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Solid Brass Stair Rail Brackets – Designs For The Home Or Business

A stair railing is important in any multi level home, office or business because it provides added safety when climbing stairs. Stair railing needs to be able to support weight and improper support from railing can lead to breaking rails and injuries. This is a helpful guide for choosing and installing and new rail brackets for the home.   

Quantity 

            The number of brackets needed is really dependent on the overall length of the railing. Brackets need to be installed directly into wall studs to function properly. If you are installing new railing and there are no pre-existing brackets as a guide, mark the studs along the wall behind the railing (most standard studs are 16 inches center spaced). It will not be necessary to install a bracket on each stud but it will provide a guide on where brackets can be easily installed. If no stud is available in a critical location a metal anchor can be used. 

Where to Install 

            A bracket should be installed near the top and bottom of the railing initially to hold the railing. Brackets must be installed in the center of the stud to ensure proper mounting and attachment. Drill guide (sometimes referred to as "pilot") holes before installation to prevent accidently stripping or breaking the screw head during bracket installation.

Quality of Materials 

            A solid material such as brass or iron is best for any wall mounted fixture that may be expected to carry a large amount of weight. A stair railing is not merely for decoration – it is installed for safety and in the event of someone tripping on the steps the railing cannot become detached from the wall because of faulty installation or weak building materials. Brackets (when properly installed) should be able to hold the railing without bending or snapping. Search for solid (not just plated) metals.

Design 

            Just because something is installed for a practical reason does not mean it cannot be utilized as an element of design in the home or business as well. There are many simple stair rail brackets available or (if you prefer) they are also available with ornate Victorian designs and patterns. Solid brass brackets offer a flexibility of design without compromising on strength. Choose a style that reflects the personality and style of your home. 

                      

Looking Ahead in Hardware

            There are many areas of home hardware that can be replaced as they become old and worn over time – such as hinges, door knob sets and window hardware. Search your home for hardware that is no longer functioning smoothly, has become dented or scratched or is perhaps is already broken. It is important to maintain your home hardware to prevent accidents and show how much you truly care about your home.

Check out LookInTheAttic & Company for more great hardware tips and advice.

About the Author

Kohn Coleman born in Michigan - received his Ph.D. from Iowa State University in 2000 - currently leads several online companies and ventures.

Is there any way to tell if an item is solid brass before purchasing it?

If so, how?

Yes... hold a magnet to it.
Brass, like gold is not magnetic.

If the magnet sticks then it's brass-plated over some other ferrous metal.

Ercolina CE40 bending Solid Brass and Steel Coils_Visit www.ercolina-usa.com

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 at 10:28 pm and is filed under collectibles clocks. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.