timber balustrade

10
TIMBER BALUSTRADE
The current version of this document is on the internet. Printed version & prices may be superseded. All material subject to copyright.
ground level only - no pool usage
how to measure and
install balustrade
video
Woodworkers’
Union Jack 2 Rail Balustrade
Woodworkers’
Dowel 2 Rail Balustrade
Woodworkers’
Single Stump 3 Rail Dowel Balustrade
TB5 (circa 1880 - 1914)
TB8 (circa 1900 - 1920)
Woodworkers’
Cricket Stump 3 Rail Dowel Balustrade
Woodworkers’
2 Rail Slat Balustrade
TB6 (circa 1900 - 1920)
TB9 (circa 1920 - 1938)
Woodworkers’
Double Stump 3 Rail Dowel Balustrade
Woodworkers’
3 Rail Slat Balustrade
TB7 (circa 1900 - 1920)
(show with fretworked motif panel)
TB1 (circa 1820 - 1880)
Woodworkers’
Union Jack 3 Rail Balustrade
TB2 (circa 1820 - 1880)
Woodworkers’
Diagonal Ring 3 Rail Balustrade
TB10 (circa 1920 - 1939)
TB3 (circa 1850 - 1880)
Note: Prices listed for TB1, 2 and 3 assume
consistent sized panels. Projects where large
variations occur in panel lengths where additional
set out is required may attract a surcharge.
Woodworkers balustrade
is often more than 20%
cheaper than our, major
competitors and it s better!
Woodworkers’
Alternate Stump 3 Rail Dowel Balustrade
Woodworkers’
2 Rail Square Balustrade
TB12 (circa 1900 - 1920)
(31 x 31 square dressed ballustrade)
TB11 (contemporary)
Balustrade price list (inc GST) - Brisbane only*
Interstate outlets will attract a transportation surcharge
* Regional orPrice
overhead
assembled assembled gate
per
TB5
TB6
TB7
TB8
TB9
TB10
TB11
TB12
TB1
TB2
TB3
linear metre
assembled
stair
balustrade
per linear
metre
$116
$116
$126
$126
$121
$121
$131
$131
$364
$364
$394
$142
$142
$158
$158
$142
$158
$168
$163
N/A
N/A
N/A
1095 Ipswich Rd
Moorooka 4105
07 3848 1383
F: 07 3892 1476
$194
$194
$205
$205
$179
$200
$210
$210
N/A
N/A
N/A
valence
per linear
metre
(max 300mm)
$58
$58
$58
$58
$63
$63
$63
$63
N/A
N/A
N/A
for LSOP treated pine
fretworked motif panels. $29 single
(TB9), $32 double (TB10) head
installed. Prices are for all heights to
1000mm with either breadloaf,
ladies waist, colonial or square
handrail design ex 75 x 75mm. Slat
size 67 x 19mm. Dowel size 25mm
@ 100mm centres approximately.
• All panels are made approximately
25mm oversize each end to allow for
site fitting.
• Other
designs can be quoted on
request, including pool fencing at
1200mm high.
• To
include pre-installation kits add
$14 per panel
BALUSTRADE PRICES ARE CALCULATED IN 300MM INCREMENTS
PRESEALING
BALUSTRADE
WHITE
PRIME
Website: www.woodworkers.com.au
BRISBANE
(max 600mm)
per linear metre
• Extra
$32 /m
SIKKENS
PRIME
$42 /m
PRIMING NOT AVAILABLE
FOR IRON DESIGNS
Email: sales@woodworkers.com.au
GOLD COAST
SUNCOAST
SYDNEY
Warehouse Road
Southport 4215
07 5571 0088
F: 07 5571 0617
53 Wises Road
Maroochydore
07 5479 0999
F: 07 5479 0911
2 Sydenham Rd
Brookvale 2100
02 9938 4999
F: 02 9938 4666
updated: 02.12.15
The style of timber balustrades provides one of the best
clues to the age of old houses. Before 1880 virtually all
Queensland houses had Union Jack style balustrading,
using slender timbers in compositions emphasising a
diagonal pattern. In the late nineteenth century cast iron was
the fashionable balustrade material although simple two rail
dowel or turned balustrades were also commonly used. By
1900 there was a resurgence in preference for timber
balustrades again, with variations on the three rail dowel
design being the hallmark of the Federation era. The
inter-war period was characterised by a shift to slatted
balustrade in lieu of dowels, often with fretworked motif
panels or constructed entirely from fretworked palings.
