I hate these rails as they are neither functional or beautiful. In the sun they are too hot to hold, in the icy weather your hands stick to them and in the wet they are too slippery and honestly would you want this outside your home?
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External rails
– March 15, 2011Posted in:
Thanks for this Kate! The fact that the functionality of these handrails has a lot to be desired suprises me, as you see this sort of handrail used all over the place, both for public buildings and homes. Is there a particular type of handrail that would work better than this? Perhaps some sort of coating could make them less hot/cold/slippery, although this doesn’t change the fact that they don’t look particularly appealing.
I tend to recommend wood, although there is an increased maintenance cost, they can blend in beautifully, also because they are a natural product they are warm to the touch and if treated appropriately can be slip resistant and do not get too hot.
Hi:) Oh no…. More ‘grim’ looking rails:( I’m know there are more sophisticated and less obtrusive rails out there. Coated rails are definitely possible and in colours too. Funding by local authorities for rails outside the ‘standard’ can be a problem. As with other types of equipment I think it’s a big mistake when health&local government services assume that the lowest priced equipment or contractor gives the best value. Practicality, ‘look’ and durability are what I look for. No-one wants things that don’t fit in with how they live. Even with small equipment acceptance (and actual daily use) of assistive tech depends very much on how things look&feel. Hopefully personalisation of equipment budgets will open up choice. I know that where I’ve recently worked, a number of designs, suppliers and fitters are considered. in partnership with the person who will use the ‘kit’. This is so important. Sarah OT
What I call scaffolding poles bolted together. There’s loads of good handrail designs that meet Building Regs Part M standards that look good and are fit for purpose. They may cost a teensy bit more but make the world a nicer place to use and look at.