Moulded oak handrail 50x50 mm
Handrail in solid glulam oak 50x50 mm, moulded profile with 21x5 mm groove. Very hard and stable wood (~750 kg/m³), excellent long-term abrasion resistance. Available in 3 lengths: 150 cm, 195 cm, 250 cm. Supplied raw, to be varnished, oiled or finished with floor finish before use. Interior use only. Wall brackets and screws to be ordered separately. Pre-drilling required before screwing into oak to avoid splitting.
Moulded oak handrail 50x50 mm glued-laminated, interior use
This handrail in solid glued-laminated oak features a moulded section of 50x50 mm and a groove of 21x5 mm for fixing to standard wall brackets. Oak is a very hard hardwood (density ~750 kg/m³), among the most abrasion-resistant species available in French interior joinery. It is equally suited to residential staircases with heavy use and to refined interiors where the wood's durability should remain visible over time.
The glued-laminated construction ensures better dimensional stability than raw solid wood: the laminations bonded in alternating directions limit movement caused by hygroscopic variations. This characteristic is particularly valuable on a handrail, which is subject to temperature and humidity fluctuations throughout the year. Reserved for interior use only — without specific outdoor treatment, glued-laminated oak will crack and warp outside.
Three lengths are available: 200, 250 and 300 cm. The profile is supplied raw, to be treated before use. Brackets and screws are to be sourced separately, compatible with the 21x5 mm groove.
Key features
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Solid glued-laminated oak |
| Section | 50 x 50 mm moulded |
| Groove | 21 x 5 mm - compatible with standard brackets |
| Available lengths | 150 cm, 195 cm, 250 cm |
| Density | ~750 kg/m³ - very hard wood, excellent longevity |
| Brackets and screws | Not included — to be ordered separately |
| Use | Interior use only |
| Finish | Raw wood — varnish, oil, staircase varnish or wax to be applied before use |
Key points
- ✓ Very hard wood (~750 kg/m³): abrasion and impact resistance among the best available in European species
- ✓ Glued-laminated: superior dimensional stability compared to raw solid wood, less sensitive to variations in ambient humidity
- ✓ Characteristic grain and tone: pronounced oak figuring, golden to light brown hue depending on the finish applied
- ✓ 21x5 mm groove: compatible with standard wall brackets available separately
- ✓ Longevity: with appropriate finish and regular maintenance, estimated lifespan in excess of 20 years indoors
Installation advice
Select brackets compatible with the 21x5 mm groove before purchasing. Position brackets at regular intervals, with a maximum spacing of 80 cm between two support points. Install the handrail at a height between 80 and 100 cm from the stair nosing or finished floor level.
Oak is a very hard wood requiring systematic pre-drilling before every screw — without pre-drilling, the wood may split or the screw may deform. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw diameter. Cutting is carried out with a circular saw fitted with a fine-tooth blade (minimum 40 teeth). Sand the cut edge with 120 grit before applying the finish. Apply the finish preferably before installation.
Care and protection
Raw glued-laminated oak must be treated before any use. Recommended finishes depending on the desired result:
- Staircase varnish: 2 to 3 coats, hard surface film, maximum resistance to abrasion, durability 5 to 8 years
- Natural oil for interior wood: penetrates the fibres, strengthens resistance without forming a film, natural appearance, renewal every 2 to 3 years
- Maintenance wax: after oiling, extends protection and nourishes the wood
For routine maintenance, a slightly damp cloth is sufficient. Avoid all abrasive, acidic or household products not suitable for wood. Ageing oak naturally develops a patina towards deeper golden tones — regular oil maintenance enhances this effect.
WoodUp tip
What to know before buying: solid oak is a hard, tannic wood — pre-drilling is essential before any screw. Oak tannins cause black staining on contact with iron: use exclusively stainless steel or brass screws. Compatible with 21x5 mm groove brackets. Wall fixing screws not included. Treat all faces before installation. Interior use only.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an oak and a beech handrail?
Oak (density ~750 kg/m³) is slightly harder than beech (~720 kg/m³) and has a more pronounced grain, often sought for its natural appearance. Beech is more uniform and easier to stain evenly. Both species are suited to staircases with sustained daily use. Oak is generally preferred for interiors where the natural colour and grain of the wood are to be highlighted.
Must you pre-drill before screwing into oak?
Yes, without exception. Oak is a very hard wood — screwing without pre-drilling risks splitting the wood or bending the screw. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw diameter (e.g. 3.5 mm bit for a 4 mm screw). This precaution is particularly important within 5 cm of the ends.
Which brackets should I order for this handrail?
Brackets must be compatible with a groove 21 mm wide and 5 mm deep. Woodup offers brackets in black lacquered steel and bichrome finish compatible with this format. Allow one bracket every 60 to 80 cm for stable fixing along the entire length.
What finish is best suited to oak for a handrail?
Varnish is the most protective finish for a frequently used handrail — it forms a hard film that withstands daily abrasion well. Natural oil is preferred for a matt finish and a warm wood appearance, but requires renewal every 2 to 3 years. Avoid opaque paints that would conceal oak's characteristic grain.
Can this handrail be installed outdoors?
No. Despite the natural durability of raw oak outdoors, glued-laminated oak is not suitable for outdoor exposure without specific treatment. The adhesives used in interior glued-laminated products are not designed to withstand freeze-thaw cycles and rain. For outdoor use, solid treated oak or another suitable species would be required.
Can this handrail be cut to an exact length?
Yes. Use a circular saw fitted with a fine-tooth blade (minimum 40 teeth) to avoid splintering on visible faces. Mark the cut with a square, saw carefully without forcing. Sand the edge with 120 grit after cutting, then apply a coat of finish to the cut end to protect the bare wood.
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Satisfied or refunded if returned within 14 calendar days (Sundays and public holidays included) following delivery.
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