The most common customer questions about railings – part 2
It’s time for the second part of our series where we have collected together the answers for many of the most common questions. This time too, we have enlisted the help of Natalia Lerulf, one of our most experienced and knowledgeable customer support staff.
This section will address the installation and maintenance of railings. If you have not seen part 1, which covered our models and optional features, you will find it here.
Some customers are not confident they can install a railing without professional help. How difficult is it really and what tools do you need?
You do not need a professional to install our railings if you are comfortable using a drill (we recommend using a drill even though it is possible to screw by hand) and a spirit level.
In addition to these tools, a rubber mallet is also helpful. We include all of the fastenings you need to complete the work, including screws and other parts. Should questions arise, you can always contact us for help.
What steps do I take when installing a railing?
Each order includes an installation guide which is specific to the product you purchased. This also includes a measurement template and a drawing of where your supports should be positioned in relation to each other according to the dimensions you specified when you ordered. The guide also serves as a delivery note, covering the details of your order.
In addition to the guide, you will receive access to videos that will take you through the installation, step-by-step. You can find the installation videos on your own order page, which you can access by clicking on the link in the order confirmation that you receive via email. On this page, you can click on the link for your railing, which will show various product details and videos detailing the installation process.
Which material requires the least maintenance?
A glass railing is longer-lasting than, for example, a wooden railing. Wood needs to be oiled, varnished or painted regularly to help preserve it A glass railing, on the other hand, only requires cleaning at regular intervals to look as good as new. If you are looking for a railing that is low maintenance, you should choose our railing with only glass.
When you buy a glass railing from Balustradestore, we also offer products that help to prevent dirt from adhering to the glass. This makes maintenance even easier.
What is the best way to take care of a glass railing?
Clean the panes of glass with an ordinary window cleaner if necessary. Wipe down the other elements such as handrails, bars or supports, with a soft cloth, lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Do not use abrasive products for any part of our models.
If you have wooden top rails or supports, you should treat them with wood oil or a similar product if the railing is outside. Repeat regularly depending on how exposed the railing is to the weather.
I ‘ve purchased a railing with aluminium details, how do I care for it?
Aluminium is basically maintenance-free. We recommend cleaning the surfaces with a soft cloth, lukewarm water and a mild detergent. You can use a small amount of acetone to remove oil, wax or similar substances from the railing. Never clean with acidic or alkaline agents and do not use abrasive treatments or products with abrasive qualities as this causes scratches on the aluminium.
Also, do not clean the aluminium on the hottest days of the year, as there is a greater risk of discolouration.
Can a stainless steel railing rust?
Yes, despite their name, stainless steel railings can actually rust if not maintained! This is mainly a problem if you have the railing outdoors. We recommend cleaning the railing 1-3 times a year, or more often if you live near the sea. Just like with aluminium, clean with a soft cloth, lukewarm water and a mild detergent.
Do not use abrasive products such as steel wool or metal brushes as they can scratch the railing, which reduces the material’s resistance to rust. If the stainless steel parts come into contact with metal particles from non-stainless steel sources, these particles must be removed as soon as possible as they rust and spread into the stainless steel.
How do I maintain the looks of my wooden stair handrail?
You can also use lukewarm water, a mild detergent and a soft cloth for wood handrails. You can use a fine sandpaper to remove splinters which may lift after the rail is cleaned for the first time.
If the handrail is outside, it must be treated with wood oil, for example. Depending on the exposure of the handrail to the weather, you may need to repeat the treatment over time. How often a wood rail needs treatment depends on the weather, the location and the wear and tear from use.
When you order a railing from us, you will receive detailed information on how to take care of your particular model.