A curved staircase is one of the most beautiful features a home can have, and the handrail is what makes it graceful. Building a curved handrail is one of the most skilled jobs in finish carpentry. Here is how it is done.
1. Following the curve of the stair
Every curved stair is unique. The rail must follow both the radius of the stair and its rise, so it bends in two directions at once.
2. Lamination
The rail is built from thin strips of hardwood glued together and clamped along the curve of the stair, using dozens of clamps. Once the glue cures, the strips become one solid, curved piece that holds its shape.
3. Shaping the profile
The laminated blank is then shaped to the final handrail profile and sanded until the transitions are smooth to the hand.
4. Joining and installing
Curved sections are joined to straight rails, easings and newel posts with hidden rail bolts, then balusters are fitted to the rail at the correct angle.
Why it matters
A curved rail that is shaped well feels effortless to use and looks like a single flowing line. Oliver Pro Woodwork builds curved and custom stair railings throughout the Denver metro.
Related service: Custom Staircases & Railings in Denver.
