Solid Brass Stair Rods
The Akeman Collection
CAT manufacture high-quality solid brass stair rods with a variety of finial designs. Brass Stair Bar sizes include 10mm, 12.5mm, 16mm and 19mm diameter, with 12.5mm being the most common. Finishes include polished brass, satin brass, antique brass & antique bronze. Silver stair bars include, chrome, satin chrome, nickel & satin nickel.
A Little History
In the 18th Century Stair Rods appeared as a way of securing carpet or stair runners tightly to wooden staircases. The Stair Rod ran along the backside of the tread and was fixed on either side by two angles called stair rod eyes. The carpet could regularly be pulled down to reduce the wear from foot traffic especially on the corner of the steps. This process done professionally was designed to increase the lifespan of the carpet however could result in the carpet moving over time or shifting position suddenly.
Over the following decades this practice was phased out and fitted carpet became the standard. Today in the 21st Century they have become a design feature in period properties and historic venues or decorative accents in innovative staircase design. Solid Brass Stair bars and Antique Stair bars are still popular in theatres and victorian properties where traditional design is sought-after. Nickel and Chrome Stair Rods are commonly used in contemporary properties with stair runners as a aesthetic design feature.
Measuring Stair Rods And Installation of Carpet Runners
Measuring
For brass with turned finials, measure the full width of the runner and add a minimum of 100mm for 10mm, 12.5mm and 16mm rods.
For 19mm brass rods, rods with large finials & triangular rods, an additional 150mm is desirable having considered the width of the staircase available.
E.g. 1 - With turned finials, if carpet runner is 686mm (27”), overall rod size required tip to tip is 786mm minimum.
E.g. 2 - With large finials and triangular stair rods, carpet runner is 686mm (27”), overall rod size required tip to tip is 836mm minimum.
Installation
Fix eyes into the tread and riser directly along the side of the carpet runner, leaving a gap of approximately 3mm (1/8”). For concrete stairs use rawl plugs for screw fixings.
When fixing stair rod eyes to timber stairs, screw into tread and riser. Note, if the wood is particularly hard, it may be required to pilot drill before fixing with screws.
Stair rods are for aesthetic purposes only. Always use wooden carpet gripper to fully secure the carpet on stairs.
The CAT customer service team is always happy to provide technical advice & assistance on how to measure and order, please call on 01582 561 500.
