Douglas fir oval handrail 70x40 mm
Solid Douglas fir handrail with a 70x40 mm oval profile and 21x6 mm groove. Class 3 wood with natural moisture resistance – the only oval-profile timber in the range suitable for indoor and sheltered outdoor use. Wide (70 mm), continuous oval grip. Supplied unfinished; a finish (exterior oil, wood stain or varnish) is recommended for outdoor exposure. Stainless steel fixings are recommended outdoors. Wall brackets compatible with a 21x6 mm groove must be ordered separately.
Oval Douglas fir handrail, 70x40 mm – class 3, indoor and sheltered outdoor use
This solid Douglas fir handrail has a 70x40 mm oval profile and a 21x6 mm groove for fixing to wall brackets. Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is a softwood with class 3 durability without treatment: its natural tannins provide sufficient resistance to fungi and insects for use in partially sheltered locations. It is the only oval-profile timber in the range suitable for sheltered outdoor use.
The 70x40 mm oval profile provides a broad surface (70 mm) for the palm and a thickness (40 mm) that makes it easy to grip from the side. This shape works well on staircases where users rest a flat hand on the rail rather than wrap their fingers around it. Douglas fir has a warm reddish-brown colour and pronounced grain. A protective finish is essential outdoors where it is exposed to direct rain.
Supplied unfinished, it must be treated before outdoor use. Brackets and fixings must be ordered separately. Use stainless steel fixings outdoors.
Key specifications
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Solid Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) |
| Cross-section | Oval, 70 x 40 mm |
| Groove | 21 x 6 mm |
| Durability class | Class 3 without treatment – indoor and sheltered outdoor use |
| Density | ~530 kg/m³ |
| Brackets and fixings | Not included – stainless steel recommended outdoors |
| Use | Indoor and sheltered outdoor use – a finish is essential in fully exposed outdoor locations |
| Finish | Unfinished wood – exterior oil, wood stain or varnish recommended |
Key points
- ✓ Natural class 3 durability: resistance to fungi and insects without treatment – the only oval-profile timber in the range suitable for sheltered outdoor use
- ✓ 70x40 mm oval profile: wide, continuous grip and generous support for the palm
- ✓ Indoor and outdoor use: indoor staircases, covered terrace handrails and enclosed galleries
- ✓ Lightweight wood (~530 kg/m³): easy to handle and cut to length on site
- ✓ 21x6 mm groove: check before ordering brackets – different from the 21x5 mm groove on other models
Installation advice
Check that your brackets are compatible with the 21x6 mm groove – this differs slightly from the 21x5 mm groove on other models in the range. Position the brackets at regular intervals, with a maximum spacing of 80 cm. Install the handrail 80 to 100 cm above the stair nosing or finished floor.
For outdoor use, use A2 stainless steel fixings as a minimum to prevent corrosion stains on the wood. Apply the finish before installation. After cutting, treat the exposed ends immediately.
Care and protection
Indoors, a surface finish helps prevent staining. In sheltered outdoor locations, regular protection helps prevent greying:
- Exterior wood oil: penetrates the fibres for a natural look; renew every 1 to 2 years
- Exterior wood stain: light protective coating; lasts 2 to 4 years depending on exposure
- Exterior varnish: thicker protective coating; lasts 3 to 5 years
Without a finish, Douglas fir turns grey within 6 to 12 months – a purely cosmetic change that does not affect the wood’s strength.
WoodUp tip
Before you buy: the 70x40 mm oval Douglas fir handrail is compatible with brackets for a 21x5 mm groove. Suitable for sheltered outdoor use (class 3) with an appropriate finish – use stainless steel screws outdoors. Wall fixings not included. Treat every surface before installation, including the groove.
Frequently asked questions
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 generous support for the palm on top, while its 40 mm thickness makes it easy 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). People who rest a flat hand on the rail often find the oval profile more natural.
Which brackets are compatible with this oval handrail?
The brackets must be designed for a 21x6 mm groove. Check compatibility before ordering: the 21x6 mm groove differs slightly from the 21x5 mm groove on other models in the range. The black powder-coated or zinc-plated steel brackets available from Woodup are compatible. Fit a bracket every 60 to 80 cm for secure fixing.
Can this handrail be used outdoors?
Yes. Class 3 Douglas fir is naturally resistant in sheltered outdoor locations (under a canopy, covered pergola or in a gallery). Where it is fully exposed to direct rain, a finish (exterior oil or wood stain) is essential. In that case, use stainless steel fixings to prevent corrosion streaks.
Which finish should I apply to this Douglas fir handrail?
The wood is supplied unfinished and must be treated before use. For Douglas fir, a hard-wearing floor sealant or polyurethane varnish (2 to 3 coats) provides the best resistance to everyday rubbing. An oil-wax finish 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 80 to 100 cm, measured from the stair nosing. For a corridor or landing, measure from the finished floor. For people with reduced mobility, 90 cm is the generally recommended height. Install the handrail continuously along its full length, without gaps.
Can this handrail be cut to a specific length?
Yes. Douglas fir can be cut with a circular saw or mitre saw fitted with a fine-tooth blade. Sand the cut edge with 120-grit abrasive before finishing the ends: exposed wood is most vulnerable to ambient moisture.
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