How to fit a mopstick wall mounted handrail | What accessories do you need?
Mopstick and pig's ear handrails are incredibly versatile and stylish features for any home. Additionally, both mopstick and pig's ear handrails are easy to install, and they come in a variety of styles and colours to match any décor.
In this article, we look at what they are used for, how mopstick and pig's ear handrails compare to one another, and how to fit them safely (with a look at when it's necessary to call in the experts) We also give special emphasis to how handrails should be chosen and how to care for them.
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Discover the benefits of mopstick handrails, and the accessories that can be used alongside them.
In terms of design, fitting and materials how do mopstick handrails compare to pig’s ear variations?
Find out more about the different elements and measurements involved in fitting a mopstick handrail.
Have a budget or size in mind? Find out how to choose the very best mopstick handrail for you.
Tips and tricks on how to care for your mopstick handrail to improve its quality and durability.
Explore the reasons why you should buy your new mopstick handrail from Jacksons Woodturners today.
What are mopstick handrails used for?
Mopstick handrails, available in pine, timber and hardwood, are a great way to add some extra functionality and style to your home. They can be mounted onto a wall very easily, with their sturdiness and durability ensuring that they stay put - even in the busiest of households. There is a lot of flexibility in terms of the different types of decorative accessories you can use. For example, you can add on:
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Handrail brackets - These are used to attach the handrail to the wall, and come in a range of timeless designs. For example, the Immix Wall Mounted Handrail Bracket adds a modern sleekness.
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- It is a part of the Richard Burbidge contemporary collection, providing a modern finish to your home
- It is in a gun metal finish, providing a strong and sturdy support for your wall-mounter handrail
- It fits in conjunction with the Immix handrail.
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Handrail end caps help to provide a finished look whilst also preventing the handrail from chipping or splintering. For example, the Fusion Handrail End Cap 54mm Diameter in Brushed Nickel adds quirkiness.
- This end cap is another great option for anyone looking for modern interior décor
- They go perfectly with mopstick handrails
- They come with a sleek, matt finish.
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Handrail wall patrices add an extra level of support and can be used to create a custom look for your staircase. For example, the White Coated Wall Bracket is a standout feature.
- They provide strong support when attaching a handrail to the wall.
- They provide a more modern finish
You can shop now and view our full collection of wall mounted handrail parts here.
How do mopstick handrails compare to pig's ear handrails?
Mopstick handrails and pig's ear handrails are two completely different designs that vary according to how they're fitted, their aesthetic value, the materials that they're available in and their practicality.
Design
Mopstick handrails are a good choice if you want a sleek, modern look, whilst pig's ear handrails are a good choice if you want a more traditional, rustic look.
Fitting
Both mopstick and pig’s ear handrails are both fitted onto the wall, but in different ways. Mopstick handrails require brackets and patrices that work with the handrail to attach to the wall. Pig’s ear handrails are much easier to install, as they simply require screws.
You can find more information on our spacing and configuration advice page here.
Aesthetic
Mopstick handrails are slender and have a smoother, more uniform appearance than pig's ear handrails. They're often used in contemporary designs where a streamlined look is desired and can often be painted or stained to greater match your vibe. Pig's ear handrails, meanwhile, are more rustic in their appearance and often add visual interest to a space with their unique shape.
Materials
There are various options of woods to choose from for each type of wall-mounted handrail. Stronger wood types that are available for both pig’s ear and mopstick handrails include oak and hemlock. Hemlock’s uniform density means it does not split or break when worked with, and is stronger than many other hardwoods. Pine is another popular option for both types of wall-mounted handrails. Described as a knotty timber, it can be painted and varnished with ease.
Other material options for pig’s ear handrails include dark hardwood and ash. For mopstick handrails, you have the options of ash, dark hardwood, hemlock, pine, walnut, white oak, and white primed wood.
Practicality
The differences in practicality lie in the fact that pig’s ear handrails can be attached directly to the wall. Pig’s ear handrails are also more ideal if you have a narrow staircase.