The woodworkers Company supplies balustrading made
from hardwood in pre-assembled panel form, custom built
for each column spacing. Stair balustrading in
pre-assembled form is also available, together with
matching timber valances to trim the lintel beam above the
handrailing.
,
BALUSTRADE FAQs
The current version of this document is on the internet. Printed version & prices may be superseded. All material subject to copyright.
THE
WHAT TYPE OF TIMBER IS USED?
WOODWORKERS
All rails are seasoned and/or treated eucalyptus hardwood. Dowels and slats are kiln dried hardwood, either
eucalyptus or merbau. Feature panels (used in TB9 + 10) are LOSP treated pine. We avoid the general
use of pink pine componentry because it will not have the durability or strength of genuine hardwood.
COMPANY
WHAT HEIGHT IS IT AND WHAT LENGTH CAN WE GO UP TO?
r
hand ails
67mm
Woodworkers balustrading is 1000mm high as standard but other heights are available if matching or
replacing existing balustrades. The Building Code requires minimum height of 1000mm if the potential
fall off the verandah or deck is greater than 1000m. It is best to check with your local council or certifier
if in doubt-especially if replacing or matching existing panels.
We recommend a maximum length of 3000mm. Larger panels can be made on request but engineering
advice would be required to ascertain their suitability.
67mm
& bottom
r
Cricket
Stump
Dowel
42mm
l
rai
id
a il
Dowels are 25mm diameter (other sizes are available at additional cost). Each panel is individually
plotted/spaced using 100mm centres as the basic calculation.
m
HOW FAR APART AND WHAT SIZE ARE :
The Dowels
The Slats
Our standard slats are 67mm wide and 19mm thick. These are spaced using a 50mm gap as a guide but because
each panel is individually plotted this gap will vary thus avoiding a slat being too close to a post or column.
67mm
The Rails
The gap between top and mid rail is not permitted to be greater than 125mm. Likewise the gap between the
verandah/deck and the bottom rail cannot be greater than 125mm. Woodworkers preassembled balustrading has
a gap of approximately 120mm between top and mid rail and approximately 100mm between deck and bottom rail.
2. Ladies Waist
3. Colonial Ladies Waist
inside
42mm
NOTE
The bottom rail sill profile
must face inwards to meet
building regulations. The
slats must not be able to be
kicked out from internally.
Woodworkers offers a choice of 4 standard top rails
outside
125mm
max
WHAT RAIL PROFILES ARE AVAILABLE?
1. Breadloaf
sill
outside
inside
67mm
4. Square Dressed
3 Rail
Motif slat
These are all approximately 67mm x 67mm and are sold at the same price for each style.
Woodworkers offer a choice of mid rail and bottom rail profiles (TB5,6,7,8). Our standard mid and bottom rail profiles have a round top - similar
to the Breadloaf top rail – this was traditionally used to help with rain water flow off. Alternatively a square dressed rail is available at the same
price. All mid and bottom rails are approx 68mm x 42mm. The same choice (round top or square dressed) is available with the TB10 mid rail.
WHAT FEATURE PANELS CAN I CHOOSE?
Woodworkers standard feature panel is 116mm wide and pricing reflects this standard size. Other sizes may be available.
spade
club
fleur
rose
bud
spear
tudor
gum queens
leaves lander
tulip
palm
lotus
golf
batten
leaf
poin
settia
DO WOODWORKERS SELL COMPONENTS FOR D.I.Y ASSEMBLY?
dowel
valance
NO. Only the top rails are available in raw material form.
CAN BALUSTRADING BE USED INDOORS?
verandah
bracket
YES. But designs and finish are the same as for external balustrades i.e. not furniture grade.
crown &
collar moulds
WHAT DESIGNS CAN I USE?
