Douglas fir oval handrail 70x40 mm
Handrail in solid douglas fir, oval profile 70x40 mm with 21x6 mm groove. Class 3 wood, naturally resistant to moisture — the only oval species in the range suitable for interior and sheltered exterior use. Oval profile with wide (70 mm) and continuous grip. Supplied unfinished; a finish (oil, stain or exterior varnish) is recommended for outdoor exposure. Stainless steel fixings recommended for outdoor use. Compatible wall brackets for 21x6 mm groove sold separately.
Oval douglas fir handrail 70x40 mm — class 3, interior and sheltered exterior
This solid douglas fir handrail has an oval profile of 70x40 mm and a 21x6 mm groove for fixing to wall brackets. Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is a softwood with natural class 3 durability: its natural tannins provide sufficient resistance to fungi and insects for use in semi-sheltered conditions. It is the only oval species in the range suitable for sheltered outdoor use.
The 70x40 mm oval profile provides a wide resting surface (70 mm) for the palm and a thickness (40 mm) that aids lateral grip. This geometry is appreciated on staircases where the user rests their hand flat on the handrail rather than gripping around it. Douglas fir has a warm reddish-brown colour with a pronounced grain. In outdoor settings exposed to direct rain, a protective finish is essential.
Supplied raw, it must be treated before outdoor use. Brackets and fixings are to be ordered separately. For outdoor use, use stainless steel fixings.
Main features
| Feature | 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 — interior and sheltered exterior |
| Density | ~530 kg/m³ |
| Brackets and fixings | Not included — stainless steel recommended for outdoor use |
| Use | Interior and sheltered exterior — finish required for fully exposed outdoor use |
| Finish | Raw wood — exterior oil, stain or varnish recommended |
Key features
- ✓ Natural class 3: resistance to fungi and insects without treatment — the only oval species usable in sheltered outdoor settings
- ✓ Oval profile 70x40 mm: wide and continuous grip, generous palm resting surface
- ✓ Dual use: interior staircases, covered terrace handrails, enclosed galleries
- ✓ Lightweight wood (~530 kg/m³): easy to handle and cut on site
- ✓ 21x6 mm groove: check compatibility 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 dimension is slightly different from the 21x5 mm groove found on other models in the range. Position the brackets at regular intervals, with a maximum spacing of 80 cm. Install the handrail at 80 to 100 cm from the step nosing or finished floor.
For outdoor use, use minimum A2 stainless steel fixings to avoid rust stains on the wood. Apply the finish before fitting. After any cutting, treat the bare ends immediately.
Maintenance and protection
Indoors, a surface finish limits soiling. In a sheltered outdoor setting, regular protection prevents greying:
- Exterior wood oil: penetrates the fibres, natural finish, renewal every 1 to 2 years
- Exterior wood stain: light protective film, durability 2 to 4 years depending on exposure
- Exterior varnish: thicker protection, durability 3 to 5 years
Without a finish, douglas fir will grey within 6 to 12 months — a purely aesthetic phenomenon with no impact on the wood's strength.
WoodUp tip
Important before purchasing: the 70x40 mm oval douglas fir is compatible with brackets featuring a 21x5 mm groove. Suitable for sheltered outdoor use (class 3) with appropriate finish — stainless steel fixings for outdoor use. Wall fixings not included. Treat all faces before fitting, including the groove.
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 70 mm width provides a generous resting surface on top, while the 40 mm thickness aids lateral hand grip. This geometry differs from the round profile (uniform cylindrical grip) and the square moulded profile (softened corners but square cross-section). For users 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 21x6 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 or bichrome steel brackets available from Woodup are compatible. Allow one bracket every 60 to 80 cm for secure fixing.
Can this handrail be used outdoors?
Yes, in sheltered outdoor settings (under an overhang, covered pergola, enclosed gallery), class 3 douglas fir is naturally resistant. In fully exposed outdoor conditions with direct rain, a protective finish (oil or exterior wood stain) is essential. In that case, use stainless steel fixings to avoid rust runs.
What finish should be applied to this douglas fir handrail?
The wood is supplied raw and must be treated before use. For douglas fir, a floor varnish or polyurethane varnish (2 to 3 coats) offers the best resistance to daily friction. An oil-wax gives a more natural finish but requires more frequent renewal. Apply the finish before fitting 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 specific length?
Yes. Douglas fir can be cut with a circular saw or mitre saw using a fine-tooth blade. Sand the cut edge with 120-grit paper before applying the finish to the ends — bare wood is the most sensitive area to ambient moisture.
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