If you’re looking to install a handrail, the only way to do it properly is to core a hole in the concrete. Coring a hole in a concrete deck uses a diamond core bit that cuts a smooth 4” round hole in the deck 5” deep. An anchor is placed in the hole and cemented in with hydraulic cement. This type of installation allows for years and years of continued use. Do not purchase a handrail that requires it to be screwed into the deck. These handrails will generally fail quickly with use and end up cracking the concrete deck.
What to look for in a handrail? Not all handrails are the same. We offer several different manufacturers’ handrails, but prefer to use Saftron handrails because they are the only handrails on the market that do not require electrical bonding/grounding. All other manufacturers’ handrails must be bonded/grounded to be to code. The biggest problem with bonding/grounding a new handrail is finding an existing piece of metal inside the concrete deck to bond/ground the handrail to or driving an 8-foot grounding pole through the ground to properly ground/bond the handrail to meet code. We prefer to use Saftron handrails; however, we will install any handrail you want. We will require that you find a certified electrician to ground the handrail after we install it so it meets code.
