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Pigs ear handrails are an extremely popular handrail option due to their simple appearance, flexibility, and affordability. Pigs ear handrails can be constructed out of various types of wood and are available in a range of sizes and handrail options. One of their primary benefits is that they don’t require brackets to attach to them to wall.
In this guide, we explain the benefits of pigs ear handrails and the types of wood that are available for pigs ear designs. We also explore and discuss what the crucial factors are to consider when choosing pigs ear handrails.
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Read the key benefits of choosing a pigs ear handrail design.
Read the different types of woods you can choose from for pigs ear handrails.
Find out what factors you need to consider when choosing a pigs ear handrail.
Find out more about the different types of wall-mounted handrail designs.
We answer frequently asked questions on choosing pigs ear handrails.
Unlike mopstick handrails, pigs ear handrails don’t require handrail brackets and can conveniently be screwed directly onto the wall. Pigs ear handrails are ideal if you have a particularly narrow staircase. These handrail designs are also available in a large range of woods, meaning that you can find the perfect design to harmonise with your decor and suit your preferences. Offering a different design to round mopstick handrails, they provide a unique option for your stairs and are extremely versatile to suit a range of styles.
With wood styles to suit every taste, pigs ear handrails are available in pine, ash, hemlock, white oak, and dark hardwood.
Pine is a softwood with a close grain that gives it exceptional strength. It is often light beige in colour but can also tend towards shades of yellow in some cases too. Its straight grain is interlaced with attractive knots. Pine is an affordable and low-maintenance timber option that can be stained, painted, or varnished.
Oak is one of the strongest and most durable types of hardwood. It can range from light blonde colour tones to darker brown ones. Its attractive grain is extremely distinctive. Oak stair rails tend to be in the mid-price range and are very low maintenance.
Are you unsure whether to choose oak or pine? Read our guide to oak vs pine handrails.
Ash is a very durable hardwood that has immense strength. Its colour can vary from light beige to darker shades of brown, with an obvious grain running through the wood. While it can be expensive, it has excellent longevity and can be polished or stain to achieve a bespoke finish.
Hemlock is an extremely dense softwood that is a beautiful pale brown colour with a uniform grain and no knots. As a softwood, it is sometimes vulnerable to dents or scratches, but it is a very affordable wood option for a stair handrail.
Find out more about hemlock handrails in our guide Oak vs hemlock handrails.
Dark hardwood is a sustainable alternative to mahogany and has a similar appearance. It is very durable and affordable. You can easily find matching newel posts for your staircase too.
There are several factors to take into consideration when selecting the right pigs ear handrail for your home. Firstly, it is important to identify the correct handrail size that you need. It is important to measure your staircase correctly, so you know exactly which size you require.
Choosing the right wood for your home is also extremely important because a wood handrail should provide the right amount of strength and durability and simultaneously complement the style and decor of your home. If your stairs often experience heavy-duty and frequent usage, choosing a harder and stronger wood is recommended. Colour is also important too. Some woods, such as oak and dark hardwood, are well suited to a classic and traditional style home. Ash and pine can give a house a lighter and more modern aesthetic.
Mopstick handrails can also be wall-mounted and are an attractive alternative to pigs ear handrails. Like pigs ear handrails, mopstick handrails come in a variety of designs and woods. Mopstick handrails tend to be slightly more expensive than pigs ear handrails, and you can also choose between a large range of decorative handrail brackets and end caps. If you are looking for something slightly more decorative than pigs ear handrails, mopstick handrails with attractive brackets may be more ideal.
Read our guide to choosing mopstick handrails here.
Metal wall-mounted designs are another option for wall-mounted handrails for your home. Traditionally, metal handrails have often been wall-mounted on one side and teamed with a glass balustrade on the other to achieve an ultra-modern aesthetic.
There are a variety of useful products to treat your handrail, including:
Wood filler is perfect for filling any tiny imperfections on the surface of your wood handrail and is ready to be used immediately. String veneer can be used to instantly transform the appearance of your existing staircase veneer. Hardwax oil can be used to enhance the natural beauty of your wood.
If your staircase is very narrow, we recommend going for a pigs ear handrail. However, if your staircase is of average size and you are looking for a slightly more decorative option for your stairs, we recommend exploring our mopstick handrails and brackets.
Start by wiping away any dust or grime. You can then use a damp cloth and very gentle detergent to wash down the handrail before allowing it to dry.
A pigs ear handrail can easily be fitted as a DIY task by drilling holes in the wall and affixing the handrail to the wall. If you are unsure about doing this on your own, we recommend contacting a joiner for assistance.
The colour of your handrail is a personal choice. Handrail colours tend to work best when they harmonise with the existing decor of your home.
Oil-based and latex paints tend to be the most popular options for stair paints.
Yes, it is possible to repaint a wooden handrail without sanding beforehand but you will need to use a good quality oil-based primer before doing so.
You can sand and prime a wood handrail before repainting, varnishing, or polishing the rail.
The decision to paint or stain a new handrail is a personal one that will vary according to your individual preferences. Many types of wood can be painted or stained but some people prefer the natural appearance of the wood and simply polish the rail to allow its natural beauty to shine through - the choice is yours!
