Moulded ash handrail 50x50 mm
Moulded 50x50 mm solid ash handrail with a 21x5 mm groove. Hardwood with fine, even grain (~700 kg/m³), resistant to everyday abrasion. Available in 5 lengths: 100 cm, 150 cm, 195 cm, 250 cm, 295 cm – the widest choice in the collection. Supplied unfinished; varnish, oil or apply stair varnish before use. For indoor use only. Order compatible wall brackets for the 21x5 mm groove and fixings separately. Drilling pilot holes before screwing into ash is recommended.
Moulded ash handrail 50x50 mm – hardwood, fine grain, indoor use
This moulded solid ash handrail has a square 50x50 mm profile and a 21x5 mm groove for fitting to standard wall brackets. Ash is a hardwood (density ~700 kg/m³) with strength comparable to beech, but a finer grain and a lighter colour – beige to off-white with subtle golden tones.
Available in a wide range of lengths – from 100 to 300 cm across 5 sizes – it suits small landings and short flights as well as full-length straight staircases. The moulded profile softens the corners of the square section and makes it more comfortable to grip. Ash is for indoor use only: like beech, it quickly warps and deteriorates outdoors without suitable specialist treatment.
Supplied unfinished, it must be treated before use. Brackets and fixings must be purchased separately and must fit the 21x5 mm groove.
Key specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Solid ash |
| Profile | Moulded 50 x 50 mm profile |
| Groove | 21 x 5 mm – compatible with standard brackets |
| Available lengths | 100 cm, 150 cm, 195 cm, 250 cm, 295 cm |
| Density | ~700 kg/m³ – abrasion-resistant hardwood |
| Brackets and fixings | Not supplied – order separately |
| Use | Indoor use only |
| Finish | Unfinished wood – apply varnish, oil or stair varnish before use |
Key points
- ? Hardwood (~700 kg/m³): abrasion resistance comparable to beech, suitable for staircases used regularly every day
- ? Fine grain and light colour: a bright, natural look enhanced by satin varnish or clear oil
- ? 5 lengths available: from 100 to 300 cm, covering landings, short flights and straight staircases
- ? Standard 21x5 mm groove: compatible with common wall brackets, available separately
- ? Customisable: unfinished wood can be finished with varnish, oil or stair varnish for the look you want
Installation advice
Choose brackets compatible with the 21x5 mm groove. Space them evenly, with no more than 80 cm between supports. For shorter lengths (100 and 150 cm), 2 brackets are sufficient; for longer lengths, add an intermediate bracket every 60 to 80 cm.
Install the handrail at a height of 80 to 100 cm above the stair nosing or finished floor. Ash is a hardwood: drill pilot holes before inserting screws to prevent splitting, particularly near the ends. Ideally, apply the finish before installation, while all sides of the piece are accessible.
Care and protection
Unfinished ash must be treated before regular use. Recommended finishes by application:
- Stair varnish: 2 to 3 coats, maximum resistance to rubbing, lasts 5 to 7 years
- Polyurethane varnish: good protection, gloss or satin finish, lasts 4 to 6 years
- Indoor hardwax oil: natural matt finish; renew every 1 to 2 years
For routine care, simply wipe with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid abrasive or acidic products. The light colour of ash may yellow slightly over time when exposed to light – a natural change in the wood that does not affect its mechanical properties.
WoodUp advice
Before you buy: ash is a hard, resilient wood. Always drill pilot holes before inserting screws. Compatible with brackets for a 21x5 mm groove. Wall fixings not supplied. Treat every surface before installation (with stair varnish or hardwax oil). Indoor use only.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ash and beech for a handrail?
Ash (density ~700 kg/m³) and beech (~720 kg/m³) are hardwoods with very similar mechanical properties. Ash has a finer grain and a lighter colour – beige to off-white – while beech is slightly pinker. Ash is often preferred in bright contemporary interiors where a lighter-looking wood is wanted.
Can ash be used outdoors?
No. Ash is strictly an indoor wood. Without specialist preservative treatment, it quickly warps and deteriorates outdoors when exposed to moisture. For outdoor use, choose a Douglas fir (class 3) or tropical hardwood handrail.
What finish will preserve the light colour of ash?
To preserve ash’s naturally light appearance, choose a clear satin varnish or transparent hardwax oil. Avoid conventional polyurethane-based stair varnishes that yellow: some formulas can give the wood a slightly amber tone over time. Water-based stair varnishes give a more neutral finish on light woods such as ash.
Why choose ash rather than oak for an indoor handrail?
Oak (~750 kg/m³) is slightly harder, with more pronounced grain and a warmer, golden colour. Ash is lighter, and its finer grain gives it a more understated look. The choice mainly depends on the style you want: oak for a warm, traditional interior, or ash for a brighter, more contemporary look.
Is this handrail available in a length shorter than 150 cm?
Yes. Unlike most other woods in the range, this ash handrail is available from 100 cm, making it suitable for small landings, short flights and short sections of balustrade.
Do I need to drill pilot holes before screwing into ash?
Yes. Ash is a hardwood, and driving in a screw without a pilot hole can split it, especially within 5 cm of the ends. Use a drill bit slightly narrower than the screw (e.g. a 3.5 mm bit for a 4 mm screw). This helps ensure a neat fixing without damaging the handrail.
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Dispatched within 6-8 weeks for personalised and made-to-measure products.
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Satisfied or refunded if returned within 14 calendar days (Sundays and public holidays included) following delivery.
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