The best material depends on whether handrail will be used indoors or outdoors, how much maintenance you’re willing to put into it, and what kind of feel you want in your hand. Wood provides a warm, natural grip, while stainless steel and aluminium are low-maintenance and have a more minimalist feel.
Oak and ash are best suited for indoor use, and jatoba is a hard wood for those who want wood even in more exposed locations. Stainless steel handrails is available in AISI 304 for indoor use and AISI 316 for outdoor use. Powder-coated aluminium can be matched to the railing. Wood requires maintenance as needed to preserve its surface, while metal primarily needs to be cleaned.
