Hand rail

[Timllfixit]

Hi folks,
As mentioned on a previous thread, I was installing an additional handrail to help my wife who is recovering from a major operation. Just a simple job, but I'm happy with it. Painting this weekend if all goes well.

[Chemfree]

Are you going to paint it....or strip the other side? :)

[Retired]

Hi,

Nice neat job but I'm sorry its needed; I hope your wife makes a full and speedy recovery because being ill is no fun.

Kind regards, Col.

[Timllfixit]

"Are you going to paint it....or strip the other side? :)"

Yes, I'm hoping to paint both sides.

[boxedin]

Hello Timllfixit good job I notice you have put a length on the other side at the top of the stairs so that your wife has a support on both side of the stairs all the way down its especially nerve wracking setting off downstairs so that is essential

My mum had a major operation and I had a similar problem so I'll through in a few ideas

Lighting
You need to be able to clearly see the steps to get up and down them especially when you are not feeling good. so you could upgrade the light bulbs at the top and bottom of the stairs to 6400k cfl lighting (daylight) at least 30w and maybe have a battery operated pir unit halfway along that came on. I have the 45watt cfl in my study and it provides a good working light but the bulb is big about 8 or 9 in long

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161815700434? ... EBIDX%3AIT

If nothing else it will wake you up before you start the descent in a morning

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mr-Beams-Batter ... ams+lights

Underfoot traction and grip
Is the carpet slippy on the steps is the pile flattened if so it might be possible to create more traction by cleaning with a carpet washer and using a metal pet comb to rake the stair carpet pile up.

Footwear is your wifes footwear in the house grippy enough and does it fit so her feet don't move around in it

Physio
Is she getting the right physiotherapy to build up her leg strength and coordination. She is unlikely to have been released from hospital without passing a stair test so should be ok but once she is out of hospital sometimes there isn't much follow up support.

I hope things improve for you both quickly
Best wishes

[Dave54]

Looks a good job!
I'll echo the others in wishing your wife a swift recovery.

[Timllfixit]

Thanks everyone. She is currently recovering from a mastectomy (breast cancer had re-occurred) so it will be handy when she is having Chemo and radio therapy too.

Yes she wants me to paint the other side too, but that's not a 5 minute job!

[DmitriKara]

looks nice and sturdy! make sure you do a durability test. you would not want it to let you down.. literally

[Timllfixit]

looks nice and sturdy! make sure you do a durability test. you would not want it to let you down.. literally

LOL

It's firmer than the other side! I did have a swing on it yes.
1 1/2" # 8's into red plugs(wall) and 1"#6 into rail. It seems fine to me.

[big-all]

suspect no7s is the correct size for going into the handrail but could be wrong

[Timllfixit]

Size 6's were all I had, and 8's too fat.

[big-all]

yes its normal
only chippies use no7s as most basic door and window furniture is number 7s