Round exotic wood handrail Ø42 mm
Round handrail in solid Sipo Ø42 mm (African tropical hardwood), with a cylindrical profile for a continuous grip. Dense wood (~640 kg/m³) with a pinkish-brown colour, naturally resistant to moisture and suitable for indoor and sheltered outdoor use. Available in 4 lengths: 150, 195, 250 and 280 cm. Supplied unfinished; oil or stain before outdoor use. Stainless steel fixings are recommended outdoors. Brackets for a round profile and fixings must be ordered separately.
Round tropical hardwood handrail Ø42 mm – dense tropical hardwood for indoor and sheltered outdoor use
This round handrail in solid tropical hardwood (Entandrophragma utile) has a cylindrical profile 42 mm in diameter, providing a continuous, even grip along its full length. This African tropical hardwood is dense (~640 kg/m³) and has a distinctive pinkish-brown colour. Its natural resistance to fungi and wood-boring insects makes it suitable for indoor and sheltered outdoor use without special preservative treatment.
Compared with European hardwoods such as beech or oak, tropical hardwood is naturally more durable in damp conditions. Its fine grain and even surface after machining make it easier to apply a uniform finish. For outdoor locations directly exposed to rain, tropical hardwood oil or a UV-protective saturating finish is recommended to limit greying and help prevent surface cracks.
Four lengths are available: 150, 195, 250 and 280 cm. Supplied unfinished, the handrail can be cut to the required length. Mounting brackets must be ordered separately. For outdoor use, choose stainless steel fixings.
Main features
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Solid tropical hardwood (Entandrophragma utile) – African tropical hardwood |
| Diameter | Ø 42 mm |
| Available lengths | 150 cm, 195 cm, 250 cm, 280 cm |
| Density | ~640 kg/m³ – dense wood with good mechanical strength |
| Brackets and fixings | Not supplied – brackets for a round profile must be ordered separately; stainless steel is recommended outdoors |
| Use | Indoor and sheltered outdoor use – a protective finish is essential for fully exposed outdoor use |
| Finish | Unfinished wood – tropical hardwood oil or a UV-protective saturating finish recommended |
Key points
- ✓ Dense tropical hardwood (~640 kg/m³): naturally more durable outdoors than softwoods and European hardwoods
- ✓ Versatile use: indoor staircases, covered terrace handrails, gallery balustrades or pergolas
- ✓ Round Ø42 mm profile: a continuous cylindrical grip that lets your hand glide smoothly along its full length
- ✓ Pinkish-brown colour: fine, even grain and a uniform surface enhanced by clear oil
- ✓ Can be cut to size: adjust to the exact length required on site
Installation tips
Choose brackets suitable for a Ø42 mm round profile. Space them evenly, with a maximum of 80 cm between support points. Install the handrail 80 to 100 cm above the stair nosing or finished floor.
For outdoor use, choose A2 stainless steel screws as a minimum for the brackets and all fixings – the acidic tannins in the tropical hardwood accelerate corrosion in ordinary screws. Pilot holes are recommended before driving screws into this dense wood. If possible, apply the finish before installation, giving priority to the cut ends.
Care and protection
For sheltered outdoor use, periodic protection is recommended to maintain the wood’s colour and prevent greying. Options for tropical hardwood include:
- Tropical hardwood oil: penetrates the fibres, nourishes the wood and preserves its pinkish-brown colour; reapply every 1 to 2 years
- Tropical hardwood saturating finish: enhanced protection against moisture and UV, lasting 2 to 3 years
- Exterior wood stain: protective film lasting 2 to 4 years, depending on exposure
Without a finish, tropical hardwood gradually turns grey outdoors – a change in appearance that does not affect its mechanical properties. Indoors, a simple wipe with a damp cloth is enough for routine care.
WoodUp tip
Before you buy: the round Ø42 mm profile requires cradle-style brackets. Tropical hardwoods are hard: pilot holes are recommended, as are stainless steel screws. Wall fixings are not supplied. Applying tropical hardwood oil before installation is recommended. Depending on the wood species, sheltered outdoor use may be possible.
Frequently asked questions
Why choose tropical hardwood rather than beech or ash for an outdoor handrail?
Beech and ash are hardwoods intended exclusively for indoor use – they deteriorate quickly outdoors without specific preservative treatment. Tropical hardwood is naturally resistant to fungi and insects, making it suitable for sheltered outdoor use without chemical preservation. For any handrail or balustrade exposed to outdoor conditions, tropical hardwood is the appropriate choice among the solid woods in the range.
What is the difference between the round tropical hardwood handrail and the moulded version?
Both are made from solid tropical hardwood and come in the same lengths. The round Ø42 mm version provides a continuous cylindrical grip, with no corners or raised details. The 50 × 50 mm moulded version has a square section with softened corners and a 21 × 5 mm groove – it feels slightly different to hold, and its profile fits better in interiors with straight lines. The choice depends on your preferred grip and appearance.
Which brackets should I use for a round tropical hardwood handrail?
Brackets must suit a Ø42 mm round profile – use collars or cradle-style supports rather than grooved-profile brackets. For outdoor use, choose stainless steel or hot-dip galvanised steel brackets. Painted steel brackets are for indoor use only. Fit a bracket every 60 to 80 cm for secure installation.
Does tropical hardwood turn grey outdoors?
Yes. Like all natural wood, tropical hardwood gradually turns grey outdoors without a finish – generally within 6 to 12 months, depending on exposure. This is purely a change in appearance and does not affect the wood’s strength. To preserve its original pinkish-brown colour, apply tropical hardwood oil or a UV-protective saturating finish, renewing it every 1 to 2 years.
Is this handrail PEFC or FSC certified?
Tropical hardwood may be PEFC or FSC certified, depending on the origin of the batch. To check the certification of this specific product, contact Woodup directly. Buying certified tropical timber supports responsible forest management and traceability of the wood species back to its forest of origin.
Can this handrail be cut to a specific length?
Yes. Tropical hardwood can be cut with a circular saw fitted with a fine-toothed blade. Sand the cut end with 120-grit sandpaper, then immediately apply a coat of oil or saturating finish to the ends – these areas are most exposed to moisture and should be treated first, even for indoor use.
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Satisfied or refunded if returned within 14 calendar days (Sundays and public holidays included) following delivery.
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