Many custom and semi-custom curved stair and handrail systems employ laminated bent handrail and sold wood fittings. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive method for constructing standard curved handrail, but it has limitations and drawbacks.

Curved rails relax after they are bent, which can cause problems with the handrail installation. In addition, bending rail leaves visible linear glue lines, and the rail lacks the cohesive grain continuity of solid wood. When using laminated rail, designers are often limited to the rail profiles and species selection offered by their stock parts supplier. Laminated rails also cannot be used when small plan curves are required, and rail that twists as it curves is difficult and time consuming to bend. As a result, many stair builders limit their creativity, believing that complicated and highly custom designs are unavailable to them.

Brandywine Balustrades employs the tangent handrailing system which involves milling handrail and fittings from solid blocks of wood. This “old-world” approach to curved handrail creates a more aesthetically pleasing rail system.

Because each of our parts is custom milled, there is little limit to the design possibilities. This is the optimal approach for such complicated design applications as restoration detail matching, wood caps on ornamental iron and glass panels, and very tight or steep curves. Our extensive availability of exotic woods and our ability to create any rail profile allows us to execute virtually any design your customer desires.