab bars are made to be simple to install. Thanks to our collection of how-to videos, you can feel confident installing a Promenaid handrail in any space.

Sturdy

A church handrail will see a lot of use over its lifetime. Between church services every Sunday, Bible studies, Sunday school and various church programs, many people come in and out of the church throughout the week. As a result, the handrail you select needs to be sturdy and able to stand up to a lot of wear.

Promenaid aluminum handrails feature our Endura™ anodized finish, which is scratch and weather resistant. This finish creates a smooth satin luster that will never flake or chip, ensuring a beautiful finish for years to come. Our anodized aluminum handrails come in satin black, silver, champagne silver and architectural bronze finishes. This variety of colors can help your handrails and grab bars blend with any interior decorating scheme, whether you hope to conjure the look of a brass handrail for church or something sleek and modern.

Promenaid’s unique TrueWood™ handrails are manufactured by bonding a thin layer of genuine wood around the patented Promenaid aluminum core. Since the aluminum reinforces the wood, it is essentially dent and scratch resistant. In addition, this innovative technology creates a wood handrail that uses 50 times less hardwood to produce and will never warp, unlike solid wooden handrails.

Our support brackets and hardware are manufactured from die-cast zinc and will withstand up to 500 pounds of force in any direction, ensuring added safety for everyone in the congregation.

ADA Compliant

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessibility has specifications to ensure handrails are safe regardless of a person’s mobility. Promenaid has explicitly designed our handrails to exceed ADA requirements, making them safe for everyone.

Visually Striking

Available in five beautiful aluminum finishes and two TrueWood™ options, we offer visually striking handrails that integrate seamlessly into any design. Many churches choose a finish that integrates into their existing design, but choosing a contrasting color can create a beautiful design statement as well. Whichever finish you choose, a Promenaid handrail will be beneficial for those older congregation members as they look for support.

Versatile

Each church is unique, and many have been standing for a long time, so integrating handrails into a church’s architecture can present challenges. From updating an older building to designing a new one, handrails need to be versatile in order to meet design needs, space constraints and aesthetic preferences while also providing safety.

Depending on the situation, a church handrail may need to be wall-mounted or free-standing. Promenaid provides options for both. Wall-mounted handrails use an adjacent wall for support and can be mounted directly to the studs. Our patented articulating elbows make it easy to change the slope or turn any corner.

Free-standing handrails can be installed anywhere a handrail is needed, regardless of whether or not there is an adjacent wall for support. The Promenaid Sprocketlock™ system lets you customize free-standing handrails to meet all of your design needs.

Illuminated

One of our more unique features is our handrail illumination system. Using our proprietary LED lighting that locks into the patented channel, you can easily add custom lighting to your church handrails. Illuminating handrails is a visually attractive and practical way to increase safety and accessibility wherever handrails are needed.

Easy and Quick Installation

One of the best things about Promenaid handrails is that they can be delivered in no time – even as fast as overnight – and are quick and easy to install. Our handrails can go from our warehouse to your job site in as little as 24 hours, and most orders placed before noon EST will be processed within 24-48 hours.

Promenaid brackets easily lock into our patented handrail channel and attach to the stud to create a sturdy and stylish handrail. Our products are so easy to install that your church handrails can even be installed as a DIY job for members of the congregation. Don’t forget to check our selection of documents and guides to learn more about our handrails and identify the best Promenaid products for your space and project.

Make the Smart Choice for Your Church

Whether you’re looking for added safety on a ramp, stairway, stage or balcony, look no further than Promenaid’s stylish aluminum handrails. Contact Promenaid today to discuss your needs and to help design your custom handrail system.

Handrails are essential to creating stairways, hallways, and even bathrooms that put safety first. And the great news is that there are beautiful and versatile interior handrail systems that mean you won’t have to compromise design and style to create a safe environment.

Update and add safety to older or decorative designs

Older buildings have a style and charm all their own, but many old designs don’t create the safest conditions. Ornate and out-of-date stair railings many times don’t meet current building standards or ADA regulations. Pairing the original stair railings with modern interior metal handrails can be a quick and simple upgrade that benefits those travelling up and down the stairs.

Using an interior metal handrail with a more traditional wooden stair rail creates an additional element of safety without compromising the traditional design. The addition of a more contemporary metal handrail in a Satin Black finish creates options for climbing or descending the stairs depending on support needs.

