Fitting Vertical Turns For Continuous Handrails

The best method for installing the vertical turn system is to draw out all the details in full size, of a side elevation onto an 8'x4' of sheet material or similar (the wall accommodating the wall string is ideal).

side elevation
 

Mark out all the details including the handrail position/height above pitch line, the newel positions, the tread and the riser details. This will give you a solid foundation in establishing lengths, angles of cuts and newel post heights.

During assembly it is good practice to lay the overlong handrail lengths with fittings attached to the stairs, resting on the staircase nosings and also, using an extra pair of hands, assemble to the side of newel posts, checking that the angle of cuts to ramps and lengths of the vertical turn are correct.

Example of using end nosings
 

All handrail fittings and ramps are joined to handrails and each other using dowel screws.

dowel section

Dowel section 3D view

Up-Ramps and Down Ramps.

Down Ramp

Up Ramp

   

Handrail fittings/ramps are used to change the direction/pitch of handrails.

These ramps (up-ramps and down-ramps) are supplied overlong to suit the majority of staircase pitches and will need to be cut down to suit individual requirements.

To mark and cut the angles of ramps use a pitch board which is a triangular piece of plywood with the sides the same rise, going and pitch as a single step of the stairs.

 

Rake, Rise and One Going

Place the handrail fitting and pitch board onto a flat surface and offer the pitch board to the underside of the handrail fitting/ramp.

At the centre where the hypotenuse of the pitch board touches the ramp mark with a pencil "x".

 
Pitch Board Marked with X

Reverse the pitch board and align the marked point "x" on the handrail with the B-C axis. Scribe a pencil line onto the handrail fitting to give the angle of cut.

VT Vertical Turn.

 
Vertical Turn Installation
 

The overall length of the vertical arm of the vertical turn is 475mm.

This is usually longer than required when used with the continuous handrail system and will need to be cut down to suit.

 
Vertical Turn
 

Using the full-size side elevation previously discussed, screw baton onto a piece of ply at exactly 90°, establish the length of the vertical turn and angle of cut of up-ramp required.

Mark the up-ramp for joining the pitching handrail using the pitch board.

 
Vertical Turn - Baton 1
 

You should note it is not necessary to cut both faces of the up-ramp when used at the top and bottom of the stairs.

The face to be cut is the one adjoining the handrail length.

 
Cut Face of adjoining staircase handrail
 

Rake Handrail Height.

Please Note - when on-site the rake handrail height is not taken from the tread upwards.

incorrect rake handrail height

The rake handrail height (of a minimum of 900mm) is taken from the end of the nosing to the top of the handrail.

correct rake handrail height

Please Note: The continual handrail system can be used around landings see below

continual handrail system used around landings.

But Pear Stairs do not recommend the use of continual handrail at points on the staircase that have extra risers, e.g. winder flights, as the stability of the vertical turn cannot be guaranteed due to the extended length required.

The use of intermediate posts must be used in conjunction with the continuous handrail see below:

intermeadiate posts used in conjunction with continuous handrail

Horizontal and Straight Caps.

 

The horizontal cap turn is used where the staircase turns through 90° (e.g. quarter landings).

horizontal cap turn used where staircase turns through 90 degrees
 
and 180° (half-landings).
 
horizontal cap used on 180 degree half landings

Use the full-size side elevation, drawn on your ply, to establish cuts and lengths where the horizontal cap is used with a vertical turn, the overall reach of the two components when joined together should ensure that there is a maximum gap of 99mm.

This 99mm isthe U.K. Regulation (Staircase Handrails)

This 99mm maximum is U.K. regulation, this is why it is important to set out the above drawing on a piece of ply, this will also ensure that your last spindle on the rake baluster will also fit.

Straight Caps.

The straight cap is used over the top of a continuous handrail newel with horizontal balustrading.

Please Note - that for strength you should not exceed 2400mm between continuous handrail newels.
 
straight caps within continuous handrail should not exceed 2400mm
 

Pear Stairs sell staircases and stair parts for continuous handrails with vertical turns, should you require further information, don't hesitate to phone us. We are a very friendly company, phone Pear Stairs on 01938 553311.