Wood railing styles and parts in Calgary
Choosing wood railing styles in Calgary comes down to a handful of parts: the rail, the posts, the caps and the spindles. This guide names them, so you can describe what you like when you text photos.
- Licensed business
- WCB covered
Before a job starts you pick from these on a selection sheet, and I help you decide at the site visit. Not sure yet? Start with photos of your stairs and we will sort the parts out from there.
Rail profiles
The profile is the shape of the handrail under your hand. Each photo shows the cross-section with its dimensions.
, view largerA
1 5/8 in tall, 2 5/8 in wide
Rounded top with a shoulder
, view largerHigh Profile A
, view largerB
Same size as A
Rounded top with a decorative groove
, view largerHigh Profile B
Taller, with grooves and a cove below
, view largerD
Same size as A
Plain rectangle with eased edges
, view largerT
, view larger2x4 New Concept Mission
Found a rail you like?
Text me its letter and a photo of your stairs. The estimate is free.
Posts
Posts anchor the railing at the start of the stairs, at turns and at landings. The Shaker posts are custom.
3 1/2 in posts
, view largerBlank
3 1/2 in
, view largerSingle Flute
3 1/2 in
, view largerTwo Flute
3 1/2 in
, view largerSawcut
3 1/2 in
4 5/8 in Shaker posts (custom)
, view largerShaker 1 Panel
4 5/8 in, custom
, view largerShaker 2 Panel
4 5/8 in, custom
Spindles
Spindles fill the space under the rail. Choose wood, metal or stainless steel.
Wood
All wood spindles are 1 3/4 in.
, view largerBlank
, view largerSingle Flute
, view largerTwo Flute
, view largerSawcut
Metal
, view largerBlank
, view largerSingle Knuckle
, view largerDouble Knuckle
, view largerPlain Basket
, view largerSlimline
, view largerLong Basket
, view largerLadder
1/2 in square
, view largerModern Collar (add-on)
Added to blank spindles, usually every third one
Stainless steel
, view largerBlank
, view largerSingle Collar
Not sure the parts go together?
Send photos of your stairs and I will suggest a combination that suits the house.
Post caps
A cap or sleeve finishes the top of a post, and it sets much of the character of the railing.
, view largerVictorian
, view largerSawcut
, view largerC2
, view largerPlain
, view largerDouble Stack
, view largerTriple Stack
, view largerPost Sleeve (custom)
My own design
Wall brackets
Brackets hold a handrail that is fixed to the wall instead of to posts.
, view largerStandard
, view largerVariant
, view largerModern
, view largerRound Metal
, view largerEuro Square Metal
Wood species and colours
I supply and install wood, metal and glass railings, in new construction and renovations.
Wood species
- Maple
- Oak
- Paint grade
Other species on request.
Powder coating for metal
Raven Black
Spindle Bronze
Oil-Rubbed Bronze
Custom colour
Colours on screen are approximate.
Picked a wood or a colour?
Text photos of your stairs with your choice and I will reply the same working day.
Spindle patterns
Spindles can follow a layout instead of an even run. Here are two examples, and any pattern is possible on request.
2 blank metal spindles, 1 feature, and repeat
3 grouped, a large space, and repeat
How to choose
A railing is a system: posts carry the load, the rail guides your hand, spindles fill the gap, and caps and brackets finish the details. Change one part and the whole stairwell reads differently. Once you know the look, see how I build and install stair railings in Calgary.
Start with the house
A traditional home usually suits a classic profile and a decorated cap. A modern one often suits a plain cap and slimmer spindles.
Think about your hand
The profile is what you grip every day, so it should feel comfortable as well as look right.
Think about cleaning
Detailed spindles and caps collect dust. Simpler shapes wipe clean faster.
Photos beat descriptions, so add any examples you like from other homes when you text your stairs.
Questions about styles and parts
No. Text photosText photos of your stairs first, and we settle profiles, posts and caps at the site visit.
Often. Text photosText photos of the trim and I will tell you how closely the railing can follow it.
Describe what you see or text a phototext a photo. The names on this page are a shortcut, not a test.
Found a style you like?
Text photos of your stairs and the style you have in mind to (403) 813-3039. The estimate is free.
- Licensed business
- WCB covered