L.J. Smith Stair Systems

Wood Handrail and Fittings

Handrails are fabricated by laminating a number of layers of flat boards that will slightly exceed the height of the handrail. The boards are slightly over-sized in width. This minimal over-sizing ensures that there is enough stock to allow for machining a clean profile along all 4 sides of the handrail.

Handrails will never be made from a solid block of wood.

Handrail lengths should be estimated at approximately 13″ per tread plus level runs.
When ordering plowed handrail be sure the plow will accommodate the block size of the balusters.
Our handrails are available in 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′ & 16′ lengths. Some are also available in 18′ & 20′ lengths.

Handrail Joints

Finger-Jointed “no code” – Paint-Grade – ECONOMIC – Finger-Joints are typically every 3 to 4 feet.
Solid Cap “SC” – Stain-Grade – GOOD – At any given time the longest available board length per wood species will be used for the top layer of the handrail limiting visible joints in the top of the handrail.
Clear “C” – Stain-Grade – BEST – At any given time the longest available board length per wood species will be used for every layer of the handrail limiting visible joints in the top, sides and bottom of the handrail.

Joints vary by wood species and the current availability of any particular wood species. For instance maybe they can only get 12 ft White Oak boards currently which will determine at what length joints will occur. Same goes for every wood species.