How does a hand rail work and what are its types? Let’s have a comparison!

A hand rail – what is it?

Let us start with a basic definition. What exactly is a hand rail? Simply speaking, it is the piece that serves as a handle for opening and closing the door. It is an alternative to a traditional handle. Unlike the handle, which is connected to the lock mechanism, the hand rail serves only to pull or slide the door. It is most commonly used for entrance and patio doors. It features a simple, elongated form that is easily grasped by hand.

There is no denying that the handle (also called the doorknob) is one of the key elements of the door. which is why it should be ergonomic and provide a comfortable grip without excessive effort. Hand rails are particularly recommended for the elderly and people with reduced mobility. They especially need a stable and secure grip, and this is something that hand rails offer to a much greater extent than traditional handles.

And what about the aesthetic side? A hand rail should create a visually coherent whole with the door (and the entire interior or building). The various models of hand rails available on the market can be adapted to suit a variety of architectural trends, but they are probably most commonly found in modern and minimalist buildings.

How does a hand rail work?

Unlike a classic door handle, a hand rail usually requires no turning or “pressing” – all you need to do is pull it in the right direction to open the door leaf. This is particularly convenient for external doors, which often feature automatically closing hand rails. This is essential for keeping your home safe – you don’t have to worry about whether the door has been closed properly and whether any “uninvited guest” will get in.

Hand rail – what materials should you choose?

Hand rails are manufactured from a variety of materials, but let’s focus on the most popular ones.    

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is a popular choice for its high durability and corrosion resistance. Hand rails made of stainless steel are chosen for:

• external doors,      
• patio doors,    
• rooms with high humidity, such as bathrooms and toilets.

Hand rails are available in a variety of finishes: from glossy to matt. Choose the type that best suits your preferences and the character of your interior.

Brass

A noble material that lends an elegant touch to hand rails. Brass hand rails are often patinated (aged) to emphasise their luxurious character. They are a perfect match for classic and retro interiors.

Wood

The types of wood that are most commonly chosen for wooden had rails are exotic woods such as teak or mahogany, which are highly durable and resistant to moisture. They can be varnished or left with a natural finish, enabling a variety of design options. Wooden hand rails match rustic-style interiors. 

Aluminium

Aluminium joinery is a solution valued not only by architects but also by users.

The metal is exceptionally lightweight, strong and, given its environmentally friendly parameters (aluminium production has a very low carbon footprint), suitable for use in sustainable construction. In addition, it is remarkably user-friendly and corrosion-resistant, so it retains its aesthetic appearance for years with no need for maintenance.

Aluminium hand rails are also a perfect match for minimalist or industrial design while adding a new dimension of functionality and setting standards that are hard to achieve with other materials.

A wide range of fittings offered by Aluprof

When choosing a door hand rail, you need to consider not only functionality, but also aesthetic qualities and safety issues. Aluprof offers a wide range of models, so you can find the perfect hand rail to suit your needs .                                    

Looking for the perfect hand rails for your house? Check out our portfolio: https://aluprof.com/en/individual-clients/offer/handles-and-fittings or contact our experts for advice on choosing the right model: https://aluprof.com/en/contact.