Turn corners with ease

Integrating a handrail into an existing design sometimes calls for creating a turn around a wall. A Promenaid handrail can smoothly turn a corner with ease by using a patented articulating bend that can to smoothly accommodate any corner or change in slope. 

Creating depth with a two tone handrail adds a stylish element to the handrail design. Brass and Bronze is a classic combination that can complement modern or contemporary decor, so pairing an Architectural Bronze handrail with Antique Brass bends works beautifully.

Use colors to add style

Choosing a Satin Black interior handrail that matches a bold wall color choice serves to enhance the design of the stairway. Adding stairway lights further increases the level of safety while also adding an elegant ambiance.

A Promenaid TruWoodTM handrail is paired with Silver bends and wall returns to create a continuous look that also blends finishes. The genuine Oak bonded to the durable aluminum core creates a pleasing contrast to the shine of the hardware and bends.

Add stylish safety to bathrooms

Bathrooms are notoriously slippery environments that can be hazardous to those with balance issues and even those without issues. Integrating a handrail into a bathroom design can create safety measures without compromising the bathroom design. A stunning Satin Black creates a contemporary feel without looking commercial or clinical.

Adding a handrail to the interior of a shower provides needed support while navigating a shower. Choosing a black finish complements the black bathroom fixtures, creating continuity while adding safety. Perfect for wet conditions, Promenaid handrails are the perfect combination of style and function.

Create a continuous handrail on a landing

When creating a continuous handrail from the bottom to the top of a stairway, it may be necessary to change direction and slope to travel around a landing area. This handrail uses the Promenaid’s patented articulating bends create a seamless and continuous railing that provides uninterrupted support.

This handrail climbs the stairs, turning seamlessly on the landing, creating a stunning way to support those climbing or descending the stairs.

Utilize both sides of the stairway

On a steep, narrow stairway, handrail support is essential to safely navigating up and down the stairs. Including a handrail on both sides of the stairway ensures anyone with a condition that impairs mobility or balance or weakens one side will always be able to have a firm grip on one or both handrails whether climbing or descending the stairs.

These contemporary steps are much easier to climb thanks to the handrails incorporated on each side. The Champagne Silver finish not only creates a durable handrail that won’t chip or flake, but it integrates into the minimal contemporary style of the home.

“A true handrail is designed with fall prevention in mind, complies with the ADA guidelines, and makes stairways, walkways, hallways, and bathrooms safer, not only for those with mobility issues but for people of all ages and abilities.” ~ Chuck Waltman, Houston Home Remodeling Pros

No matter the need, Promenaid’s interior handrail systems can be customized to provide safety and style that integrates beautifully into modern, traditional, and contemporary decor.

Why are Handrails Important?

Each year,1 million Americans are injured as a result of slips, trips, and falls on stairways, according to a study conducted by the American Journal of Emergency Medicine. Handrails provide support and stability while climbing up or down a flight of stairs, walking down a hallway or walkway, or maneuvering in a bathroom. They add a third point of contact, which is essential for older populations and extremely beneficial for the younger population as well.

When used properly handrails can decrease the rate of falls, leading to safer environments. They provide a universal design element that benefits all populations. Ideally, handrails should have a “‘power grip’, which allows the entire hand to grab the rail rather than just the fingers, more severe injuries during a fall.” While most injuries treated in the emergency room and analyzed in this study were minor and included sprains and strains, some people sustained fractures or concussions as a result of their fall, making the inclusion of handrails extremely important in preventing both minor and serious injuries.

What is a Handrail?

A handrail is an extended rail, fixed to posts or walls, that creates support and stability while traveling on a walkway, climbing up or down a stairway, walking in a hallway, or moving in a bathroom.

Handrail vs. Guardrail

In many cases the terms ‘handrail’ and ‘railing’ have come to be used interchangeably. In reality, however, they are very different and it is important to distinguish between the two.

A guardrail, often referred to as a railing, is used to prevent people from falling off of a stairway rather than falling down one. A guardrail can also act as a barrier for a porch, deck or balcony, preventing people from falling off of the edge.

Oftentimes, guardrails on stairs also act as makeshift handrails and incorporate an indentation for a pinch grip where the fingers are doing most of the work. This grip is less stable than a power grip and doesn’t provide the level of safety and fall prevention that a true handrail does. ‘Old-style’ handrails with pinch-grips also don’t meet ADA regulations.