All of Woodworkers designs conform to current building standards and can be used in most situations. You
can also create your own design. The only design not suitable in some circumstances is TB1, 2 & 3, which
cannot be used on verandah/decks more than 4metres above the surface beneath. It is always best to check
with your local council/certifier.
WHAT IS VALANCE?
A valence is a panel generally situated under the lintel that matches the balustrade below. Valences are often
used where lintel beams are unusually high eg. 2400mm + or where houses have been raised and a valence
is installed below the balustrade to disguise and soften the proportions of the elevations.
THE
WOODWORKERS
COMPANY
thistle gecko
stop
chamfer
handrail
breadloaf
dowel
balustrade
BRISBANE
GOLD COAST
SUNCOAST
SYDNEY
1095 Ipswich Rd
Moorooka 4105
07 3848 1383
F: 07 3892 1476
Warehouse Road
Southport 4215
07 5571 0088
F: 07 5571 0617
53 Wises Road
Maroochydore
07 5479 0999
F: 07 5479 0911
2 Sydenham Rd
Brookvale 2100
02 9938 4999
F: 02 9938 4666
FAQs
It,s hard to beat hardwood
for balustrade.
Pink prime pine doesn,t
last the time.
Frequently asked questions
THE
The current version of this document is on the internet.
Printed version & prices may be superseded. All material subject to copyright.
WOODWORKERS
COMPANY
CAN WE USE BALUSTRADES FOR POOL FENCING?
YES. However the overall height must be extended to 1200mm minimum and a price increase is incurred (POA).
HOW LONG WILL THE BALUSTRADE LAST?
Hardwood timber when correctly installed, sealed and painted will last a lifetime. Many homes have hardwood balustrading over 100 years old.
HOW DO YOU FIX TO POSTS?
handrail
post
At a small additional cost Woodworkers offers the option of a ‘false tenon’ fixing
system; top and bottom rails have a 19mm x 19mm groove on their underside which
neatly takes a special plug that is installed in to your posts. Small galvanized steel
angle brackets can also be used. Woodworkers recommend 75 x 75 x 15 x 3mm
thick brackets on handrail. We do not recommend only skew-nailing. On all installations Woodworkers recommends the use of galvanised nails (65 x 3.75mm) and/or
galvanized steel screws (No.10). In most situations balustrading is a decorative
safety barrier and therefore professional standards of installation and fixing should
at all times be achieved. Woodworkers recommends the use of a qualified installer
or the consultation of “Timber Queensland Limited Technical Data Sheet 23”. If in
doubt contact a qualified certifier.
Easy installation false
tenon kit per balustrade
panel $14.00 includes
routed housing in top +
rail and 4 tenon plugs.
tenon plugs
$2.75 each
WHAT IS THE INSTALLATION SEQUENCE?
1. Ensure panel is centered, scribe both sides and then trim ends to size as necessary.
2. Place panel in position making sure rails are horizontal. Mark on posts underside of bottom rail (& underside of top rail if installing 2 rail configuration).
3. Using a 25mm spade bit put point of spade bit 10mm above mark and drill a 25mm deep hole.
4. Insert plugs – bottom flat side of square plug should line up with mark on posts. Glue into position.
5. Slide rails/panels down onto plugs and into position. A couple of 65 x 3.75mm galvanized nails (predrilled) or screws should be used to
secure rails into position from underneath.
CAN THE BALUSTRADE COME PRE-PRIMED?
Yes. We can fully prime balustrading in oil based white primer or Sikkens clear at additional cost. We always prime the lower ends of dowels
or slats to ensure a sealed end grain.The primer used is Sikkens. Once installed we recommend that the product be sealed and primed to minimise
surface cracking and bleeding.
We recommend that balustrading be sealed with oil based paint or sealer within 48 hours of delivery. All cuts should be sealed prior to installation. If slight surface cracking occurs a little light sanding might be necessary, followed by filling and a second coat of primer/sealer.
CAN THE TIMBER BE CLEAR FINISHED?
