A plow in a handrail means that there is a channel cut out of the underside of the handrail, this plow allows a place for the balusters
Baluster
A baluster— also called spindle or stair stick—is a moulded shaft, square or of lathe-turned form, a form cut from a rectangular or square plank, one of various forms of spindle in woodwork, made of stone or wood and sometimes of metal, standing on a unifying footing, and supporting the coping …
What is a plowed handrail?
What is a plowed handrail? This is a frequently asked question regarding stair parts and stair installation. The answer is simple; many wood handrails are manufactured with a channel removed on the bottom side.
What size plow do I need for a stair handrail?
The stair handrail is ordered with the correct plow to match the exact width of the balusters being used, typically 1 ¼” wide or 1 ¾” wide although custom sized plowed handrail is available.
Do You need A Plowed handrail for balusters?
Be sure you have also selected the type of balusters you need. Depending on the style of balusters you choose, you may require a “plowed” handrail for proper installation. What is Plowed Handrail? Plowed handrail is a standard handrail constructed with a special groove cut into the bottom.
Does a shoerail need a plow?
A shoerail may need a plow if it is accommodating square-based wood balusters, so that the baluster can sit down into the shoerail itself. This provides room to attach the baluster during installation, to be followed with fillet.
What are the parts of a handrail called?
Parts of a Railing SystemBaluster. A baluster is a short and decorative post, pillar, or column in a series that supports the top rail. ... Balustrade. A balustrade is a railing supported by a series of balusters. ... Bottom Rail. ... Guardrail. ... Hinge. ... Landing. ... Lattice. ... Newel Posts.More items...•
What is the purpose of a fillet on a handrail?
What is a fillet on a handrail? A fillet (or in-fill) is a small piece of wood that's inserted into the underside of a grooved handrail between the spindles. The purpose of the fillets is to conceal the top of the spindles, whilst giving the appearance that there is no groove on the handrail.
What are the 4 main parts of a railing?
BalustradeSpindles—the vertical supports that sit between a handrail and base rail. Also known as a balustrade. ... Base rail—sits on top of the string or along a landing. ... Handrail—a rail that sits on top of the baluster/spindles. ... Newel post—the vertical post that supports the handrail at the top and bottom of the stairs.
How do you install a plowed shoe rail?
0:091:356006 Shoerail Plowed & No Plow - by Stair Supplies - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt is meant to receive iron balusters and you do that by drilling holes into the top of the piece toMoreIt is meant to receive iron balusters and you do that by drilling holes into the top of the piece to put in your iron bowels again it's a piece of shoe rail.
What is a stair shoe?
Shoe plates, also called shoe rails or landing tread, are the horizontal piece that sits on the floor into which the balusters and posts are attached. They are often the linear continuation of the false tread caps running up the sides of a staircase.
Where should a handrail start and end?
The railing must be continuous, starting at the nosing of the upper landing and extending at a minimum to the nosing of the lowest step or “riser”. For optimal safety, whenever possible the handrail should run the entire length of the Nosing Line.
What is the end piece of a railing called?
Newel post: what is a newel post? A newel post is the heavy, vertical post at the end or turn of a handrail.
What are the spikes on railings called?
Railing Head/ Finial These are the crowning glory of a railing run.
What are the spindles on a railing called?
Balusters are the closely spaced supports used to hold up a waist-high handrail, safely containing people inside a staircase or patio deck. They are practical and decorative, providing style and support to the rail system. Balusters are attached to either the floor or secondary support called a base rail.
How do I secure my handrail balusters?
1:001:51Square Top Balusters on Open Tread Stair Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace the balusters pin in the hole. And swing the balusters top into position in the hand rail plowMorePlace the balusters pin in the hole. And swing the balusters top into position in the hand rail plow. Using a level plumb the balusters and secure the top to the hand rail using finished nails.
How are stair railings attached?
3:054:28Installing Stair Rails - Menards - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen in the hand rail drill a pilot hole for the bolt. And a larger hole for the nut. Apply glue andMoreThen in the hand rail drill a pilot hole for the bolt. And a larger hole for the nut. Apply glue and slide the rail onto the bolt. And tighten the nut attach the handrail at the top with finishing.
How tall should newel post be?
International Codes Designs for newel posts are governed by the International Residential Code (IRC), which says handrail heights must be between 34 and 38 inches.
How to make a newel post base?