Visit us here to shop now and discover more about our mopstick and pig's ear handrails.
Fitting a mopstick wall mounted handrail
Wall mounted handrails share the same height regulations as other types of handrails, which is a minimum height of 900mm.
How you fit your handrail to the wall bracket all depends on the wall bracket you choose. Brackets like this wall-mounted chrome option below allow the mopstick handrail to slide into it easily before being attached to the wall. Others, such as this brushed nickel wall bracket, will need to be screwed into both the handrail and the wall patrice.
Using a wall patrice
Wall patrices are circular wooden discs that are attached to the wall. Depending on how long your staircase is, there are usually around four wall brackets, which will then attach to the patrice. Your mopstick handrail will then attach to the wall brackets.
When to seek expert help
If you've never fitted a wall mounted handrail before, it's best to seek expert help. This is especially true if the wall surface isn't completely flat, as you'll need to make sure the handrail is level and secure.
Where to fit the handrail from
It is important to fit your handrail in the correct position to ensure it is in the most optimal height for your staircase. You should measure the length of your staircase to determine the exact length of handrail that you’ll need. You can find out more in our handrails guide here.
How do you choose the right mopstick handrail?
When choosing the right mopstick handrail, you must also consider the following:
Size
The size of a handrail depends on the length of your staircase. You can read our full guide to staircase handrails for more information.
Material and budget
Different wood types have their own pros and cons to consider. Cost, aesthetic and style all influence your final decision, so it’s important to get all the information that you need first.
Oak is often a more expensive option than other types of wood such as ash, however it is incredibly resistant to wear and tear. It is considered one of the more attractive woods available, and is darker in colour. It is dense and durable, making it the perfect choice for a handrail.
Dark hardwood is another popular option for wall mounted handrails, as you can see the grain a lot more clearly than in lighter woods. It works perfectly with a variety of different interior styles, and provides a classic finish.
If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, pine and hemlock are great choices that won’t compromise style despite their cheaper price.
You can view our full range of woods available here.
Handrail accessories
When purchasing a handrail, it's important to consider the available accessories. For a mopstick handrail, one of the most important accessories is an end cap. This is because they protect the ends of the handrail and can help to provide a decorative touch. Popular end cap materials include brass, nickel and chrome.
You can view our full range of end caps here.
Caring for your mopstick handrail
We recommend using a wood varnish to maintain your mopstick handrail. Simply coat the handrail with a generous helping so that the pores can soak it up. This is an important maintenance step as it reduces cases of rotting.
There are various ways in which you can look after your new handrail to prevent damage. This Treatex Clear Hardwax Oil ultra-gloss is designed to protect and enhance your wood by establishing a durable and attractive finish.
Benefits of buying your handrails from Jacksons
As renowned experts in the field, there are several benefits associated with purchasing your brand new mopstick handrail through us. For example, we offer our customers:
Exceptional customer service
At Jackson Woodturners, our team aims to offer you a service that goes above and beyond when helping you pick out your new mopstick handrail. This could be either in person at one of our showrooms or when browsing through our specially crafted brochures. Although, if you have any additional questions, feel free to contact a member of our team on 0114 272 1228.
A large range of materials and styles
There's no 'one fits all' solution when it comes to choosing your ideal mopstick handrail. Your house is your home, and you want every inch of it to both look and feel the part - whether this is a pig's ear handrail or a mopstick handrail. This is why at Jackson Woodturners we offer a variety of different materials and styles - ranging from oak to chrome - so that you don't have to compromise.
Competitive prices
At Jackson Woodturners, we also offer you competitive prices on all of our products. For example, we endeavour to beat any like-for-like quote on all stair parts (including mopstick and pigs' ear handrails) so that you don't have to compromise on your dream home.
Bespoke stair parts
Whether you're shopping online or via one of our showrooms, our bespoke stair parts are ready and waiting to be the finishing touches to your brand-new handrail. This includes art deco designed brackets or sleekly modern end caps, we've got it all!
Contact us today for more information.