Wooden handrail for staircases and balustrades

Woodup offers 22 solid wood handrail references, in fir, pine, beech, oak, ash, douglas fir and exotic wood. Three profiles are available depending on the species: round, moulded and oval. All models are supplied unfinished, without pre-drilling, for installation suited to any type of wall fixing.

Round, moulded or oval: which profile to choose?

The round profile (Ø42 or Ø50 mm) allows the hand to slide continuously without catching. The Ø42 mm is the most discreet and the most common in contemporary interiors. The Ø50 mm offers a more substantial grip, often preferred on staircases with heavy traffic, by elderly users, or when a very firm hold is required. For people with reduced mobility, the Ø50 mm or an oval profile are generally more suitable.

The moulded profile (50x50 mm or 56x45 mm, groove 21x5 mm) features softened edges that make lateral gripping easier. Its understated appearance fits equally well in a traditional or contemporary staircase. The 56x45 mm is slightly wider than the 50x50 mm, giving a flatter profile: some users find it more comfortable when the hand slides flat along the handrail rather than encircling the profile. The flat version (70x28 mm, groove 19x5 mm) is a compact alternative suited to narrow spaces — its 19x5 mm groove differs from the 21x5 mm groove of the other moulded profiles, which means specific brackets are required.

The oval profile (70x40 mm, groove 21x6 mm) is the widest in the range. The 70 mm bearing surface covers the palm well, and the 40 mm thickness maintains a lateral grip. This is a format suited to users who naturally rest their hand flat on the handrail and who are looking for a wider contact surface than a round profile. Available in oak, beech, ash, pine and douglas fir — douglas fir being the only one suitable for sheltered outdoor use among the oval profiles.

Which wood species for which use?

The choice of wood species depends primarily on two criteria: the level of traffic on the staircase and the installation environment (indoor or outdoor).

For an indoor staircase with normal everyday use, fir (~450 kg/m³) is the most affordable choice. Light and easy to work, it can be painted or varnished without difficulty. It is a softwood that can show marks under heavy use — for very heavily trafficked staircases, hardwoods are more suitable.

Beech (~720 kg/m³), oak (~750 kg/m³) and ash (~700 kg/m³) offer significantly superior abrasion resistance. These three species are suitable for staircases used several times a day, by families or with children. Oak has a pronounced grain and a warm, golden tone. Beech is more uniform, with a slightly pinkish hue. Ash is the lightest of the three, with a fine grain that integrates well in interiors with neutral tones.

For a staircase or balustrade in a sheltered outdoor setting — under a canopy, covered pergola or enclosed veranda — douglas fir (class 3 without treatment, ~530 kg/m³) and exotic wood (Sipo, class 3, ~640 kg/m³) naturally resist moisture and wood-boring insects. In fully exposed outdoor conditions with direct rainfall, an oil or wood stain finish is required for both species. For all outdoor use, fixings must be in stainless steel to prevent corrosion marks on the wood.

Available lengths

The available lengths range from 100 cm to 295 cm depending on the reference. Depending on the wood species and profile, available lengths vary — some references cover 5 lengths, others 3 or 4. All handrails can be cut to size on site with a saw if the chosen length is slightly longer than required.

To calculate the required length, measure the developed length of the staircase following the slope of the stringers, from bottom to top — not the floor-level length. For a straight staircase with 12 steps, a tread depth of 25 cm and a riser height of 20 cm, the developed length is approximately 320 cm. Add 10 to 15 cm of overhang at each end if space allows.

Kit with brackets or handrail only?

Depending on the reference, handrails are sold alone or as a kit with fixing brackets. Kits include the plates or brackets suited to the profile, and in some cases the wall fixing hardware. The advantage of a kit is that it guarantees compatibility between the handrail and its brackets, and simplifies ordering.

If you order the brackets separately, check groove compatibility before purchasing. Brackets with a 21x5 mm groove cover the majority of moulded profiles and grooved round handrails. Round handrails without a groove (Ø42 mm in fir, beech or oak) require collar or stirrup-type brackets. Oval handrails use brackets specific to the 21x6 mm groove. The flat 70x28 mm handrail requires brackets for a 19x5 mm groove.

Fitting and installation

The absence of pre-drilling is a practical advantage: the brackets can be positioned freely on the wall, without being constrained by existing holes, making alignment and height adjustment easier. The recommended installation height is 80 to 100 cm from the step nosing, or from the finished floor level for a hallway or landing. For people with reduced mobility, 90 cm is the generally recommended height.

