Mopstick handrails are an extremely popular option due to their versatility, classic appearance, and simple design. The round handrail designs can be constructed out of various types of wood, allowing for perfect harmonisation with existing home decor. There is also an array of different choices when it comes to the sizes and mopstick handrail options that are available. Mopstick handrails are well-mounted, sturdy, and durable.
Here, we explain the benefits of mopstick handrails and the types of wood that are available for mopstick designs. We also discuss the essential factors to take into consideration when choosing mopstick handrails.
Why choose mopstick handrails?
Mopstick handrails are an ideal option for a wall-mounted handrail, as they are extremely customisable and are available in an eclectic range of woods. As mopstick handrails are secured to the wall by mopstick handrail brackets, they can be a more decorative option than pigs ear handrails, which are fastened to the wall with screws. You can also add handrail end caps in your desired style to finish the look.
Whether your home is more modern or traditional; mopstick handrails are exceptionally versatile and can perfectly complement the decorations in your home and hallway. Offering a round, simple design, a mopstick handrail is perfect if you are looking for a classy, simple option.
How to know what different mopstick rails to use for my stairs
To choose the perfect mopstick handrails, you’ll first need to consider what the overall style of your staircase will be. This will decide what style of wood you will want to choose, whether you want to use end caps, and what mopstick handrail brackets you can use.
If you’re looking for a traditional look, a dark coloured handrail using a wood like dark hardwood is ideal. You can pair these with elegant fittings such as the Antique brass petal wall bracket and Antique brass petal end caps to complete the look.
If you’re looking for a modern style, you may not want to include handrail end caps at all. If you do, it’s best to go for a simple design such as the Forge brushed nickel end caps. For your choice of wood, you might want to go for a brighter material such as pine or ash.
What are the different woods for mopstick handrails?
Mopstick handrails come in a variety of woods and designs. These handrails and their associated fittings are available in walnut, pine, ash, hemlock, white oak, white primed, and dark hardwood.
Walnut
Walnut is a heavy and sturdy wood that is extremely strong. Walnut mopstick handrails typically come in a dark shade of brown, which is perfect for providing your home with a traditional, sophisticated feel.
Recommended product
Walnut Round Mopstick Handrail
- Designed to be mounted onto a wall. Decorative wall brackets and end caps are available to complete the look.
- 25mm flat on the underside of the rail.
- Walnut stair parts come unfinished and can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.]
- Handrail Size: 54mm x 54mm.
- Available in 1800mm, 2400mm, 3600mm & 4200mm lengths.
- Please Note: This handrail is of an engineered construction.
Pine
As a softwood, Pine is light and has a stunning natural appearance but can also be stained, painted or varnished. It resists swelling or shrinking, giving it longevity.
Recommended product
Pine Round Mopstick Handrail
- Designed to be mounted onto a wall. Decorative wall brackets and end caps are available to complete the look.
- 25mm flat on the underside of the rail.
- Pine stair parts come unfinished. They can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
- Handrail Size: 54mmx 54mm.
- Available in 1200mm, 1800mm, 2400mm, 3600mm & 4200mm lengths.
Are you unsure whether to choose pine or oak? Read our guide Oak vs pine handrails for more guidance.
Ash
Ash, on the other hand, is a hardwood that is sturdy and durable. It is resistant to scratches, dents and general signs of wear and tear.
Recommended product
Ash Round Mopstick Handrail - MADE TO ORDER
- Designed to be mounted onto a wall. Decorative wall brackets and end caps are available to complete the look.
- There is a 25mm flat on the underside of the rail.
- Ash stair parts come unfinished. They can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
- Handrail Size: 54mmx 54mm.
- Available in 1800mm, 2400mm, 3600mm & 4200mm lengths.
Hemlock
With its traditional appearance, hemlock gives a home a classic and timeless look and feel. Unlike some other softwoods, it is not brittle and offers a higher level of strength and durability. It can also be painted easily which makes it a great choice for many designs.
Recommended product
Hemlock Round Mopstick Handrail
- An ideal handrail to be mounted onto a wall.
- Decorative wall brackets and end caps are available to complete the look.
- There is a 25mm flat on the underside of the rail.
- Hemlock stair parts come unfinished. They can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
- Handrail Size: 54mmx 54mm.
- Available in 1800mm, 2400mm, 3600mm & 4200mm lengths.
Read more about the benefits of hemlock in our guide, Oak vs hemlock handrails.
White Oak
White oak offers the perfect combination of strength, durability and stunning natural beauty. One of the most traditional hardwoods, it can imbue any home with a classic design and goes well with the simple design of a mopstick handrails.
Recommended product
Oak Round Mopstick Handrail
- Designed to be mounted onto a wall. Decorative wall brackets and end caps are available to complete the look.
- There is a 25mm flat on the underside of the rail.
Oak stair parts come unfinished and can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing. - Handrail Size: 54mmx 54mm.
- Available in 1800mm, 2400mm, 3600mm & 4200mm lengths.
- Please Note: This handrail is of an engineered construction.
Find out more about the benefits of oak handrails in our guide, The benefits of oak handrails.
White Primed
White primed woods, like birch or poplar, are strong and long-lasting hardwoods. As they are a very light and natural-looking wood that can elevate the appearance of a stairway.
