The Handrail

The Handrail

This tutorial shows one method to create accurate (ADA-compliant) handrails for steps. As with the previous tutorial, instructions are kept to a minimum.

Download model: Handrail

1. Draft the edges and faces of a standard set of steps.

2. Draft the line work as indicated by the diagram. The outline forms the perimeter of the handrail.

3. Offset the face generated by the outline in step 2 inward 2˝. Delete the bottom edge of the offset.

Delete the diagonal line across the top of the steps. Draw edges downward and upward at the location indicated by the red circles. Make sure the face of the rail is subdivided.

4. Delete the faces and edges outside and around the handrail and step faces. 5. Select the faces that compose the vertical bars of the rail. Make each a component called Vertical

Rail. Move each component inward 5½˝.

6. Push/Pull the top rail 4˝. Push/Pull the vertical bars 2˝. Center the vertical bars on the top rail. Select all the geometry of the rail and convert into a component called Handrail. Rotate the component to vertical.