For wall fixing, match the fixings to the substrate: concrete or block anchors for masonry walls, expanding plasterboard fixings or screws into studs for partition walls, wood screws directly into a timber frame. For hardwoods (beech, oak, ash), always pre-drill before screwing into the handrail to avoid splitting. Outdoors, stainless steel fixings are essential.

The spacing between brackets must not exceed 80 cm to avoid any deflection mid-span. For lengths up to 200 cm, 2 or 3 brackets are sufficient depending on the configuration. Beyond that, add an intermediate bracket every 60 to 80 cm.

Apply your chosen finish preferably before installation, while the piece is still accessible on all its faces — including the groove and the cut ends.

Finish and maintenance

All handrails are supplied unfinished. Applying a finish before use protects the wood from dirt and wear, and simplifies day-to-day maintenance. The choice depends on the wood species and the desired result:

• Hard oil for interior wood — penetrates the fibres without forming a film, natural matt finish. Renewal every 1 to 2 years. Recommended for oak, beech and ash.
• Tinted finishing oil — colours the wood while leaving the grain visible. Available in light oak, dark oak, mahogany, wengé, grey. Light-coloured species such as ash and fir absorb tints well.
• Clear oil — protects without tinting or yellowing. Particularly suited to ash and fir to preserve their natural colour.
• Exterior wood stain — protective film against moisture and UV, recommended for douglas fir and exotic wood used outdoors. Durability 2 to 4 years depending on exposure.
• Interior wood paint — opaque, conceals the grain. Apply after a grain-filler primer on all species.
• Polyurethane varnish — hard film, maximum resistance to friction. Recommended for heavily used staircases, in gloss or satin finish. Durability 5 to 7 years.
• Primer for tannic woods — to be applied before any finish on oak or exotic wood to prevent tannins from bleeding to the surface.

For routine maintenance, a slightly damp cloth is sufficient whatever the finish. Avoid abrasive or acidic products. On a varnished or lacquered finish, a light fine sanding followed by a fresh coat is enough to refresh the surface after several years of use — there is no need to strip everything back if the finish is still in good condition on unexposed areas.

Frequently asked questions

Which handrail to choose to match an existing oak staircase?

Ideally, retain the same species. A solid oak handrail — moulded 50x50 mm or round Ø42 mm — will integrate naturally with an oak staircase. If you wish for a controlled contrast, ash (lighter) or beech (slightly more pinkish) pair well with oak without jarring. Avoid fir or pine with an oak staircase: the difference in hardness and tone will be visible with use.

Can a handrail be fitted without drilling into the wall?

No, wall-mounted fixing on brackets remains the safest solution and the only one truly suited to everyday use. Self-supporting or post-mounted systems exist, but they relate to specific configurations (floor-level balustrades, balustrading) rather than staircase handrails. If you do not wish to drill into a particular wall, consult Woodup to explore an alternative based on your configuration.

How do I calculate the length of handrail I need?

Measure the developed length of the staircase following the slope of the stringers, from bottom to top — not the floor-level length. For a straight staircase with 12 steps (tread depth 25 cm, riser height 20 cm), the developed length is approximately 320 cm. Add 10 to 15 cm of overhang at each end if space allows. If the available length is slightly longer than required, it can easily be cut to size on site with a saw.

Handrail or stair rail — what is the difference?

"Main courante" is the joiner's term; "rampe" is common usage. These are two names for the same element: the support bar fixed along a staircase or balustrade. The recommended regulatory height is 80 to 100 cm from the nosing of the step.

Do you need a professional to fit a wooden handrail?

For a residential staircase, no. Installation can be carried out independently: brackets fixed to the wall, handrail engaged into the bracket heads and locked in place. The main precaution is to match the fixings to the wall type. For public buildings, specific regulatory requirements apply — consult a professional.

Are Woodup handrails manufactured in France?

The Woodup workshop is located in Auvergne, near Clermont-Ferrand. Experts in staircases and joinery for three generations, products are manufactured in France or sourced from European partners.

Is payment in instalments available?

Yes, payment in 3 interest-free instalments is available on the website. The terms are detailed on the secure payment page.

Does Woodup offer trade pricing?

A trade account is open to joiners, craftsmen and construction professionals — preferential pricing and direct delivery to site. Contact Woodup to open an account.

Our other ranges: Metal handrail — Aluminium handrail