What to do about this handrail?

[mrFinpgh]

The photo shows the nature of the current handrail and the state of decay/rust.  What it doesn't show as well is that the rail is pulling out 1.5" from the wall up at the top.

I'd like to replace this, as I'm sure when I sell the place in a year or so it will be a must-do item.  Any suggestions for something a bit nicer that I can install in place of this?

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[Peter_C]

How about a nice stainless railing? May need to core drill larger than the current uprights and reset the new ones in concrete. Those steel doors could use a good sandblasting and painting too (No lock on the doors? In a big city you would wind up with homeless sheltering in there).

Of my personal opinion which often does not line up with others...The stairs could also be covered in tile, stone, wood, or something to look nicer. The grey color is kinda dismal next to the red bricks.

 

[Cheese]

I whole heartedly agree with Peter...the obnoxious thing about the hand rail is not the color but the goofy knob/angle change at the top and bottom. A nice smooth angular/radial transition would be easier on the eyes...certainly less clunky looking and it feels better in the hand when you grasp it.

I'd also vote for a fresh coat of paint on the Bilco doors.

I've capped cement steps with stone veneer and the result is incredible. Bluestone treads for their thickness and durability and slate risers that match the Bluestone in color for its flexibility. It's a pretty inexpensive and easy method for putting lipstick on the pig.  [big grin]

I'd also think about changing the color of some of the accessories...the gray looks very military/Navyish, why not try some black or another color that works better/complements the brick work.

 

[DeformedTree]

On the rail, it's hard to know what fits in, is they along a street or out back?  If it's public side, I would want it to fit the area.  Maybe blast it and paint it black and call it good, or call up a railing company have them cut it out and replace in all of an hour with a new code compliant rail. Something with a nice smooth top.

Update Bilco to match.

 

[Cheese]

Another thought, in the past to tidy up cement steps and cement block foundations, I've made a water wash from the cement color of choice. Some are more white while others are more gray to tan. Just mix as much into the water as you can without thickening the water at all. Paint it on with a wallpaper brush and let it dry for a couple of days. Repeat if necessary.

The last time I did this to some steps, a single application of color lasted 4 years before I finally jack hammered them out and poured new ones.

 

[bertv]

KeeKlamp using the lightweight metal instead of the galvanised tubing. Premium look, easy to work with, pretty cheap. (Disclaimer: KK is a British product and may not be available everywhere).

 

[Koamolly]

You could cut off the diagonal and horizontal sections and build wood sleeves that fit over vertical pipe, then do whatever wood design you like for railing that’s code compliant.  Keep wood sleeves about an inch or so above concrete and coat end grain, preferably with epoxy.  You could use Ipe, etc. 

 

[DeformedTree]

is the area around the bilco concrete (not wood/steel)?  Depending on the looks of things, I would consider building up brick on that and then build on the other side, make 2 brick walls working up, stone capping, maybe a rail attached to that.  Could integrate opening with some iron within.

 

[mrFinpgh]

Lots of good ideas.  Mentally, my wallet feels lighter already.  ;D

For some context, this is the back of a Pittsburgh rowhouse, each of which are on 16' wide lots. In terms of the setting, the rowhouse to my left repainted theirs with the same battleship gray and that was an improvement over the old. I'd like to think mine would be nicer than that, though.

I agree with folks comments about the bilco doors - they are in rough shape and need to be repainted.  They also leak a little bit - the flanges seem to be pulling out when I open them, so I think the sealing is shot - but I'm not sure how to remove them without damaging things.  I think the flanges are anchored with some kind of nail in anchor.

[member=62526]Peter C[/member] - the bilco doors lock from the interior. 

The idea of a tread cap is very appealing, but I'd think that could mess w/ the rise and run of the steps. It might also be a bit 'extra' for the location and quality level of the house. Changing the color, on the other hand, seems like a reasonable move.  [member=44099]Cheese[/member] do you think that it's possible to go darker with the cement colorant?

Are there any vendors for handrails I should look into?  What about powdercoated or anodized aluminum?  Viable options or likely to go bad quickly?

 

[mrFinpgh]

is the area around the bilco concrete (not wood/steel)?  Depending on the looks of things, I would consider building up brick on that and then build on the other side, make 2 brick walls working up, stone capping, maybe a rail attached to that.  Could integrate opening with some iron within.

It is concrete to the left and right of the bilco doors. That could look excellent, but I think it might be a big departure from the surroundings.

to quote myself:

Mentally, my wallet feels lighter already.  ;D

 

[Packard]

A pony wall that obscures the basement access would be a visual improvement.

 

[Cheese]

The idea of a tread cap is very appealing, but I'd think that could mess w/ the rise and run of the steps. It might also be a bit 'extra' for the location and quality level of the house. Changing the color, on the other hand, seems like a reasonable move.  [member=44099]Cheese[/member] do you think that it's possible to go darker with the cement colorant?

Are there any vendors for handrails I should look into?  What about powdercoated or anodized aluminum?  Viable options or likely to go bad quickly?

Hey [member=59039]mrFinpgh[/member] I've done some stamped concrete and for that we put in a powdered colorant. We just put in as much as we needed to get the color we wanted. I'd just experiment on a concrete block.

I ordered product from these people when I installed a stainless railing in the loft. The prices were reasonable, customer service over the phone was excellent and shipping was only 2-3 days.

I think the aluminum rail would work well, although I would do some research on the compatibility of concrete & aluminum. I think wet concrete may be an issue, maybe cured concrete is fine?
https://wagnercompanies.com/products-services/railing-systems-and-components/aluminum-railing/