Adding a Second Handrail to an Existing Staircase

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A second handrail on an existing staircase gives children and older residents a lower or extra grip, which makes climbing and descending safer. It is usually fitted to the wall or to the existing steps after measuring the stair width, height and wall condition. Our Tel Aviv workshop produces and installs it to measure so it matches the current railing.

Why a Second Handrail Makes Sense

Many staircases have one railing set at adult height, which can be difficult for small children and for people who need extra support when walking. A second handrail, mounted lower or on the other side of the stair, gives an additional point to hold at every step.

It is a practical upgrade for family homes with young children, and for apartments where elderly parents visit or live. It can be added without replacing the whole staircase, which keeps the work simpler and the look consistent with what is already there.

Checking Your Existing Staircase First

Before deciding on the design, it helps to look at the staircase as it is today. Note the stair width, whether there is a wall on one or both sides, the material of the current railing, and how the steps are finished.

Is there room on the wall side for brackets without blocking the passage?
Is the wall solid enough to take fixings?
Does the new handrail need to run the full length or only part of the flight?

Choosing the Right Height and Position

A second rail is often set lower than the main one so a child or a seated person can reach it comfortably. The exact heights and gripping dimensions should be checked against the Israeli railing standard SI 1142 together with your engineer, since the right values depend on the specific staircase.

Continuity matters too. The new rail should feel natural to hold while climbing, so its ends and transitions at the landings should be planned carefully.

Materials and Finish

Handrails are made from iron, stainless steel or aluminum, and the choice depends on the look you want and the exposure to weather. For a stair inside a building, a painted or powder-coated finish matching the existing railing is common. For areas near the outdoors, a hot-dip galvanized or stainless option resists corrosion better.

We can match the profile and colour of your current railing so the two rails look like one piece of work.

How the Process Works

The process starts with an inquiry where you send photos of the staircase. We then visit for an on-site measurement, prepare a drawing and a written specification, and wait for your approval before production begins.

The parts are made in our factory, finished by galvanizing or powder coating, and then installed at your home. This means fewer surprises on site and a clear plan from the start.

Safety Tips for Families and Older Residents

A good handrail should be firmly fixed, smooth enough to slide a hand along without catching, and continuous so there is no gap where a person might lose their grip. Lighting on the stairs also makes a real difference, especially at night.

Check the fixings every so often for looseness.
Keep the stair clear of objects.
Ask for the rail to be installed to continue past the top and bottom steps.

Frequently asked questions

Can a second handrail be added to any staircase?

Most staircases can take a second handrail, provided the wall or steps are solid enough for the brackets and there is room to pass. A short site visit confirms the best option for your stair.

Will the new handrail match the existing one?

We can match the profile, finish and colour of your current railing so the two look consistent. Send photos of the existing rail with your inquiry to help us plan the match.

Do I need to replace the old railing?

No, in many cases the new rail is added alongside the existing one, which saves time and keeps the original work in place. The best approach depends on the stair's condition and layout.

How do I start the process?

Send us photos of the staircase and a short description of what you need. We will then arrange an on-site measurement and prepare a drawing and specification for your approval.

Common mistakes to avoid

A common mistake is fixing a second rail at the wrong height or ending it abruptly without fitting it into the landings. Measuring carefully and planning the ends in advance avoids a rail that is awkward to use.

Our recommendation

Before ordering, stand on the stairs and imagine how a child or an elderly person would hold the rail while going up and down. Plan the height, the continuous run and the fixings on site so the result is comfortable and secure.

Summary

A second handrail is a practical, affordable way to make an existing staircase safer for children and older residents. Plan it with a proper measurement and a matched finish for the best result.

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