Recommended product
White Primed Mopstick Handrail
- There is a 25mm flat on the underside of the rail.
White Primed stair parts are ideal as they come already primed on a hardwood base. - A solvent-based topcoat is advised.
- Handrail Size: 54mmx 54mm.
- Available in 1800mm, 2400mm, 3600mm and 4200mm lengths.
- Please note the shade of white on white primed products may vary between products. This is a primed product so is ready to receive a top coat of paint.
Dark Hardwood
Dark hardwood has a similar look to mahogany and is a sustainable source of wood. It is extremely rich and stylish in appearance.
Recommended product
Dark Hardwood Round Mopstick Handrail (unfinished)
- There is a 25mm flat on the underside of the rail.
This handrail is compatible with the Fusion range of connectors. - Dark Hardwood stair parts come unfinished. They can be finished by painting, varnishing or waxing.
- Handrail Size: 54mmx 54mm.
- Available in 1800mm, 2400mm, 3600mm & 4200mm lengths.
What to consider when choosing a mopstick handrail
When you are choosing your ideal mopstick handrail, there are various factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to decide on the size of handrail that you require. It is important to measure correctly to ensure that you choose the right size for your home. For information on how to correctly measure your handrail, read our Expert guide to handrails.
Alongside size, the type of wood is also important. Identify the primary factors that are important to you in a handrail, such as durability, strength and longevity. The appearance of the handrail will also play a crucial role in your considerations. This will depend on whether you're seeking a clean, sleek and modern look or a timeless, traditional and classic aesthetic. Factor in the various colour choices when you are selecting the handrail that is most suitable for you.
Price will also vary depending on the type of wood you choose, so bear this in mind when choosing a mopstick handrail.
To make your handrail look more decorative, you can also explore different options of end caps and mopstick handrails brackets. Your options range from modern to more traditional – and there are plenty of options to explore. Find out more about your options of end caps below.
Mopstick handrails are one of the most popular varieties of wall-mounted handrails that are available. However, there are a variety of other types of wall-mounted handrails.
Pigs ear handrails are a trendy and in-demand type of wall-mounted handrails that are easy to fix to the wall as they do not require the use of brackets for attachment. They are perfect for narrow staircases thanks to their compact design that allows them to fit extremely close against the wall. Pigs ear handrails are available in a variety of timber choices that include pine, ash, hemlock, white primed and dark hardwood. They are extremely affordable and are sometimes less expensive than mopstick handrails.
If pigs ear handrails are the right choice for you, read our guide to choosing pigs ear handrails.
Another choice of wall-mounted handrails are metal design wall-mounted handrails. While people tend to associate handrails with wooden construction, metal handrails give a modern aesthetic to a home. They are extremely strong, sleek and long-lasting. Wall-mounted options are available in chrome or nickel plated, allowing you to choose the look that is right for your staircase.
What are the other wall-mounted handrail designs?
There are a wide variety of different handrail styles available. While mopstick is one of the most popular, there are other designs that should be considered as they might suit your overall staircase design better. Other options include:
Choosing end caps
End caps are used to add a decorative finish to the ends of wooden mopstick handrails and are available in a range of metals, including:
The variety of different styles and metals means you will find a pair that suits your home décor perfectly. End caps for wooden handrails are easily secured in place with screws.
We recommend matching your end cap to your wall brackets to finish the look. View our full range of end caps here!
To find out more about the different end cap designs for mopstick handrails, read our guide to choosing handrail accessories.
Caring for your mopstick handrail
When caring for your handrail, it is important to use products that can keep your handrail in optimum condition. You can treat your mopstick wooden handrail with oils, glosses or wax, depending on the finish that you desire.
Frequently asked questions
How do you secure a handrail to a wall?
Mopstick handrails are secured to the wall by mopstick handrail brackets, whereas pigs ear handrails can be secured directly to the wall without the need for brackets.
You can fill the screw holes created by fastening the pigs ear handrail to the wall with a cross grain pellet (a tapered wooden pellet). If you’re unsure about doing this yourself, we recommend contacting a joiner for assistance.
How do you clean wood handrails?
Start by wiping away any dust, grime or dirt from the surface of the handrails. You can then add some mild cleaning solution or detergent to water and use a soft cloth or sponge to remove the dirt. Finish by brushing the handrail with a microfibre cloth and allow it to fully dry.
How many brackets should a handrail have?
Although it will generally depend on the length of the staircase, as a guide, you will most likely require four brackets to fit a standard 3.6m handrail and ensure that it is securely in place and safe.
What colour should your handrail be?
Harmonising the colour of your handrail with the rest of the decorations in your stairway, hallway, and home is important for a smooth and seamless aesthetic. Darker colours can give a traditional feel, while whites and lighter woods imbue a home with light.
Can you paint over stained wood without sanding?
It is possible to paint over stained wood without sanding as long as you prime it correctly first. Using an oil-based primer to prepare your stained wood for a new layer of paint is a good idea. You can then use oil-based or latex paint on the handrail to finish it.
How do you refinish a wood handrail?
Start by stripping the wood before preparing and priming it. You can then restain or paint the railing to finish.
Should you paint or stain your handrail?
Choosing to paint or stain your handrail will depend on personal preference. Some people prefer the natural appearance of the wood, while others opt for a painted, stained or varnished look.