Yes. However we cannot guarantee species or colour continuity; although this can sometimes be achieved if we are advised clear finishing is
proposed. When clear finishing we recommend 1 coat of Sikkens HLS (available in colours) + 2 coats of Sikkens Cetol deck satin 078.
WILL THE TIMBER SPLIT OR CRACK?
It is in the very nature of hardwood for its surfaces to slightly split or crack. The hardwood timbers used have a durability class suited specifically for the purpose of verandah rails (Iron Bark, Spotted Gum, Merbau) and although are seasoned hardwood, a small amount of surface
splitting/cracking might occur. This is especially so in the drier and colder months of the year.
CAN WE CREATE OUR OWN DESIGN?
Yes. Woodworkers can quote on other designs & patterns if you need to match existing balustrading or you can create your own pattern & design.
HOW DO WE MEASURE FOR STEPS/RAKE?
length
POST
To calculate the angle of steps we need to know the height of a step (top of one step
to top of the next step) and the width of the step (from the front of one step tread to
the front of the next step tread). Also required is the distance from post to post i.e.
the distance down the length of the stringer. On lengths 2 metres and over it is best
to supply us with measurements taken from the top & bottom steps.
(from post to post
at step angle)
HOW WIDE CAN BALUSTRADE GATES BE?
Best value available. Woodworkers assembled balustrading is usually cheaper than
buying component parts from other suppliers and having to put it together yourself.
With our assembled balustrading all the work is done for you at a great price and
every panel is individually plotted to suit your exact needs. This ensures you have
no dowels or slats at odd spacing next to your posts. Our assembled balustrading
is unbeatable quality for price and we also offer fully assembled panels for gates,
steps, valances and ramps.
THE
WOODWORKERS
COMPANY
going
rise:
STEP
From top of
upper tread
to top of lower tread.
going:
rise
STEP
Face of top tread to face of next lower
tread. Ignore any overlap to measure
effective step tread size
STEP
how to measure the step rake
BRISBANE
GOLD COAST
SUNCOAST
SYDNEY
1095 Ipswich Rd
Moorooka 4105
07 3848 1383
F: 07 3892 1476
Warehouse Road
Southport 4215
07 5571 0088
F: 07 5571 0617
53 Wises Road
Maroochydore
07 5479 0999
F: 07 5479 0911
2 Sydenham Rd
Brookvale 2100
02 9938 4999
F: 02 9938 4666
updated: 10.03.15
HOW DOES THE COST OF WOODWORKERS BALUSTRADING COMPARE?
VERANDAH
/ DECK
POST
We recommend a gate be no wider than 600mm. If a need exists for a wide gate
then a support wheel should be attached on the swinging end of the gate or proper
mortise and tenon joinery ordered.
10
TIMBER + IRON BALUSTRADE
The current version of this document is on the internet. Printed version & prices may be superseded. All material subject to copyright.
THE
WOODWORKERS
timber and Iron external balustrade
COMPANY
Woodworkers’
Offset Collar Iron Balustrade
Woodworkers’
Centre Twist Iron Balustrade
TS2 (Type “A” collar only)
TS3
Timber and iron Balustrade
price list (inc GST) - Brisbane only
Price per
linear metre
assembled
125mm
centres
TS1
TS2
TS3
TS4
$221
$236
$231
$263
Price per
linear metre
assembled
100mm
centres
$273
$289
$284
$315
NOTE:
Stair balustrading per linear metre
assembled is $32 per metre higher
than list prices above.
TS3 not available for stairs
Woodworkers’
Mid Collar Iron Balustrade
Woodworkers’
Margin Collar Iron Balustrade
TS1 (Type “B” collar only)
TS4 (Type “A” collar only)
Collar styles
Iron
feature
panels
At a fraction of the cost of all iron balustrading, Woodworkers’ makes a range of black powdercoat baluster
designs set in hardwood rails to achieve a fresh European look, Installation is simple and cost effective, without
the need for specialist metalworkers.
“1” - $68.00
“2” - $68.00
“A”
FAQs
“B”
“C”
“3” - $58.00
“1”
“2”
“3”
WHAT SIZE IS THE STEEL IN THE TIMBER AND IRON EXTERIOR BALUSTRADE?
