Oval oak handrail 70x40 mm
Glued laminated oak handrail with a 70x40 mm oval profile and a 21x5 mm groove for standard wall brackets. Bonded oak strips help limit twisting and splitting; glue lines are visible on the faces. Hardwood (~750 kg/m³) with a broad 70 mm grip. Supplied unfinished; apply varnish, oil or floor lacquer before installation. For indoor use only. Order brackets and fixings separately, and always pre-drill before screwing into the oak.
Oval glued laminated oak handrail, 70x40 mm, broad grip, for indoor use
This glued laminated oak handrail has a 70x40 mm oval profile and a 21x5 mm groove for fixing to standard wall brackets. It is made from oak strips bonded together and then machined to an oval profile. Oak is a hardwood (density ~750 kg/m³) with pronounced grain and a golden to light-brown colour.
Glued laminated wood helps limit the twisting and splitting that a single piece of the same length may develop as humidity changes. The glue lines between the strips remain visible on the faces: they are a feature of this construction method, not a cosmetic defect.
The oval profile differs from round and moulded profiles: its 70 mm width provides a generous resting surface for the palm, while its 40 mm thickness makes it easier to grip from the side. This shape is particularly suited to people who slide a flat hand along the rail rather than gripping a tube. For indoor use only.
Supplied unfinished, it must be treated before use. Brackets and fixings must be ordered separately and must be compatible with the 21x5 mm groove.
Key specifications
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Glued laminated oak (bonded oak strips) |
| Cross-section | Oval, 70 x 40 mm |
| Groove | 21 x 5 mm, compatible with standard brackets |
| Density | ~750 kg/m³, hardwood |
| Appearance | Visible glue lines between the strips |
| Brackets and fixings | Not supplied; order separately |
| Use | Indoor use only |
| Finish | Unfinished wood; apply floor lacquer, varnish or oil before use |
Key points
- ✓ Glued laminated oak: bonded strips help limit twisting and splitting along the length
- ✓ Hardwood (~750 kg/m³): good resistance to abrasion and knocks from everyday use
- ✓ 70x40 mm oval profile: a broad, continuous grip, unlike a 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
- ✓ Long-lasting: with a suitable finish and regular care, estimated indoor lifespan of over 20 years
Installation advice
Choose 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 of between 80 and 100 cm from the stair nosing or finished floor.
Oak is a hardwood: pre-drilling is essential before inserting any screws to prevent the wood from splitting or the screw from bending. Use a drill bit slightly smaller in diameter than the screw (e.g. a 3.5 mm bit for a 4 mm screw). Ideally, apply the finish before installation.
Care and protection
Unfinished oak must be treated before use. Recommended finishes:
- Staircase floor lacquer: 2 to 3 coats, a hard film, maximum resistance to rubbing, durability of 5 to 8 years
- Natural oil for indoor use: penetrates the fibres, gives a natural matt appearance and needs renewing every 2 to 3 years
- Maintenance wax: complements oiling, nourishes the wood and makes routine care easier
For routine care, a slightly damp cloth is enough. Avoid abrasive products. Over time, oak naturally develops a more golden patina.
WoodUp tip
Before you buy: this handrail is made from glued laminated oak, not a single piece of solid oak, and the glue lines between the strips are visible. The 70x40 mm oval profile offers a broad grip. Compatible with brackets for a 21x5 mm groove. Pre-drilling is essential; use stainless steel screws to avoid tannin stains. Wall fixings are not supplied. Indoor use only.
Frequently asked questions
Is this handrail made from solid oak or glued laminated oak?
It is made from glued laminated oak. Solid wood is a single piece of natural wood, cut from one continuous piece rather than assembled. Glued laminated wood consists of several oak strips bonded together, which helps limit twisting and splitting over a long length. The glue lines remain visible on the faces, even after finishing.
What is an oval profile, and how does it differ from a round or moulded profile?
This oval profile measures 70x40 mm: its 70 mm width provides a generous surface for resting the hand on top, while its 40 mm thickness makes it easier to grip from the side. This shape differs from a round profile (an even cylindrical grip) and a square moulded profile (softened corners but a square cross-section). For people who rest a flat hand on the rail, the oval profile often feels more natural.
Which brackets are compatible with this oval handrail?
The brackets must be designed for a 21x5 mm groove. Check compatibility before ordering: a 21x6 mm groove differs slightly from the 21x5 mm groove found on other models in the range. The black lacquered steel and bichromate-finished brackets available from Woodup are compatible. Allow one bracket every 60 to 80 cm for secure fixing.
Can this handrail be used outdoors?
No. This glued laminated oak handrail is intended for indoor use only. For an outdoor wooden handrail, contact Woodup about suitable options.
What finish should I apply to this oak handrail?
The wood is supplied unfinished and must be treated before use. For oak, a floor lacquer or polyurethane varnish (2 to 3 coats) offers the best resistance to everyday rubbing. A hardwax oil gives a more natural look but needs renewing more often. Apply the finish before installation to cover every surface, including the groove and ends.
At what height should I install this handrail?
The recommended height for a domestic staircase is between 80 and 100 cm, measured from the stair nosing. In a corridor or on a landing, measure the height from the finished floor. For people with reduced mobility, 90 cm is the height generally recommended. Install the handrail continuously along its entire length, without gaps.
Can this handrail be cut to an exact length?
Yes. Glued laminated oak can be cut with a circular saw or mitre saw fitted with a fine-toothed blade. Sand the cut edge with 120-grit abrasive before applying the finish to the ends: exposed wood is the area most vulnerable to ambient moisture.
Do I need to pre-drill before screwing into the oak?
Yes, absolutely. Oak is a hardwood: driving in a screw without pre-drilling can split the wood or bend the screw. Use a drill bit slightly smaller in diameter than the screw, and always pre-drill when fixing 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.