Introduction. Cut the Balusters. Determine the Radius. Look at the existing newel post base as a model to make a new one. Cut the Tread. To fit the bottom tread on the newel post base, position the newly cut tread in place. Secure the Biscuits. Attach the Handrail.
What is a shoerail?
Beside above, what is a Shoerail? Shoerailis plowed bottom rail of a balustrade system into which the bottoms of wood balusters fit. These products are available in 14 standard and custom wood species, and additional species can be quoted.
What is a plowed handrail?
Plowed handrailis a standard handrailconstructed with a special groove cut into the bottom. This “plowed” area allows a space for square-top wood balusters to securely connect to the handrail.
How high should a stair rail be?
Proper Height A stair rail must be between 34 and 38 inches above the top of the stair tread at all times to meet United States building code requirements.
How many inches does a stair rail need to be?
Answer: Section 1926.1052 (Stairways) states: Under these provisions, while construction work is being performed, a separate handrailmust be provided if the top railof a stairwaysystem exceeds 37 inches. Since the top railyou refer to is 42 inches, a separate stair railwould be required.
How are handrails attached to newels?
Handrails are attached to newels using screws, nails or rail bolts. Generally, these rail systems are easier to assemble and can be less expensive when used with common newel posts. There are two basic types of handrail systems. The type of newel posts you choose will determine your handrail style.
What is Plowed Handrail?
Plowed handrail is a standard handrail constructed with a special groove cut into the bottom. This “plowed” area allows a space for square-top wood balusters to securely connect to the handrail. During installation, these balusters will be attached within this plowed groove to disguise any mounting materials, resulting in a clean, professional-quality finish.
What sizes are available?
Square top and bottom wood balusters come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1” – 1 ¾”. Each part of your order will match the width of the wood baluster top and base you select. For example, if you are ordering wood balusters with a 1 ½” square top, be sure to have your handrail and shoerail plowed to match at 1 ½”. Fillet should also be this same 1 ½” size. When all of these pieces come together, you will have a picture-perfect stairway.
What size are balusters?
Square top and bottom wood balusters come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1” – 1 ¾”. Each part of your order will match the width of the wood baluster top and base you select. For example, if you are ordering wood balusters with a 1 ½” square top, be sure to have your handrail and shoerail plowed to match at 1 ½”.
What is a shoerail?
Plowed Shoerail. Shoerail is used to secure the bottom of your balusters to the floor or rake of the stairs. A shoerail may need a plow if it is accommodating square-based wood balusters, so that the baluster can sit down into the shoerail itself.
Do you need a plowed handrail for stairway?
When you decide on a handrail style, you may feel the urge to order it right away…. But wait! Be sure you have also selected the type of balusters you need. Depending on the style of balusters you choose, you may require a “plowed” handrail for proper installation.
What is a plowed handrail?
Plowed handrail is a standard handrail constructed with a special groove cut into the bottom. This “plowed” area allows a space for square-top wood balusters to securely connect to the handrail.
How many inches does a stair rail have to be?
Answer: Section 1926.1052 (Stairways) states: Under these provisions, while construction work is being performed, a separate handrail must be provided if the top rail of a stairway system exceeds 37 inches. Since the top rail you refer to is 42 inches, a separate stair rail would be required.
What is a square top baluster?
Square top wood balusters are generally installed using a plowed handrail with fillet system. Plowed handrail installation with fillet and square top wood balusters is a relatively easy method that makes assembly simple with a little skill and the right stair installation tools.
What is a straight handrail?
A handrail plow is basically a channel cut out of the bottom of the handrail and the top of the shoe rail that is the exact width of the stair balusters (or spindles) being used.
Where are wood fillets placed in a plow?
The fillet fills in the plow in between the balusters in the handrail and shoe rail and covers the nail holes.
Can balusters be screwed to a stringer?
If the stringer is closed then the balusters can either be screwed to the stringer or finish shoe plate with a plug in the face and then the handrail placed on top and the fillet added afterwards to secure and fill the plow.
Can you use a shoe rail with a plow?
Or a shoe rail with a plow can also be used and the newel post, handrail, and shoe rail are set first and then the balusters are secured in place with fillet in between. As I mentioned this is a fairly easy method of balustrade installation that creates a very strong and durable system.
Product Overview
Plowed handrail is designed to accept the square tops of wood balusters. These rails also add strength, beauty and elegance to your stair. Our plowed wood handrails are made from the finest selection of hardwoods. Use matching handrail fittings to allow your handrail to climb, turn, ascend, or terminate in a graceful manner.
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