All steel is 12mm. In TS1,2 & 4 the steel is 12mm round and in TS3 (twist) the steel is 12mm square, powder coat finished.
CAN POWDER COATED BALUSTRADING BE USED IN A SEASIDE ENVIRONMENT?
No. However in areas of high exposure a zinc powder protection primer (zinc shield2) can be applied prior to the top powdercoats. This costs an
additional $40 per meter.
WHAT GUARANTEE COMES WITH POWDER COATED BALUSTRADE?
When used externally Dulux give a 7 year colour integrity film guarantee - refer to their website www.duluxpowders.com.au for
further information.
Compare our prices !
BRISBANE
1095 Ipswich Rd
Moorooka 4105
07 3848 1383
F: 07 3892 1476
Email: sales@woodworkers.com.au
GOLD COAST
SUNCOAST
SYDNEY
Warehouse Road
Southport 4215
07 5571 0088
F: 07 5571 0617
53 Wises Road
Maroochydore
07 5479 0999
F: 07 5479 0911
2 Sydenham Rd
Brookvale 2100
02 9938 4999
F: 02 9938 4666
updated: 02.12.15
Website: www.woodworkers.com.au
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
ISSUED BY TIMBER QUEENSLAND
TIMBER HANDRAILS
& BALUSTRADES
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE // MARCH 2014
23
This data sheet provides general guidance on member sizes, connections and suitable materials for the
construction of handrails and balustrades. The information provided in this data sheet does not preclude the
use of manufacturer’s proprietary information where this satisfies the requirements of the regulatory authority.
INTRODUCTION
LOADS
For all Classes of building, handrails and balustrades are required
to comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA). The BCA
requirements include design and construction provisions for
the various components including compliance with the loading
provisions of AS 1170.1 Structural design actions Part 1: Permanent,
imposed and other actions.
AS 1170.1 requires balustrades and railings together with members
and connections which provide structural support to be able to
resist the following factored limit state loads - 0.9kN inward, outward
and downward load at any point. It also requires balustrades and
handrails to be able to resist factored horizontal or vertical loads of
0.53kN/m for all areas within or servicing exclusively one dwelling
including stairs and landings but excluding external balconies and
1.13kN/m for external balconies in domestic and other residential
buildings. Infill, including balusters, should be capable of resisting
0.75kN in any direction.
For handrails and balustrades, the BCA is primarily concerned with
the safety of building users and occupants. Design and construction
must therefore take into consideration both the strength and
durability of materials and components as well as the “geometric“
constraints prescribed by the BCA to prevent people from
accidentally falling through, under or over the balustrade.
The BCA should be consulted to determine where handrails and
balustrades are required and for specific details regarding handrails
for stairs, geometric limitations and other criteria.
Note:In addition, AS 1170 recommends other design loads for specific conditions
such as to restrain crowds or people under panic conditions. For this case,
design to resist a uniform load of 4.5kN/m is required. For these conditions,
handrail and balustrade systems should be specifically designed and are
not covered in this data sheet.
Figure 1. Balustrade terminology and dimensions
©TIMBER QUEENSLAND LIMITED TECHNICAL DATA SHEET 23 TIMBER HANDRAILS & BALUSTRADES Revised March 2014
Page 1
MATERIALS (Timber - general)
Durability
In weather exposed above ground applications or, where subjected
to other sources of moisture, handrails, posts, newels, balusters, and
infill should be either Above Ground Durability Class 1 species such
as blackbutt, spotted gum, ironbark, jarrah, merbau or kwila with
any sapwood present treated to H3 (or higher) or, H3 (or higher)
treated softwood such as slash, Aruacana (hoop) or radiata pine.
Preservative treatment shall comply with AS 1604.
Maximum distance between intermediate
supports, where required as per
Note 2 Table 2.
Note: Meranti, Victorian Ash and Tasmanian Oak are not suitable for weather exposed applications.
For internal use, timber of any durability class is suitable.
