Everything you need to know about baserail aesthetics

If you’re installing a new staircase or are looking to swap out some of your worn stair parts, then it’s time to familiarise yourself with baserails.

There are many different designs of baserails to match a wide range of aesthetics and décor, from modern and contemporary cubed designs to classic and traditional styles.

Throughout this guide, you’ll discover all you need to know about baserails and which style is best for you – so keep reading to find out more about this vital part of your staircase!

What is a baserail?

Baserails, also known as bottom tracks, are long stair components that run up your stairs or landing above the stair strings, supported at both ends by newel posts.

Your baserail forms the base of your balustrade – depending on your chosen aesthetic, spindles or glass panels that support your handrail are fitted into the bottom track.

Exploring the different baserail styles

Before you select and order your baserail, you need to consider whether you require ungrooved, grooved, or grooved for glass styles.

Grooved

Grooved baserails have a track running through the middle of the rail for spindles to effortlessly slot into. Grooved baserails vary in groove size – for example, you may need a channel that measures 32mm or 41mm wide depending on your spindles.

Grooved for glass

Glass grooved base rails also have a channel – however, it’s much deeper in order to house glass panels. Typically, this baserail is found in modern homes with contemporary décor.

Ungrooved

This type of baserail doesn’t have a groove and is completely solid. They’re for contemporary staircase parts that are screwed directly into the base, such as metal spindles and brackets for glass or acrylic panels.

Baserail materials

Baserails are available in a wide variety of materials and finishes to suit all aesthetics, including:

Oak

If you would prefer a timeless finish that looks the part in both classic and contemporary homes, then you can’t go wrong with an oak baserail. Oak is very durable, and thanks to the natural grain of the timber, provides a luxurious finish that is difficult to rival.

Black oak

If you’re looking for something extra striking and sophisticated, you could even opt for a black oak baserail – the rich tones of the darker wood offer a luxurious feel to any home, whether it’s modern or traditional.

What’s more, any dirt that has found its way on to your baserail shows up less on black oak – so, even if you haven’t had chance to clean, a black oak baserail will keep your staircase looking great in the meantime.

Pine

Searching for a lighter feel that still feels and looks rustic? If so, pine baserails are a fantastic choice. Pine is a light-coloured timber with a very prominent grain, excellent if you’re looking to bring a natural element to your hallway.

Additionally, pine’s lighter appearance offers the perfect base for paint if you wish to refresh your stair parts in the future!

Whichever material you select, if you purchase your baserail from a trusted and expert provider, it’s guaranteed to last for years and look the part in your home.