Within this guide you will find information on the following:
- • What is a Base Rail?
- • Types of Base Rail
- • Fixings and Accessories
- • Required Parts
- • Restoring/Replacing
- • Measuring Guide
- • Installation
- • Materials
- • Style Guides
What is a base rail?
The base rail (also known as bottom track) extends up a staircase along the top of the stair string, and continues along the landing, where there is one. Spindles or panels are fixed into or onto the base rail, and it is supported at either end by newel posts.
Types of base rail
There are three types of base rail, Grooved, Un-grooved and Glass Grooved.
Grooved base rails have a groove running through the centre of the rail. This is where spindles can slot into the track.
The overall measurement of a base rail remains the same, it is the size of the groove that alters. i.e. a 32mm or 41mm grooved base rail has the same overall dimension.
Un-grooved baserails are solid and don’t have a groove. These are best used with metal spindles or glass brackets/ clamps, as they can be screwed directly onto the rail.
Glass Grooved base rails have a deep channel running the length of the rail into which a panel of glass may be slotted.
Fixings and accessories
Glass brackets/clamps come with different sized rubber inserts depending on the thickness of the glass. For example, you would have 8mm glass clamps for 8mm glass. Brackets/clamps are screwed directly onto an ungrooved base rail.
Grooved base rails come with an infill (also known as filler or spacer) strip. Infill is cut to size and sits between the spindles or glass panel to give the impression that the base rail is solid.
What parts are required to work with base rails?
Base rails sit beneath, and support the spindles on a balustrade. The base rail will then be housed in by newel posts at both the top and bottom of the flight of stairs, and where applicable at the end of the landing. If you’re planning a new staircase, use our spindle spacing calculator to work out how many you will need.
Restoring or replacing a base rail
A base rail is arguably the trickiest element of the balustrade to replace. This is because the base rail sits at the bottom of the balustrade, and it is likely that you will need to remove most or all of the other elements to access it.
Once the balustrade has been stripped back to allow access to the base rail, it may be worth replacing the spindles or even swapping them for stylish glass panels to create a more contemporary look. Take a look at our guide on spindles if you are looking to replace them.
Measuring guide
Base rails need to be positioned accurately onto the stair string to ensure that the spindles and handrail sit in the right place. Measure the length of your staircase up the angle to determine the length of base rail you will need. You will also need to measure along the landing if applicable.
Base rails are generally sold in set lengths of 1800mm, 2400mm, 3600mm and 4200mm. Choose the best length which fits your measurements, you may find that you are able to get both your staircase and landing base rail out of one long length.
If you are not sure which length is best for your job please call us on 0114 2721228 and we can advise.
Installation
The base rail sits on top of the stair string and can be screwed or nailed into place. Any screw or nail heads will be hidden once the spindles and infill has been fitted. If you are using a solid base rail, mark where the brackets are going to be fixed and use these as a guide for fixing. Don’t be worried if the base rail you are fitting is wider than your stair string, this is perfectly normal.
Materials
Our base rails are available in different materials such as Oak, Pine, Ash, Hemlock, Walnut and Dark Hardwood. You can purchase them already primed, which if you are planning on painting a specific colour, gives a great base layer and more even layer of paint.
Style guide
If you are looking to change your base rail, take a look at our style guide for inspiration and staircase design ideas. You could also take a look at our planning and advice section for any other popular areas of stair advice.
You can also shop our walnut base rails and oak base rails ranges here.
Jackson Woodturners for stair parts
Jackson Woodturners hold the largest range of stair parts in the UK with over 40 years experience and a commitment to providing only the highest standards. If you have any questions feel free to get in touch with a member of our expert team. If you’re ready to order, then take a look at our online shop where you will find everything you need to create your dream staircase.
