This is a hand rail project I wrapped up last week.

The pickets are 5/8" solid bar.  I broke the edges and hand twisted.  The pickets alternate one twist or two twists.

I riveted the pickets to the top and bottom rail, but blind plug welded the bottoms of the rivets.  I needed the top to be completely flat to fit into a groove on the wooden hand rail.  I also wanted a slight amount of flex so the railing could be slid into place.

I had the works powder coated an oil rubbed bronze.

Comments welcome and appreciated. 

John

I really like the handrail. Very clean work. Was that 1" solid for the picket? How much did that rail end up weighing??

Sorry just saw its 5/8" bar looks bigger in the picture.

I like it--doesn't over-do the decoration while still having enough to give some visual interest.

My only qualm is that in the USA, it creates a building code violation between the bottom rail and the steps.  Not that I care (and I happen to love most funky rails/stairs that violate code--code compliance often results in ugly) but in case someone wants to contract a job like this, they should be aware that there is some risk of being told to rip it down or fix the violation.  Just a reminder that in any business venture, you need awareness of what might come back to bite you and to weigh the possible consequences (or have a plan B from the get-go to correct if forced to do so)

 

Kozzy,

You peaked my interest.  What code violation are you seeing?  The triangle piece formed by the bottom rail of the handrail?

The way I understand it, as long as a 6 inch ball cannot pass through the opening it is fine.

Am I missing something?

JL

I appear to have been wrong--thought the triangular stair opening was also limited by the 4" ball rule rather than 6".  That's what happens when you rely on a rusted brain instead of looking it up.  I checked both IRC and UBC and they appear to agree (sometimes they don't) so I guess I have to face the firing squad on this one.

 

No worries - I didn't want to have missed something!

That's some really nice work.

I like the clean simplicity and the progression of twists from bar to bar and the rivets are really adding to the appeal.

Very nice work, love it.