Hammersmith Blogs

All the latest news, DIY ideas, tips and tricks in one convenient location.

News

June 21, 2024

How to Build a Wooden Handrail
Wooden handrails can come in many shapes and sizes, and whether you are doing a small DIY job in your own home, or you are a long-time builder needing a quick refresher course, we can help you along the way to building a wooden handrail. We have a range of different wooden handrail options to choose from and a variety of ways for them to be installed, including heritage-style rails and more modern handrail alternatives. We will cover the most common ways to build a timber handrail such as wall mounting, floor mounting, and glass mounting.
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April 11, 2024

How to install different kinds of post caps
A post capital, also known as a post cap or finial, is a decorative and protective ‘cap’ that is installed on top of a fence or stair post to help protect it from the elements (by covering the exposed end grain of timber posts, or open end of metal posts). Traditionally they were manufactured from timber, but are now also available in a range of different metal finishes such as aluminium and stainless steel.
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February 20, 2024

How To Install or Replace Roof Finials and Gable Spires
You might be surprised to learn that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to installing roof finials and gable spires. Almost every installation will vary slightly from each other depending on the style and age of the house it is being installed on. With that being said, installing roof finials does not generally require any specialty tools or equipment, just standard timber screws or nails.
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February 1, 2024

Wire Balustrade Pricing Guide: Average Costs for Decks, Stairs, and Platforms
When it comes to domestic decks, staircases, and balconies, wire balustrades have become a popular choice in the world of architectural and interior design. Also known as stainless steel balustrading, this system offers a contemporary and minimalist alternative to traditional glass and timber options, often at a more cost-effective price point.
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October 24, 2023

How To Connect And Install Galvanised Pipe Clamp Fittings
Galvanised pipe fittings are a series of internal and external modular fittings that are designed for galvanized pipes of various sizes. They are designed specifically for the do-it-yourself (DIY) market, with ease of installation being a top priority in their design.
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October 3, 2023

How To Install Iron Balusters
Wrought iron balusters have always been an incredibly affordable, DIY friendly way to update your staircase or balustrade, but even more so now that we’ve started stocking a range of wrought iron shoes to match. These baluster shoes hide a myriad of mistakes - they’re a DIYers dream. As, even the most inexperienced handyman can now install or replace balusters on their staircases and achieve a stunning outcome.
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September 21, 2023

Types of Railing & Balustrade For Decks
When it comes to choosing railing, handrail and balustrade for your deck or balcony, there are several factors you should be taking into consideration. Namely, material, style and functionality. Whichever material you choose to build your decking balustrade from should be weatherproof and waterproof: something designed for exterior use.
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September 5, 2023

Do Handrails Need To Be Continuous?
In order to adhere to Australian building standards, all handrails or railings in stairwells must be continuous along each flight of stairs. This is true in both commercial and domestic application, as outlaid in The National Construction Code (NCC).
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August 18, 2023

Best Modular Handrail Systems
If you’re looking for a handrail system that’s easy to install, DIY friendly, and includes a large range of modular bends/fittings, you’ve come to the right place! Depending on the desired application & your personal taste, we’ve whittled the options down to three different systems: one timber, one stainless steel and one galvanised steel.
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