Wall-mounted handrails are not only a functional necessity but also a statement feature in any home. Whether you're renovating, building new, or simply updating your stairs, choosing and installing the right handrail ensures safety and adds style. Here’s how to measure the correct handrail length for your staircase and why it matters.
Why Are Handrails Important – and When Are They Required?
Handrails offer essential support, stability, and protection—especially for children, the elderly, and anyone with mobility needs. More than just helpful, handrails are a legal requirement in many domestic and commercial staircases. According to UK Building Regulations Part K:
- If stairs are less than 1 metre wide, a handrail is required on at least one side.
- If stairs are over 1 metre wide, handrails are required on both sides.
Handrails help prevent falls, increase user confidence, and can even serve as a striking design feature in your space.
How to Measure the Length of a Wall-Mounted Handrail
There are two common and effective methods:
1. Measuring Nose to Nose (Standard Method)
- Use a tape measure to go from the nosing (edge) of the bottom stair to the nosing of the top stair.
- This gives you the minimum required length of your handrail for safe and compliant coverage.
2. Measuring by Desired Holding Height (Tailored Method)
For a more user-focused installation:
- Stand at the bottom of the stairs and determine where you'd naturally start to hold a handrail.
- Measure vertically from the stair tread up to the wall (this should be between 900mm and 1000mm as per UK Building Regulations).
- Extend the tape along that height following the angle of the stairs.
- Repeat the process from the top of the stairs, imagining where your hand would start to reach for the rail on the way down.
- This method ensures your rail feels natural to use and follows your movement.
- Tip: Mark your chosen heights with masking tape or get help from another person for accuracy.
Our Handrails – Unique & Ready to Install
What makes our handrails stand out?
- Two distinctive styles:
- Irregular Design: Hand carved irregular dips on the edges, perfect for homes that embrace character and individuality.
- Smooth Design: Uniform and sleek, ideal for modern, minimalist interiors.
- Hand-finished and sanded with care.
- 12 beautiful wood dye options, or choose any wood-safe paint—including the full range of Farrow & Ball Modern Eggshell finishes for a durable, stylish result.
- No extra decorating required – they arrive ready to install.
- A range of profile shapes and thicknesses available.
- Custom lengths up to 5 metres – no need to join smaller pieces or pay for finishing.
👉 Browse Our Handrail Collection
👉View & Order Colour Samples
Height Requirements – What You Need to Know
As per UK Building Regulations Part K:
- Handrails must be installed at a height of 900mm to 1000mm measured from the pitch line of the staircase or the floor level on landings.
- Applies to both residential and commercial settings.
Bracket Spacing & Installation Tips
- Brackets must be spaced no more than 1000mm apart.
- We supply all screws needed to attach the brackets to the handrail.
- Always secure brackets into solid wall structures or studs, using fixings suitable for your wall type (e.g., masonry plugs, plasterboard anchors).
Choosing the Right Handrail for Your Space
Consider the following when selecting your handrail:
- Style: Rustic or modern?
- Width of your staircase: Determines whether one or two rails are required.
- Accurate measurements: Ensure a seamless fit.
- Finishing needs: Pre-finished rails save you time and money.
- Painted options: We offer finishes in the full range of Farrow & Ball Modern Eggshell.
Customer Gallery – Real Homes, Real Installations
We love seeing our handrails in your homes! Here's a showcase of our popular irregular stunning handrail installations shared by our happy customers:
👉 Want to be featured? Share your installation by tagging us on Instagram or sending photos to our team. We may feature your stairs on our website or social media!
Need Help Measuring?
📏 Still unsure about how to measure your staircase? Contact Us Below:
📧 Email: info@craftedwooduk.com
📞 Phone: 02036732352
📸 Instagram: @craftedwooduk