Oval oak handrail 70x40 mm
Handrail in solid oak, oval profile 70x40 mm with 21x5 mm groove. Very hard wood (~750 kg/m³), pronounced grain and golden tone — excellent resistance to daily abrasion. Oval profile with wide (70 mm) and continuous grip. Supplied raw, to be varnished, oiled or lacquered before use. Indoor use only. Wall brackets compatible with 21x5 mm groove and fixings to be ordered separately. Pre-drilling mandatory before screwing into oak to avoid any splitting.
Oval oak handrail 70x40 mm — very hard wood, wide grip, indoor use
This solid oak handrail features an oval profile of 70x40 mm and a 21x5 mm groove for fixing to standard wall brackets. Oak is a very hard hardwood (density ~750 kg/m³), among the most abrasion-resistant species available in interior joinery. Its pronounced grain and golden to light brown colour give it a distinctive natural appearance.
The oval profile differs from the round and moulded profiles: its width of 70 mm provides a generous palm resting surface, while its thickness of 40 mm facilitates lateral grip of the hand. This geometry is particularly suited to people who slide their hand flat along the handrail rather than gripping a tube. Use restricted to indoor only.
Supplied raw, it must be treated before use. Brackets and fixings are to be ordered separately, compatible with the 21x5 mm groove.
Main characteristics
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Solid oak |
| Cross-section | Oval 70 x 40 mm |
| Groove | 21 x 5 mm — compatible with standard brackets |
| Density | ~750 kg/m³ — very hard wood, excellent longevity |
| Brackets and fixings | Not supplied — to be ordered separately |
| Use | Interior use only |
| Finish | Raw wood — varnish, wood sealer or oil to be applied before use |
Key points
- ✓ Very hard wood (~750 kg/m³): abrasion and impact resistance among the best of European species
- ✓ Oval profile 70x40 mm: wide and continuous grip, different from the round or moulded profile
- ✓ 21x5 mm groove: compatible with standard wall brackets available separately
- ✓ Natural oak grain: pronounced grain enhanced by oil or satin varnish
- ✓ Longevity: with suitable finish and regular maintenance, estimated service life exceeding 20 years indoors
Installation advice
Select brackets compatible with the 21x5 mm groove. Position them at regular intervals, with a maximum spacing of 80 cm. Install the handrail at a height between 80 and 100 cm from the step nosing or finished floor.
Oak is a very hard wood — pre-drilling is mandatory before any screwing to avoid splitting the wood or deforming the screw. Use a drill bit of slightly smaller diameter than the screw (e.g. 3.5 mm bit for a 4 mm screw). Apply the finish preferably before installation.
Maintenance and protection
Raw oak must be treated before use. Recommended finishes:
- Staircase varnish: 2 to 3 coats, hard film, maximum resistance to friction, durability 5 to 8 years
- Natural interior oil: penetrates the fibres, natural matt finish, renewal every 2 to 3 years
- Maintenance wax: used in addition to oiling, nourishes and facilitates routine maintenance
For routine maintenance, a slightly damp cloth is sufficient. Avoid abrasive products. Oak naturally develops a patina towards more golden tones over time.
WoodUp Tip
What to know before buying: the oval 70x40 mm profile in oak offers an ergonomic and wide grip. Compatible with 21x5 mm groove brackets. Pre-drilling required, stainless steel screws to avoid tannin stains. Wall fixings not supplied. Indoor use only.
Frequently asked questions
What is an oval profile and how does it differ from a round or moulded profile?
The oval profile here measures 70x40 mm: its width of 70 mm provides a generous resting surface on top, while the thickness of 40 mm facilitates lateral grip of the hand. This geometry differs from the round profile (uniform cylindrical grip) and the moulded square profile (softened edges but square cross-section). For people who rest their hand flat on the handrail, the oval profile is often perceived as more natural.
Which brackets are compatible with this oval handrail?
Brackets must be designed for a 21x5 mm groove. Check compatibility before ordering — the 21x6 mm groove is slightly different from the 21x5 mm groove found on other models in the range. Black lacquered steel or two-tone brackets available from Woodup are compatible. Allow one bracket every 60 to 80 cm for a secure fixing.
Can this handrail be used outdoors?
No. Solid oak (non-glued laminated) could technically tolerate sheltered outdoor exposure, but this product is specifically designed for indoor use. For an outdoor hardwood handrail, consult Woodup for suitable solutions.
What finish should be applied to this oak handrail?
The wood is supplied raw and must be treated before use. For oak, a varnish or polyurethane varnish (2 to 3 coats) offers the best resistance to daily friction. An oil-wax gives a more natural result but requires more frequent renewal. Apply the finish before installation to cover all faces, including the groove and the ends.
At what height should this handrail be installed?
The recommended height for a private staircase is between 80 and 100 cm measured from the nosing of the step. For a corridor or landing, the height is measured from the finished floor. For people with reduced mobility, 90 cm is the generally recommended height. Install the handrail continuously along the full length, without interruption.
Can this handrail be cut to a precise length?
Yes. Oak can be cut with a circular saw or mitre saw using a fine-tooth blade. Sand the cut edge with 120-grit sandpaper before applying the finish to the ends — bare wood is the area most sensitive to ambient moisture.
Is pre-drilling required before screwing into oak?
Yes, absolutely. Oak is a very hard wood — a screw inserted without pre-drilling can split the wood or become deformed. Use a drill bit of slightly smaller diameter than the screw, and pre-drill systematically within 5 cm of the ends.
No questions yet.
You might also like
Dispatch within 10 days when the product is in stock *.
* Except bespoke products
Dispatched within 6-8 weeks for personalised and made-to-measure products.
Payment in 1 or 3 instalments at no extra cost. Bank transfer, cheque or PayPal
Satisfied or refunded if returned within 14 calendar days (Sundays and public holidays included) following delivery.
8 other products in the same category:
No questions yet.