Timber Grade
The timber should be free from any major strength reducing features,
be straight grained and be in accordance with the following:-
•
•
Hardwood (Including Meranti) – AS 2796 – Timber - Hardwood –
Sawn and milled products - Clear or select grade
Softwood
(Including imported softwood) – AS 4785 – Timber Softwood, Sawn and milled products - Clear grade
Note: Finger jointed timber shall comply with AS 1491 – ‘Finger jointed structural
timber’ and laminated timber shall comply with AS 1328 – ‘Glued
laminated structural timber’.
Figure 2. Intermediate Vertical Support
TABLE 2 - HANDRAILS
Timber
Size / Description
Within or
exclusively
servicing one
Dwelling (excluding
external balconies)
Other areas
in Residential
Buildings
(including external
balconies)
No
Intermediate
Vertical
Supports (1)
With
Intermediate
Vertical
Supports (2)
No
Intermediate
Vertical
Supports (1)
With
Intermediate
Vertical
Supports (2)
Hardwood 65 x 65 (profiled)
42 x 65 (profiled)
42 x 85 (profiled)
35 x 70
35 x 90
35 x 120
45 x 70
45 x 90
45 x 120
70 x 70
70 x 90
3000
2200
2400
2100
2200
2400
2500
2700
2900
3500
3600
3000
2700
3400
3000
3600
3600
3200
3600
3600
3500
3600
3000
2200
2400
2100
2200
2400
2500
2700
2900
3500
3600
3000
2700
3400
3000
3600
3600
3200
3600
3600
3500
3600
Meranti
and
Australian
Grown
Softwood
65 x 65 (profiled)
42 x 65 (profiled)
42 x 85 (profiled)
35 x 70
35 x 90
35 x 120
45 x 70
45 x 90
45 x 120
70 x 70
70 x 90
2700
1400
1800
1200
1600
2100
2000
2400
2600
3200
3400
2700
2000
3000
2400
3200
3600
2800
3400
3600
3200
3600
2200
1400
1700
1200
1600
1800
1800
2000
2400
2800
3200
2200
1800
2400
2000
2500
3400
2200
2900
3600
2800
3600
Softwood
Imported
or
Unknown
Origin
65 x 65 (profiled)
42 x 65 (profiled)
42 x 85 (profiled)
35 x 70
35 x 90
35 x 120
45 x 70
45 x 90
45 x 120
70 x 70
70 x 90
2400
1400
1800
1200
1600
1900
2000
2200
2300
2900
3000
2400
2000
2700
2400
2900
3600
2600
3100
3600
2900
3400
2200
1400
1700
1200
1600
1800
1800
2000
2300
2800
3000
2200
1800
2400
2000
2500
3400
2200
2900
3600
2800
3400
MATERIALS (Structural Properties & sizes)
Posts / Newel Posts
Newel posts with handrails attached (handrails not greater than
1000mm from the floor) and posts connected to and restrained by
the roof frame, up to 2700mm high shall be in accordance with Table 1
TABLE 1 - POSTS
Timber Grade Newel Posts (external)
Full Height Posts
Minimum
Maximum Minimum
size
Post
size
(mm x mm) Spacing
(mm x mm)
(m)
Maximum
Post
Spacing
(m)
88 x 88
1.3
88 x 88
2.3
F17 (Hardwood) 90 x 90
2.7
90 x 90
3.6
F27 (Hardwood) 90 x 90
3.6
90 x 90
3.6
F8 (Softwood)
F8, 88 x 88 newel post used internally may be spaced up to 2.7 m.
Where posts support roof and or floor loads, refer to AS 1684 to
determine minimum grade and size but shall be min F8, 88 x 88.
Handrails
Handrail sizes and spans shall be in accordance with Table 2.
Note:
1. Manufacturers that use this data sheet as the basis of their design should
ensure that their products satisfy Australian Standards and have the relevant
minimum mechanical properties including the following:Hardwood – Stress Grade F22, (characteristic bending strength f’b = 65 MPa,
Modulus of elasticity E = 16000 MPa) and Joint Group JD2. Examples - spotted
gum, ironbark, blackbutt, kwila and merbau.
