Hello everyone,
we are currently facing a challenge: we have both a half-turn and a quarter-turn staircase in the house, each of which needs a handrail. The handrail should have an LED strip at the bottom to illuminate the stair steps.
Now, of course, a half-turn staircase does not form a straight "line" along the wall, as the steps are stretched out in the curve. (I hope this makes sense.) Ideally, the handrail should be bent to maintain the 90 cm (35 inches) height at every step. However, I have often seen cases where a straight handrail is installed on three walls, and the height differences are barely noticeable when walking on the stairs. So my question is: what is the best way to measure the ideal position? I need to find some kind of compromise... is there a rule of thumb or best practice?
It should look like in the attached picture.
Thanks in advance!
PS: The quarter-turn staircase has the same issue, but due to the larger number of straight steps, it is easier to manage.
we are currently facing a challenge: we have both a half-turn and a quarter-turn staircase in the house, each of which needs a handrail. The handrail should have an LED strip at the bottom to illuminate the stair steps.
Now, of course, a half-turn staircase does not form a straight "line" along the wall, as the steps are stretched out in the curve. (I hope this makes sense.) Ideally, the handrail should be bent to maintain the 90 cm (35 inches) height at every step. However, I have often seen cases where a straight handrail is installed on three walls, and the height differences are barely noticeable when walking on the stairs. So my question is: what is the best way to measure the ideal position? I need to find some kind of compromise... is there a rule of thumb or best practice?
It should look like in the attached picture.
Thanks in advance!
PS: The quarter-turn staircase has the same issue, but due to the larger number of straight steps, it is easier to manage.
Hey,
this challenge is probably familiar to anyone working with curved staircases in older or existing buildings. A perfectly curved handrail is ideal, of course – but it is time-consuming and expensive, especially if you want to integrate an LED strip as well.
What has proven effective in practice is to set a continuous line at about 85–90 cm (33–35 inches) height, measured vertically above the front edges of the steps. In the curved areas, not every step will be hit precisely, but this is hardly noticeable when walking, as long as the line appears consistent.
When measuring, it can help to roughly mark the line on the wall with a string or a flexible hose. This way, you can immediately see if the height looks visually balanced or if there are any distracting deviations.
The important thing is that the handrail remains ergonomic – meaning no sudden changes in height or “waves.” The LED should preferably run continuously as well; otherwise, it can quickly look makeshift.
Best regards
this challenge is probably familiar to anyone working with curved staircases in older or existing buildings. A perfectly curved handrail is ideal, of course – but it is time-consuming and expensive, especially if you want to integrate an LED strip as well.
What has proven effective in practice is to set a continuous line at about 85–90 cm (33–35 inches) height, measured vertically above the front edges of the steps. In the curved areas, not every step will be hit precisely, but this is hardly noticeable when walking, as long as the line appears consistent.
When measuring, it can help to roughly mark the line on the wall with a string or a flexible hose. This way, you can immediately see if the height looks visually balanced or if there are any distracting deviations.
The important thing is that the handrail remains ergonomic – meaning no sudden changes in height or “waves.” The LED should preferably run continuously as well; otherwise, it can quickly look makeshift.
Best regards
W
wiltshire19 Apr 2025 15:02If you want a continuous appearance, you can connect the straight individual handrails with a universal joint as a transition piece.
In my opinion, the railing does not have to be continuous along the wall side.
In my opinion, the railing does not have to be continuous along the wall side.
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