Within this guide you will find information on the following:
Your Guide to Base Rails
What is a Base Rail?
The base rail (also known as bottom track) runs up a staircase on the top of the stair string, and continues along the landing where there is one. Spindles or panels are fixed into or onto to the base rail, and it is supported at either end by newel posts.
Types of Base Rail
There are three types of base rail, Grooved, Un-grooved and Glass Grooved.
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Grooved base rails have a groove running through the centre of the rail, this is where spindles can slot into the track. The overall measurement of a baserail remains the same, it is the size of the groove that alters. i.e. a 32mm or 41mm grooved baserail has the same overall dimension. |
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Un-grooved baserails are solid and don’t have a groove. These are best used with metal spindles or glass brackets/ clamps, as they can be screwed directly onto the rail. |
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Glass Grooved base rails - This base rail has a deep channel running the length of the rail which into which a panel of glass may be slotted. |
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Grooved base rails have a groove running through the centre of the rail, this is where spindles can slot into the track. The overall measurement of a baserail remains the same, it is the size of the groove that alters. i.e. a 32mm or 41mm grooved baserail has the same overall dimension. |
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Un-grooved baserails are solid and don’t have a groove. These are best used with metal spindles or glass brackets/ clamps, as they can be screwed directly onto the rail. |
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Glass Grooved base rails - This base rail has a deep channel running the length of the rail which into which a panel of glass may be slotted. |
Fixings and accessories
Glass brackets/clamps come with different sized rubber inserts dependent on this thickness of the glass. i.e you would have 8mm glass clamps for 8mm glass. Brackets/clamps are screwed directly onto an un-grooved base rail.
Grooved base rails come with an infill (also known as filler or spacer) strip. Infill is cut to size and sits between the spindles or glass panel to give the impression that the base rail is solid.
What parts are required to work with Base Rails?
Base rails sit beneath, and support the spindles on a balustrade. The base rail will then be housed in by newel posts at both the top and bottom of the flight of stairs, and where applicable at the end of the landing.
Restoring or replacing a Base Rail
A base rail is arguably the trickiest element of the balustrade to replace. This is because the base rail sits at the bottom of the balustrade, and it is likely that you will need to remove most or all of the other elements to access it.
Once the balustrade has been stripped back to allow access to the base rail, it may be worth considering replacing the spindles or even swapping them for stylish glass panels to create a more contemporary look.
Measuring Guide
Base rails need to be positioned accurately onto the stair string to ensure that the spindles and handrail sit in the right place. Measure the length of your staircase up the angle to determine the length of base rail you will need, you will also need to measure along the landing if applicable.
Base rails are generally sold in set lengths of 1.8mtr, 2.4mtr, 3.6mtr and 4.2mtr lengths. Choose the best length which fits your measurements, you may find that you are able to get both your staircase and landing base rail out of one long length.
If you are not sure as to which length is best for your job please call us on 0114 2721228 and we can advise
Installation
The base rail sits on top of the stair string and can be screwed or nailed into placed. Any screw or nail heads will be hidden once the spindles and infill has been fitted. If you are using a solid base rail, mark where the brackets are going to be fixed and used these as a guide for fixing. Don’t be worried if the base rail you are fitting is wider than your stair string this is perfectly normal.
Style guide
If you are looking to change your base rail, take a look at our style guide for inspiration and staircase design ideas.
You can also shop our walnut base rails and oak base rails ranges here.