Meranti and Australian Softwood – (characteristic bending strength f’b = 25 MPa, Modulus of elasticity E = 9100 MPa) and Joint Group JD4. Examples - radiata pine, hoop pine, slash pine and meranti.
Imported Softwood - (characteristic bending strength f’b = 25 MPa, Modulus of elasticity E = 6900 MPa) and Joint Group JD4. Examples - New Zealand radiata pine.
2. Unless branded to identify that it is ‘Australian Grown’, softwood balustrades spans shall be determinded from the ‘Imported Softwood’ spans
given in Table 2.
Infill / Balusters
The minimum size of infill/balusters shall be as follows:Hardwood - 25 x 19 mm or 25mm diameter
Softwood - 62 x 19 or 35 mm diameter
Maximum span of Handrail (mm)
(see notes over page)
©TIMBER QUEENSLAND LIMITED TECHNICAL DATA SHEET 23 TIMBER HANDRAILS & BALUSTRADES Revised March 2014
Page 2
Notes
1. Handrails with no intermediate vertical supports may be used on flat or on
edge. See Figure 3.
2. Handrails with intermediate vertical supports shall be installed on flat with
intermediate vertical supports spaced not greater than the allowable spans
given for the same handrail with no intermediate vertical supports. See
Figures 2 and 3.
3. Where a mid-rail (minimum size 42x65) is within 150mm of the main handrail
and is rigidly fixed to it (using blocks, or balusters or dowels that pass through
the mid rail and are fixed to the top rail) at least once at mid span, the
allowable span of the handrail may be increased by 300mm.
4. Handrail spans have been limited to 3600 mm maximum.
5. Profiled sections typically include bread loaf, ladies waist and colonial profiles.
6. There is no negative tolerance permitted on the breadth or depth dimensions
(overall outside dimensions of profiled shapes) given in the above table.
Figure 3. Handrails - on flat / on edge
Corrosion Resistance
For weather exposed applications, all metal connections including
nails, screws, bolts and brackets should be a minimum of hot dipped
galvanised (or for screws, Class 3 corrosion resistance as per AS 3566).
For coastal environments subjected to airborne salt deposition,
stainless steel or equivalent corrosion resistant metal connections
should be used.
CONNECTIONS
TABLE 3 - LOADS ON HANDRAILS
Span Type
Single Span
Continuous
Span
Handrail
Span (mm)
Handrail Connection Loads (kN)
Within or exclusively
servicing one Dwelling
(exc. external balconies)
Other Areas in
Residential Buildings
(inc. external balconies)
1800
2100
2400
2700
3000
3300
3600
0.90
0.90
0.90
0.90
0.90
0.90
0.95
1.0
1.2
1.4
1.5
1.7
1.9
2.0
1800
2100
2400
2700
3000
3300
3600
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2.0
2.2
2.4
2.5
3.0
3.4
3.8
4.2
4.7
5.1
EXAMPLE OF DETERMINING
HANDRAIL CONNECTION
The shaded areas in Tables 3 and 4 provide a guide
to the selection of an appropriate connection for a
Class 3 Building with a continuous span softwood
handrail span of 2400mm.
Step 1. From Table 3 determine the load on the
handrail = 3.4 kN
Step 2 From Table 4 and Figure 4, determine a
connection with the capacity to resist 3.4 kN.
Step 3 Acceptable solutions determined from
Table 4 are:Type A connection, 1/M10 bolt or
Type B connection, 2/No 10 screws or
Type D connection, 2 No 14 screws per leg of bracket
©TIMBER QUEENSLAND LIMITED TECHNICAL DATA SHEET 23 TIMBER HANDRAILS & BALUSTRADES Revised March 2014
Page 3
TABLE 4 - CAPACITY OF HANDRAIL CONNECTIONS
Capacity of Connections (kN)
Timber
Type A
No.
Bolts
Hardwood
(JD2)
Softwood and
meranti (JD4)
Type B
Bolt Size
(Cuphead)
No.