A true handrail is designed with fall prevention in mind, complies with the ADA guidelines, and makes stairways, walkways, hallways, and bathrooms safer, not only for those with mobility issues but for people of all ages and abilities.

Grips

Pinch Grips

A pinch grip occurs when the force of the grip comes from pinching the fingers and thumbs towards each other. A pinch grip only allows for 25% of the maximum grip strength and is ideal for precision maneuvers such as picking up small objects, using a pencil, or eating a sandwich.

Many decorative wooden railings incorporate a pinch grip, which is effective for guidance up and down the stairs, ramp, or walkway, but does not allow for enough grip strength to prevent a fall. Imagine trying to use a hammer if the handle were shaped like a decorative stair railing! These types of handrails don’t meet ADA regulations.

Power Grips

A power grip is 5 times stronger than a pinch grip and allows for maximum grip strength as the fingers flex towards the palm. Proper handrail design includes a power grip.

A cylindrical handrail with a diameter between 1-¼” and 2” provides the maximum grip strength, reducing and preventing falls on stairways and ramps. In addition, a power grip allows those with mobility impairment to use their arm and upper body strength to assist their lower body when climbing or descending.

Functional Handrail vs Decorative Handrail

Diameter

A functional handrail, one that is compliant with ADA regulations, should ideally be circular with a diameter between 1-¼” and 2”. If the profile is non-circular, the maximum cross-section dimension allowed is 2-¼” and the perimeter measurement must be between 4” and 6-¼”.

Decorative or non-functional handrails, which do not comply with the ADA guidelines, are permitted only in private residences. If they have a perimeter greater than 6-¼” they must include a graspable finger recess on both sides, and the minimum width of the handrail above the recess must be between 1-½” and 2-¾”.

Bracket Design

Handrail brackets are available in a wide variety of styles. To comply with regulations, which requires that a hand must be able to pass unobstructed over the entire length of the handrail, they must ensure that the distance between the adjacent wall and the gripping surface of the handrail is a minimum of 1-½” (38mm).

Brackets that are “L” shaped are the most effective in creating a handrail free from obstruction. They allow for the passage of the fingers as people grip the handrail to guide themselves up and down stairways, hallways, and ramps. An ADA-compliant handrail should have L-shaped brackets, where the horizontal portion that attaches to the wall is at least 1-½” (38mm) below the handrail profile.

What are the Handrail Requirements?

Commercial vs Residential

‘Commercial’ is shorthand for commercial, industrial, institutional, publicly-accessible, or public areas of multi-unit residential structures. Most locations fall into one of these categories.

‘Residential’ refers to one and two-family dwellings, and the private spaces of multi-unit residential structures only.

Common areas of residential buildings with three or more units, or with more than three stories, must conform to the same regulations as commercial locations.

Building Code vs ADA Standards

Building codes come into play during construction or renovation, and also when an insurance or home evaluation inspection is performed. They are adopted and enforced at the state and local level. With some local variations, all jurisdictions follow the International Building Code published by the International Code Council.

ADA regulations apply to all public and commercial locations, and are enforced country-wide by the Justice Department. ADA regulations are applied to existing structures regardless of whether they must comply with the current building code.

Building codes are concerned primarily with safety, whereas the ADA Standards are focused on accessibility. Because handrails are important for both, there is a substantial amount of overlap. Commercial building codes contain virtually all of the ADA handrail standards as well as additional requirements for strength and utility. Residential building codes, while not quite as stringent, contain many of the ADA standards as well.

Handrail Regulations

	Commercial and ADA locations	Residential locations
Handrails must be installed on at least one side of every stairway with two or more steps, and every ramp with a slope greater than 1:20	X	X
Handrails must be installed on both sides of stairways and ramps and, with the exception of ‘monumental’ steps, no part of a stairway or ramp may be more than 30” from a handrail.	X
The top surface of handrails must be 36”, plus or minus 2”, above the surface of the ramp or the stairs, measured from the stair nosings.	X	X
Handrails must be uninterrupted for the full length of the ramp or continuous runs of stairs. A stairway that includes “winders”, or pie-shaped steps, is considered a continuous stairway, therefore the handrail must turn with the stairs.	X	X
The space between the handrail and adjacent surface (such as a wall), must be at least 1 ½”.	X	X
The ends or extensions of handrails must return to a wall, guard, or landing surface.	X	X
Ramps: handrails must extend horizontally for 12” minimum beyond the top and bottom of the ramp runs.	X
Stairs: Handrails must extend horizontally above the landing for 12” minimum, beginning directly above top riser nosing. Handrails must extend, at the same angle as the stairs, beyond the nosing of the bottom step by one tread depth.	X

Residential Stairway with Landing

Handrails on the outer perimeter of a landing are not technically required by code but are considered part of “best practices” for stairway safety and falls-prevention.

