Feature Tread, Handrail Separation.
The Feature tread is as it says, “A feature tread” to enhance this, the handrail will traditionally have a feature end to it, set over the feature tread itself.
Many times there will be a flight to the lower ground floors, the way to keep the step as the main point of visual impact, is to divorce the handrail from the lower flights.
This is not a problem on flights without a stairwell on the main floor leading to the lower floors; as the lower handrail will terminate under the stringer of the flight above.
When you have a stairwell the situation is different in that there is no natural termination to the lower handrail. Here we show you a few ideas of how to separate the two runs of handrail.
Monkey’s tail with opening cap set behind.
This is one way of starting the new run of handrail behind the feature tread.
This gives the new run a lesser feature than the main feature but shows the termination off.
This can be finished over the spindles or a less significant newel than the one used on the feature tread works nicely.
When using spindles alone, a handrail brace between the stairs and the underside of the handrail is generally required, to give the strength to stop the handrail helpng prevent lateral movement.
Monkey’s tail with Ram’s horn set behind.
The Ram’s horn termination set behind the Monkey’s tail gives a more detailed finish to the lower run of handrail.
This works well when you have a larger hall area; with the room to view this from the side.
The Ram’s horm may be set over a newel or a spindle to support it. This will generally need a handrail brace to tie it into the main flight and stop lateral movement.
Downloads.
Monkeys-Tail-Rams-Horn.pdf Membership Required: ProfessionalMonkey’s tail with Flat 90º bend set behind.
This works well when you have a larger stairwell and the handrail needs to turn back in towards the main flight; to close of the space at the end of the lower handrail run. This would normally be terminated with a profiled end, close to the spindles.
This may or may not need a handrail brace for stability dependant on the return length towards the main flight.
Downloads.
3D pdf
Monkeys-Tail-Flat-90º-Bend.pdf Membership Required: ProfessionalMonkey’s tail with Profiled End set behind.
The profiled end is a nice clean and simple way of terminating the lower run of handrail.
This does not detract from the main feature.
The profiled end may be either square cut at the end or have a semi-circular finish with the profile rolling round the end.
Downloads.
3D pdf
Monkeys-tail-Profiled-end.pdf Membership Required: Professional