Concrete is a popular building material that is used for building foundations, parking structures, entire buildings, floors, stairs, and ramps. But if you’re trying to make your place as safe and accessible as possible, it’s important to understand the best handrails for concrete steps and surfaces.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know to find the best handrails for concrete steps and surfaces. Let’s dive in!
Why Concrete Steps Require Special Handrails
Concrete steps and surfaces demand robust and carefully designed handrails due to their unique properties. Unlike wood or other softer materials, concrete presents challenges during installation that require specialized tools and methods. Beyond installation, you must put some extra focus on safety.
Modern outdoor handrails for concrete steps must be ADA-compliant to ensure they are accessible and secure for all users, particularly for individuals with mobility concerns. Selecting a high-quality handrail ensures not only safety but also durability, longevity, and aesthetic appeal – all of which is incredibly important in today’s fast-paced world.
Challenges of Installing Handrails on Concrete
Concrete is a widely used building material. However, installing metal handrails for concrete steps does present some challenges. Unlike wood, which only requires a drill and some screws in order to attach a handrail, concrete requires some extra work and specific tools. Here’s a look at some of the challenges you might face during installation.
Post Anchoring and Installation
Anchoring and installing handrail support posts on concrete steps and surfaces typically requires a hammer drill, masonry bit, and concrete anchors. However, with Promenaid’s innovative Tekpost®, you can eliminate the need for core drilling altogether. The Tekpost® installs with a single anchor bolt, offering a faster and easier installation process. For fresh concrete pours, the Tekpost® can also be sunk directly into the concrete. This flexibility simplifies installation, reduces labor, and ensures a secure fit whether you’re working with existing concrete or new construction.
Railing Length
The length of a railing depends on the length of the steps or other surfaces, such as the walkway or ramp. The length of a handrail must be continuous for the length of the walking surface, and ADA requirements call for a handrail extension at the top and bottom of the concrete steps. Choosing exterior handrails for concrete steps with continuous capabilities is the key to a beautiful and safe handrail.
Stability
What good is a handrail that isn’t stable? In order for a handrail to function as it should, it must be attached securely without rotating in its fittings or wobbling when people use it for support. Aluminum handrails for concrete steps, as well as all other handrails, must be able to withstand at least 200 lbs of force in any direction, according to ADA guidelines.
Key Features to Look for in Handrails for Concrete Steps
When selecting handrails for concrete steps, it’s important to prioritize features that ensure safety, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
Weather Resistance
Outdoor handrails for concrete steps need to be made of weather-resistant materials to stand up to the elements. Exposure to wind, rain, and snow can lead to rust and corrosion over time. Aluminum is an excellent choice because it’s resistant to rust, corrosion, scratches, chips, and flaking. Choosing aluminum exterior handrails for concrete steps ensures that they will last for many years and remain looking great.
Durability
Handrails for concrete steps should be designed to withstand frequent use and harsh environmental conditions. Durable materials like anodized aluminum or powder-coated finishes ensure longevity and reduce maintenance requirements. This quality allows you to get the most value out of your investment.
Aesthetics
A beautiful handrail can enhance the look of your concrete steps. So, you should opt for materials and finishes that complement your exterior design. Powder-coated finishes in various colors provide additional opportunities to customize the appearance.
Safety Enhancements
Safety is one of the most important factors when considering metal handrails for concrete steps. ADA-compliant handrails, which are easy to grip and stable under pressure, provide users with peace of mind and ultimate accessibility. Stability and proper installation further enhance their functionality.
The Solutions for Concrete Steps and Surfaces
The best handrails for concrete steps and surfaces are versatile, durable, weather-resistant, and beautiful. Promenaid aluminum railings, brackets, and fittings check all these boxes and more.
Promenaid Anodized Aluminum Railings
Promenaid’s anodized aluminum railings provide superior quality and durability in even the most challenging and harshest environments. Metal handrails for concrete steps are often outside, making the weather resistance of aluminum a huge advantage. They are aesthetically pleasing handrails that won’t chip, crack, or flake, and they come in a variety of satin-anodized finishes. This means that you’ll be able to focus on the safety and beauty of the handrails rather than stressing about replacements or repairs.
The ergonomic benefits of an ADA-compliant handrail are that they are easy to grip and create a safe way to travel from one place to another. The third point of contact offered by a Promenaid aluminum handrail for concrete steps adds stability and peace of mind.
Promenaid has engineered handrails to include articulating elbows that allow you to change direction, accommodate winding stairs, and turn corners with a simple twist. The elbows lock into place with one turn of a hex key as a result of our innovative Sprocketlock™ system. This is truly a handrail system you can trust!
Promenaid Powder-Coated Brackets and Fittings
Promenaid’s handrail kits include beautiful powder-coated brackets and fittings that make installation quick and easy. Our patented twist-lock brackets lock securely into place in the extruded aluminum channel.
The brackets and fittings can be installed on existing hardware or new posts, giving you all of the installation options you need to complete your project. The powder-coated finish can match the handrail, or you can choose a contrasting color for added interest and style. Our top mounting brackets can accommodate installation on concrete steps because they fit securely into posts or pipes.
LED Lights
For additional safety on outdoor handrails, you can install LED lights in the extruded channel of our aluminum handrails. The channel acts as a natural raceway to run wires through the handrail and install high-quality and weather-proof LED modules where you need them.
Promenaid Handrail Kits for Concrete Steps
Promenaid handrail kits provide a comprehensive solution for installing safe and stylish handrails on concrete steps. Each kit includes anodized aluminum railings, powder-coated brackets, and all necessary fittings for quick and secure installation. Whether you’re working with new or existing posts, the flexibility of Promenaid handrail kits makes them ideal for both DIYers and professionals alike!
Upgrade Your Steps With Promenaid
Promenaid handrails are versatile, functional, safe, and sophisticated. Our anodized aluminum handrails can be installed easily and will withstand even the harshest elements, leaving you to worry about other things besides the safety of your handrails.
Contact an expert at Promenaid today to upgrade your concrete steps.
