can I demolish a "solid" handrail and install a wooden one instead?

aoleks

morning all,

I can't find anything about this online, maybe I'm not searching the right terms. my "handrail" is made of brick (I think), it looks and sounds like a wall. I would like to get rid of it and install a more traditional, wooden handrail. is that something a builder could do just like that or do I need a structural engineer? It doesn't seem to hold anything in place, so I'm guessing it's fine, but how do I make sure?

thanks!

Doozergirl

Do you have photos? 

aoleks

sure, please see attached,

grumbler

I am pretty sure no structural engineer is needed.

stuart45

aoleks said:

morning all,

I can't find anything about this online, maybe I'm not searching the right terms. my "handrail" is made of brick (I think), it looks and sounds like a wall. I would like to get rid of it and install a more traditional, wooden handrail. is that something a builder could do just like that or do I need a structural engineer? It doesn't seem to hold anything in place, so I'm guessing it's fine, but how do I make sure?

thanks!

The term is balustrade. If you want spindles and a handrail, a carpenter is the trade you need.

Section62

aoleks said:

I can't find anything about this online, maybe I'm not searching the right terms. my "handrail" is made of brick (I think), it looks and sounds like a wall. I would like to get rid of it and install a more traditional, wooden handrail. is that something a builder could do just like that or do I need a structural engineer? It doesn't seem to hold anything in place, so I'm guessing it's fine, but how do I make sure?

It is a wall, and you wouldn't need a SE to remove part of it, but that does depend on just how much you want to remove.

You will need to make sure that the replacement arrangement complies with building regs - e.g. in terms of protection from falls and not having gaps that children can get stuck in.

So you need to make sure whatever you have in mind as a 'traditional' replacement conforms to current regs, and make sure when it comes to doing the work you choose a builder who knows and understands the regs, rather than someone who'll just screw some bits of wood together for you.

bengalknights

Definitly a carpenters job although a builder can also do it.

stuart45

Are you sure it's a masonry wall? There isn't much lateral strength in a 4 inch wall. I have built one in 13 inch brickwork on a commercial job, but in houses they are usually timber.

aoleks

ok, this all sounds reassuring. so just to confirm, the house won't fall down if a builder will knock it off .

stuart45

What about the door and cupboard?

Section62

aoleks said:

ok, this all sounds reassuring. so just to confirm, the house won't fall down if a builder will knock it off .

We can't confirm that because you haven't said how much of the wall you want to remove.