“Winders”. Pie-shaped steps. Always considered continuous.

ADA ramps with a rise of 6” and on walking surfaces with running slopes greater than 1:20 also require handrails to comply with ADA regulations. If they are provided on walking surfaces with running slopes less than 1:20, they are required to adhere to ADA standards.

How to Choose a Handrail Material

The ideal handrail material depends on the application, location, and aesthetic of the desired handrail.

For commercial applications where handrails will receive a lot of use, choosing a material that is highly durable, unlikely to rust, and easily cleaned is ideal. In residential applications, especially private homes, handrails won’t receive as much use, so a less durable material may be acceptable, especially if taking design into account.

If the handrail is to be located outdoors, durability is essential to getting the most out of a handrail. Choosing a material that can stand up to sun, wind, rain, and snow will ensure that the handrail will last and continue to look great.

Materials

Wood

Wood is a strong and durable material for a handrail. It also has a timeless look and can be integrated into a variety of design styles. It does, however, require maintenance over time as it wears and possibly splits or splinters. Many products require sanding and coating before use, and frequent refinishing is required if wood handrails are used outdoors or in wet environments.

A wood handrail also has a difficult time complying with continuous handrail requirements if the stairway includes non-standard angles, winding stairs, or a joggle that would require a bend. Longer length handrails are prone to warping and wall returns are difficult to accomplish with this material.

Often, wood is used for a decorative handrail, the profile of which has a pinch grip rather than a power grip, making a decorative wood handrail less safe than one with the r round power grip profile.

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron handrails add aesthetic appeal while also adding the safety of a handrail. The material is flexible which makes it forgiving in the event that the stairway heaves or flexes. Unfortunately, wrought iron is susceptible to rust, a susceptibility exacerbated by the rough finish that allows rust to form in the small pits on the surface. For an ADA compliant handrail, wrought iron is not ideal as its profile is too small to create an optimal handrail grip. Because of the weight of the material, an ADA compliant profile would be too heavy.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is long-lasting, durable and easy to clean. As a handrail material, however, it comes with a high price tag, especially if non-standard angles are required. Aesthetically, it creates a modern industrial appearance that, while very attractive, doesn’t compliment all decor styles.

Aluminum

Aluminum handrails aren’t susceptible to rust or corrosion, making them a durable, long-lasting choice. The material works well in commercial applications where they will receive a substantial amount of use as they stand up well to high traffic over time. Depending on the design aesthetic and finish, aluminum can also be integrated into a residential design. Another benefit is that it is easily cleaned and disinfected with a simple wipe down.

Choose a Sturdy, Attractive Handrail

Whether used for a residential or commercial application, on a staircase or in a hallway, in a retirement home or elementary school, handrails create support and stability for anyone traveling from one place to another.

They are an integral part of helping a loved one age in place, provide support on a slippery walkway, and create a safe way to climb stairs, yet we may not realize how much handrails affect us in our daily lives. That’s the beauty of great design; it becomes part of the decor yet we use it without even realizing how much we depend on it.

Installing a handrail on a staircase, in a hallway or bathroom, or on a ramp provides the support necessary to navigate slippery conditions and slopes while looking beautiful and allowing us to move safely throughout the day.

Found on top lists like the Building Design + Construction Annual Giants 400 report and Architect Magazine | Architect 50, these top 18 multi-family building architect firms have established themselves as high performers in the architecture space. 

Experienced, innovative, and creative, these firms have stood the test of time and continue to create beautiful spaces.

The Top 18 Multi-Family Building Architect Firms

1. Humphrey’s & Partners Architects

Based in Dallas, Texas, Humphrey’s & Partners Architects have regional offices all around the world. For 27 years, they have consistently strived for innovation and ingenuity in their designs. Specializing in multifamily projects, they have extensive experience in high-rise, mid-rise, student, senior, tax credit, affordable, moderate, and luxury communities.

