An Introduction To Composite Handrail Systems

Building a composite handrail for decking projects can vastly improve the overall safety of the space, especially if your decking balustrade project is built upon raised ground. NeoTimber’s composite handrail systems especially, can vastly elevate the form and function of your garden design. In this article, we will take a look into the advantages of installing a composite stair handrail for decking build applications, and how it can improve the look of your project. Let’s take a look…

Decking steps are a fantastic way to navigate around awkward, sloped gardens, and can help to make a space feel larger, by separating the available space into different “zones”. We have seen many raised deck or balcony balustrade projects expertly incorporate composite decking steps to build over tired patio projects and ease the transition from the indoor and outdoor spaces. However, a composite handrail for stairs is only as strong as the material it is made from, and no visual flair is worth compromising on the safety and security of any visitors to your decking space.

Timber balustrades, for example, unless treated properly, can rapidly weaken over time. Moisture damage can play havoc with natural materials, as they can rot, warp, and break apart entirely. This is obviously an enormous problem, for both residential projects and commercial settings. Even smaller raised decks can prove hazardous, should anyone take a fall and land badly.

Thankfully, NeoTimber® have created a composite handrail for decking builds that is both beautifully designed and structurally safe. It can be adapted onto a straight decking surface or installed on an angle, making it perfect for horizontal railing and as a bannister for stairs. The composite posts and railing are made from capped composite, which is low maintenance, and retains its colour more effectively, due to the UV inhibitors built into the material. The composite material is only the outer layer, however, and covers a tough, metal framework, that will rigidly hold its position, even when subjected to external pressures, such as high winds.

The composite stair handrail is held into place with metal spindles, and screwed into place to the composite balustrade posts. For more information, we recommend reading our installation guide, as it presents a clear diagram of the entire composite wood handrail system, component by component. We are such firm believers in our balustrade’s long-term strength, that we’ve backed it up with an unbeatable warranty, 25 years for residential builds, and 10 years for commercial projects. To learn more about our warranty, including terms and exclusions, click here.

One of the key advantages of specifying NeoTimber’s composite handrail systems over other alternatives is that they are painstakingly designed to work perfectly in tandem with the rest of our composite range, including our decking, cladding, and fencing. Our composite wood handrail balustrades are available in 5 premium colours, colour matched to the rest of our composite products. These colours include; dark grey and charcoal, deep brown chocolate, earthy teak, and neutral, stone-inspired antique.

You can either choose to match these colours to your existing decking or contrast them entirely by choosing a brand-new colour. We have seen many excellent projects from customers and installers with both options. To see how your chosen colours could look paired with your composite decking boards, you can use our handy digital visualiser, or explore some of our customer case studies to see some finished builds. If you need to see the quality of the material yourself, we recommend ordering our free samples. All you need to do is fill in a quick and easy online form, and we will send your chosen colours straight to your door.