Handrail convention?

Central stairway, walls both sides...Mines on the left going down.

Put one on either side, for versatility.

I'm about to put handrails either side of an enclosed staircase, though admittedly this is a special case since it's one of those "spacesaver" stairs, with half-steps (

Bert

In message , Frank Erskine writes

That's what we've done - amazing what a difference it makes as the years advance.

Frank Erskine :

ITYM put one on *each* side. :-)

The house in which I lived as a kid about 60 years ago had walls both sides of the staircase, with the rail on the left when going up.

If you're right-handed, this means that you can carry a heavy suitcase in your right hand when going up - whilst steadying yourself with your left hand on the rail. Not quite so good when coming down!

I don't think it really matters - each has advantages and disadvantages. It's often dictated by the structure anyway - because it's not that common to have walls both sides.

I'd fit it to the left going down - as I have done. If you're carrying something in your right hand, all the left has to do is run along the handrail.

Pedant!

I'd agree with this, especially for when old age kicks in.

Well I'm currently nursing a smashed humerus in my left (non-drinking!) arm. When I'm sober I don't need a handrail, but I can see where dual handrails could be of considerable use in differing circumstances.

Any handrail (or none) must be better than the idea of a Stannah...:-)

My mother had a stairlift, they're fine if you keep a calendar/diary of when you need to pee. Even worse with us blokes and prostates.

Ours is a shade over 60 years old and has never had handrails fitted. To tie in with the "Women and DIY" thread, I've had new oak rails sitting in the basement for well over a year now, waiting for me to get the tuits together and fit them :-)

That's what he's asking - but which side? I've got one on each side - much better.

Frank Erskine :

Guilty.

Things seem to come in phases and currently I'm being besieged by nonsense of the USE BOTH DOORS variety.

Not to mention all those "naked pictures" in the news.

In message , brass monkey writes

And additions to the family who need to be carried safely both up and down.

regards

In message , Bert Coules writes

I have just had some exposure to one of those. (holiday cottage). Too narrow for more than one hand rail. I had to come down backwards.

regards

unlerss you are carrying something w yr right hand?

Jim K

That's one of the things a council does when providing facilities for the infirm.

I do have another rail, salvaged from elsewhere, I've been meaning to fit on the other side. Round tuit, it is.