Screws
Type C
Screw Size
(Type 17)
M10
M12
No 10
1
13
14
1
3.4
4.4
2
26
28
2
6.8
8.8
Screws
Nails
No14 2/No 10 2/No 14 2/3. 15 dia 2/3. 75 dia
1
8
9
1
2.0
2.6
2
16
18
2
4.0
5.2
Type D
Type E
2 / Screws per
leg of bracket
Refer to
Manufacturers
specifications
No 10
No 14
1.9
2.3
1.6
1.8
4.9
7.6
1.1
1.3
0.9
1.0
2.8
4.3
Notes:
1. For Type B connections, minimum screw penetration into post is 38mm.
2. For Type C connections the minimum screw penetration into post is 40mm and the minimum nail penetration into post is 38mm.
3. Midrails and bottom rails shall be fixed with a minimum of 2 / 3.15 dia. skew nails.
C. Stop housed and nailed or screwed
(Flush full or half checked to post)
A. Bolted
B. Screwed
Figure 4. Handrail Connections
D. Brackets
E. Proprietary
(i.e. tenon)
TABLE 5 - CONNECTORS FOR BALUSTERS / INFILL
Timber
Type A - Mimimum Nail / Screw Penetration ‘l’ (mm)
Nails
Screws
Type B - Nail in shear
minimum penetration ‘l’ (mm)
2 / 2.5 dia.
2 / 2.8 dia
1 / No. 8
1 / No. 10
Hardwood
(JD2)
22
20
15
15
1 / 2.5 dia x 25 penetration
Softwood and
meranti (JD4)
53
47
15
15
2 / 2.5 dia x 25 penetration
Notes: Where the balusters / infill are slotted into a groove or a dowel into a hole (i.e. top connection in FIgure 5 Type A) that restrains both inward and outward forces,
the above nail / screw fixing requirements are not applicable.
©TIMBER QUEENSLAND LIMITED TECHNICAL DATA SHEET 23 TIMBER HANDRAILS & BALUSTRADES Revised March 2014
Page 4
Type A
Type B
Figure 5. Balusters/Infill
Figure 6. Post and Newel Post Connections
PAINTING AND FINISHING – EXTERNAL
SAFE WORKING
Unprimed Timber
Nail holes should be stopped with an exterior grade wood filler.
Working with timber produces dust particles. Protection of the
eyes, nose and mouth when sanding, sawing and planing is highly
recommended. Refer to tool manufacturers for safe working
recommendations for particular items of equipment.
Dirt or any loose material should be removed prior to coating.
All surfaces, ends and joints should be primed prior to assembly
with a quality solvent based alkyd primer or stain, in accordance
with manufacturers recommendations.
Final top coats of exterior paint or stain should then be applied in
accordance with manufacturers recommendations.
DISPOSAL OF OFFCUTS AND WASTE
For any treated timber, do not burn offcuts or sawdust.
Preservative treated offcuts and sawdust should be disposed of by
approved local authority methods.
Pre-primed LOSP Treated Timber
Refer to TDS 24 - Recommendations for the use of H3 LOSP Treated
Pine. Pre-primed handrail and balustrade components should
be sanded back and dusted off to remove any loose or powdery
coatings prior to finishing. Cut ends, holes, notches etc should be
treated with a spray on or brush on supplementary preservative.
Nail holes should be stopped with an exterior grade wood filler.
All surfaces, ends and joints should be primed prior to assembly
with a quality, solvent based alkyd primer.
When the primer has dried in accordance with the manufacturers
recommendations, apply two full coats of premium 100% acrylic
exterior topcoat in accordance with manufacturers recommendations.
Timber Queensland Limited
ACN 092 686 756 | ABN 50 092 686 756
500 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Brisbane Queensland 4006
Phone (07) 3254 1989
Fax (07) 3358 7999
PO Box 2014, Fortitude Valley BC Qld 4006
admin@timberqueensland.com.au
www.timberqueensland.com.au
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of advice given, Timber Queensland Limited cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from the use of the information supplied.
©TIMBER QUEENSLAND LIMITED TECHNICAL DATA SHEET 23 TIMBER HANDRAILS & BALUSTRADES Revised March 2014
Page 5