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Choosing brass handrail end caps | The benefits of brass and choosing the right design for you

Brass end caps for handrails are a brilliant way to elevate your staircase and achieve a luxurious, high-class finish.

Choosing the right end cap style to match your preferences can be tricky, so in this guide we'll outline the benefits of brass end caps and other polished brass products which can give your stairs the perfect finishing details. We also explain how to choose the best brass end cap style for you.

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Find out what brass accents can do for your staircase.

Brass is a highly adaptable material - read on to find out how it can fit your theme.

What should you consider when deciding on your brass end caps?

When choosing materials, it’s important to gain as much knowledge as possible.

Once you’ve decided on your brass end caps, find out how to keep them looking their best.

Why choose brass handrail end caps?

Brass handrail accessories such as end caps can match with a wide variety of different handrail and décor styles.

Brass also works well in both traditional and contemporary homes. The warm tone and different levels of polish can give brass a high end, luxurious look that elevates the overall finish of your hallway. On top of this, brass is also a durable, practical option for use as an end cap.

We have a range of brass end cap styles, all suitable for use with our mopstick handrails, which are available in a wide variety of woods. With so many options available for customisation, it’s easier than ever to tailor a unique look for your hallway that matches your preferences.

Style

Brass is often associated with elegance and luxury. It's a rich, warm, and high-shine metal that reflects the light beautifully. Many people associate brass with traditional home décor and it's true that using brass end caps on a wooden handrail can create a sense of timelessness. The overall impact of your brass end caps varies depending on the type of wooden handrail you choose.

Brass complements warm-toned woods well. Oak and pine are great examples of medium-toned woods that offer a traditional look when combined with brass accessories.
Darker woods like walnut can also work well with brass and create a more luxurious effect. Pale woods tend to be combined with brass less often, but when they are they can create a more modern finish.

Choosing your brass end caps

The brass end caps you choose will help to define the entire overall look of your staircase, so it's important to weigh up style, price and shape when considering the available options.

Design

We have four different styles of brass end caps available. Filigree end caps are a delicate and ornate choice that will emphasise the traditional look of brass. If you want to add some intricate detailing to your staircase, this is a great choice.

  • The brass filigree end cap are designed to fit onto a 54mm diameter handrail.
  • These end caps are 43mm deep.
  • The item is Brass plated
  • Sold as a pair.
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filigree brass effect end cap

Our medium brass end caps are simpler in their design, ideal if you don't want your end caps to be the focal point of the staircase. They are 25mm deep and are a great way to add a flash of metal detail to a humble mopstick handrail to enhance the overall effect.
Their slimmer counterparts have the same design, but they are just 13mm deep and give an even subtler effect. They're a brilliant choice for those who want to use brass accessories in a modern, minimalistic way.

  • The brass medium end cap are designed to fit onto a 54mm diameter handrail.
  • These end caps are 25mm deep.
  • These are Brass plated and not solid brass.
  • Sold as a pair.
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medium brass effect end cap
  • The brass slim end cap are designed to fit onto a 54mm diameter handrail.
  • These end caps are 13mm deep.
  • The item is Brass plated.
  • Sold as a pair.
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wall mounted brass effect end cap

Finally, we have antique brass petal end caps, which have an aged, mattified effect. These are ideal for traditional-styled homes with a vintage theme, particularly when combined with traditional oak. The pretty petal design gives them a homey, cosy finish.

  • The brass petal end cap are designed to fit onto a 54mm diameter handrail.
  • These end caps are 30mm deep.
  • Matching wall bracket also available.
  • Sold as a pair.
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brass handrail end cap

Price

As you could assume, the larger and more ornate an end cap is, the more expensive it is. Our slim brass end caps are the cheapest variety, while the ornate filigree variety are the costliest option. However, the price difference between styles is relatively small, so style tends to play a bigger role than price in deciding which end cap is right.

Shape

The shape of your handrail will dictate the type of end cap you have. With mopstick handrails, you'll need a circular end cap with the same diameter as the rail. All our mopstick end caps are 54mm in diameter and our brass end caps are designed to fit these perfectly. Consider the depth of the end cap too. The deeper the cap, the more of a statement it will make.

You'll also want to consider what other related products are available and if these will match your end caps. We have polished and antique brass handrail brackets available to attach your handrail to the wall. By matching your brackets and end caps, you can achieve a sense of unity and attain a polished and professional finished look.

Comparison with other materials

Like other metals, brass makes for a good end cap material because it is durable, easy to clean, and easy to maintain. However, before you go ahead with ordering your brass end caps you might want to compare it to the other metal accessories available.

Chrome is like brass in that it can have a polished or matt surface. However, chrome is cool-toned, and tends to look more modern than brass. Both brass and chrome’s high-shine options tend to show smudges and fingerprints more than more matt options.

Brushed nickel has a matt finish, which means that smudges don't show up as readily as with chrome or brass. It has a cool tone and lends itself to very contemporary designs well.

Finally, black metal end caps can offer a very modern and almost industrial effect. They're constructed from steel and finished with a powder-coated matt black paint.

Aftercare and maintenance

Brass is an easy material to take care of. To dust brass end caps and buff away any smudges, just a microfibre cloth will be effective.

For a deeper clean, make sure to dilute your cleaning solution in warm water and use a microfibre cloth to wipe the end caps down.

Do not use harsh cleaning products as this can impact the high-shine finish. It might be helpful to dry the caps off with a clean, dry cloth to avoid watermarks on the reflective surface. It is possible to scratch brass, so take care to avoid sharp edges around the end caps.
For any questions regarding brass, handrail end caps and building your dream staircase, please get in touch.

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