Walnut Handrail for Staircases: Timeless Classic or Overrated Solution?
Are you considering building a staircase from scratch? If so, there are dozens of important questions you need to consider in the near future. A little spoiler: you will have to make many important decisions that will determine the appearance of your future staircase. For example, one of the important questions is which handrail to choose? There are many options on the market, including metal, glass and wooden balustrades.
There are also different types of wood to choose from, such as cherry, oak, pine and many others. However, one of the most popular solutions is to use selected pieces of walnut to make handrails. And there is a good reason for this! In this article, we would like to tell you more about what a walnut staircase handrail is and what its strengths are. This article will help you decide on the material for your handrail!
Briefly About Walnut Handrails for Staircases and Their Advantages
When exploring the V.PSTAIRS portfolio, you will find many projects that use walnut wood. What a coincidence! Actually, we are joking, because walnut wood has many advantages over other materials used to make handrails. Here are the most important ones:
- Aesthetic value. Walnut wood boasts deep brown hues and complex grain patterns. It makes each handrail visually unique and naturally elegant.
- Durability. It’s no secret that walnut is a dense hardwood with excellent wear resistance. It stands up well to daily use, scratches, and minor impacts, making it a smart long-term investment.
- Versatility. Obviously, walnut handrails can be stained, polished, or left natural. This flexibility allows for easy customisation to match surrounding materials and design preferences.
Walnut staircase handrails have long been associated with timeless elegance and architectural sophistication. People choose walnut staircase handrails for both their looks and their lasting quality.
What Should You Consider Before Making Your Choice?
Some sceptics often argue that using wood in staircases is not the best solution because this material is not durable. This is a misconception, as wood can last longer than even metal structures. If you want to learn more about common myths about staircases, read our article. Next, we would like to tell you about the main points to consider if you are considering a walnut handrail for your staircase.
Before investing in a walnut staircase handrail, it’s important to weigh certain practical factors. Cost is a major issue. Walnut is a premium hardwood, often priced higher than alternatives like oak or ash. Maintenance is another point to think about. Although durable, walnut benefits from regular dusting and occasional oiling or polishing to retain its finish and prevent dullness over time.
The Process of Creating the Perfect Walnut Handrail by V.PSTAIRS
It is no secret that there are many solutions for handrails and balustrades in general. Many people choose custom balustrade coverings made of natural leather, electroplated coating or even pure 24-carat gold. However, a timeless and always relevant solution is to use durable walnut wood for handrails. A successful result requires the right professional approach and experience from the specialists involved. That is why we would like to briefly share the process of creating the perfect walnut handrail that we adhere to at V.PSTAIRS. This is what sets us apart from the rest!
1. Choosing a Piece of Wood
The creation of every walnut handrail at V.PSTAIRS begins with the careful selection of raw timber. What is worth considering? Walnut is known for its striking contrast between light and dark areas, but our team prioritises boards with deeper, richer tones. These darker sections bring out the signature look our clients love. Each piece is hand-selected to ensure consistency and premium visual appeal.
We don’t rely on a random supply. Instead, we sort and grade every board by eye to guarantee a refined final product. IMPORTANT: each piece is selected based on our customers’ preferences. People mainly focus on the colour of the steps and the floor in the room. For example, if your room has dark wooden flooring, the best solution is to look for dark walnut only. These elements must harmonise perfectly with each other to create a complete solution.
2. Material Preparation
What’s next? Once the ideal wood is selected, it moves into the preparation phase. The surface is precisely milled, shaped, and sanded to ensure smoothness and accurate dimensions. After that, we apply a specially formulated walnut oil, chosen for its ability to enhance the grain and deepen the natural tones of the wood.
This oil requires a three-week polymerisation period to set and bond with the timber fibres fully. This step is not rushed! It’s essential for creating a resilient, long-lasting finish. Once cured, the wood develops a rich, matte sheen and becomes resistant to daily wear, moisture, and light exposure.
Find out what determines the durability of your staircase here → https://vpstairs.com/what-does-the-durability-of-your-staircase-depend-on/
3. Final Installation
After the oil has cured, we allow an additional week before installation to ensure the finish is stable and fully hardened. This waiting period is crucial. Why? It prevents surface damage during fitting and guarantees the handrail retains its pristine condition. During installation, our specialists carefully align the handrail to the staircase, ensuring both visual harmony and structural integrity.
What else should you know about the finish of walnut handrails? As we mentioned above, there are different types of walnut wood, which have different shades. In some cases, light-coloured handrails are installed first and then tinted. This allows you to adjust the darkness of the handrail to match the overall interior design.
Find the Best Solution at V.PSTAIRS
Are you inspired by staircase designs featuring walnut handrails? This is truly a solution that stands out for its aesthetics, strength and durability. These are the main reasons why so many people in the UK choose walnut handrails. However, the most important thing is to find a reliable supplier to guarantee the best result. As a leading staircase installation company in the UK, we offer a wide range of services, including the installation of custom handrails made from premium walnut.
Why choose V.PSTAIRS? We are committed to providing the best results by taking a personalised approach to each customer. Our specialists provide consultations, take your requirements and wishes into account, and also individually select the most suitable pieces of wood for your project, considering the colour of other elements in the room. Do you already have an idea for your staircase or handrails? Contact us in any convenient way to get a free consultation today!