2. Perkins Eastman

Perkins Eastman, spread across 19 global studios, believes in collaboration and leaving a positive impact on the world through design. Creating dynamic spaces and practical holistic environments, they are mindful of environmental, technological, economic, and social shifts.

3. Stantec

Designing with community in mind, Stantec cares about the communities they serve. They bring together diverse perspectives that allow them to assess what’s needed, connect their expertise, appreciate nuances, and envision innovative solutions.

4. Archimania 

Archimania has put together a team that is linked by a passion for architecture and a commitment to improving the built environment. Their impressive portfolio of multi-family homes demonstrates their commitment for progressive and innovative building solutions.

5. Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB)

Founded in 1931, Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB) has designed buildings that are a result of their industry-leading standards and progressive creative vision. Always striving for a higher standard, SCB envisions multi-family residential buildings that are designed for a changing world.

6. KTGY Architecture + Planning

In the 29 years since KTGY Architecture + Planning’s founding, they have built over 200,000 multi-family units. Combining big picture opportunities, modern sustainable practices, and impeccable design standards makes KTGY a leader in their field.

7. Handel Architects

Handel Architects is committed to make cities better places to live, designing multi-family buildings that serve as catalysts for positive urban and social change. Their multi-family projects span all income ranges, so they are accessible to a wide range of clients.

8. Hord Coplan Macht

Creating functional yet inspiring spaces guided by the belief that all successful projects start by listening to the needs and desires of their clients is at the core of Hord Coplan Macht.

9. CallisonRTKL

With over 70 years of experience, CallisonRTKL is a global architecture, planning, and design practice that has evolved into a cultural agency. Advancing positive outcomes in the community, this firm uses a human-centric design approach to address the built environment.

10. Niles Bolton Associates

Niles Bolton Associates listen, analyze, and engage each client throughout the design process to ensure a truly collaborative experience that builds trusting relationships and beautiful buildings.

11. SLCE Architects

Whether you’re designing a traditional building or one that pushes the boundaries of modernism, SLCE Architects focuses on the art of design, the craft of building, and negotiating challenges that can be unique to each specific project.

12. Brooks + Scarpa

This collective of architects, designers, and creative thinkers are dedicated to enhancing the human experience through their multi-disciplinary practice. They’ve been awarded the State of California and National American institute of Architecture Firm Award for more than two decades of exemplary work that blends architecture, art, and craft.

13. HKS

HKS has a focus on design research, and brings together architects, interior designers, researchers, urban designers, nurses, anthropologists, graphic designers, and more to create smarter solutions as they strive to build a more resilient future.

14. BKV Group

BKV Group creates intelligent residential design for building healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives. Their multi-family projects are wide ranging, encompassing mixed-income developments, tight, urban in-fill sites with a focus on the pedestrian experience, and mixed-use buildings that make a statement with dynamic patterns, colors, and materials.

15. WDG Architecture

A leader in sustainability and green building practices, WDG Architecture has produced over 500 major buildings, including multi-family residential and mixed-use projects. More than 80 years of experience means that they’ve mastered balancing the art and science of architecture.

16. GGLO

GGLO brings together subtle nuances of place with innovative expressions of form and art. Synthesizing culture, context, science, and function to elevate the whole, they put people at the center of every design through exploring narratives of the human experience.

17. HGA

A view to the future defines HGA’s work and designs. They know that “functional needs vary, but the human soul always seeks beauty.” With this in mind, they shape built environments in a way that will serve the needs and aspirations of people today, tomorrow, and into the future.

18. nArchitects

Brooklyn-based nARCHITECTS boasts buildings such as Carmel Place, with designated affordable housing, and Artisan Place, a mixed-use building with studio and two and three bedroom apartments along with shops and restaurants in the building’s base.

Promenaid Makes The Best Handrails for Multi-Family Buildings

Our handrails exceed code compliance standards and they can be installed anywhere you need them. With our Sprocketlock™ technology, you can create a continuous handrail that blends with even the most unique design, and our Channelgrip brackets make installation quick and easy, keeping your project on track. 

Promenaid’s ADA compliant handrails are uniquely suited for use in multi-family buildings. Whether in common spaces or residential units, our handrails can withstand years of wear and tear. A satin-anodized finish protects the aluminum handrail without worry of nicks, scrates, chips, or dents.

Reach out to us today to learn about how our handrails will elevate your design while supporting safety and code compliance.