Plowed vs. Unplowed Handrail: Which Do You Need?

When choosing a handrail for a staircase, the profile and wood species are only part of the decision. You also need to determine whether your project calls for a plowed or unplowed handrail. The difference is found on the underside of the rail, and choosing the correct style is especially important when coordinating your handrail with wood or iron balusters.

Our selection ofwood handrails includes both configurations, making it easy to choose a rail that works with your staircase design and installation method.

What Is a Plowed Handrail?

A plowed handrail has a groove, known as a plow, cut into the underside of the rail. This groove is designed to accommodate the square top of a wood baluster. The width of the plow should correspond with the width of the balusters being installed.

A matching strip of wood called fillet is then placed between the balusters inside the groove. The fillet fills the exposed portions of the plow, creating a cleaner, more finished appearance underneath the handrail.

Plowed Handrail Examples

TheContemporary 6084P-125 Handrail is a clear example. It measures 2-5/8 inches wide by 1-3/4 inches high and includes a 1-1/4-inch plow and fillet for compatible square-top wood balusters.

For a more substantial traditional profile, the Mid-Western 6710P-125 Handrail also features a 1-1/4-inch plow and fillet and is specifically designed for use with 1-1/4-inch square-top wood balusters.

What Is an Unplowed Handrail?

An unplowed handrail has a solid underside without a continuous groove for wood balusters. Instead of fitting the tops of the balusters into a plow, the railing system uses an installation method suited to a solid rail.

The6002 Contemporary Small Handrail is an excellent example. This 2-13/16-inch-wide by 1-5/8-inch-high handrail has a clean contemporary profile without a plow-and-fillet configuration.

Unplowed handrails are commonly a better match for pin baluster and iron baluster installations, where individual balusters attach to the solid underside of the rail rather than fitting into a continuous groove. In fact, our plowed 6710 handrail specifically notes that plowed handrails should not be used with iron baluster installations.

Plowed vs. Unplowed Handrail: Which Is Right for You?

Your baluster type should be one of the first considerations. Square-top wood balusters generally call for a plowed handrail with a groove sized to match the baluster, while iron baluster systems typically require an unplowed rail.

The profile itself can still match your preferred aesthetic. From streamlined contemporary rails to substantial Mid-Western profiles, our complete collection ofhandrails for stairs includes options for a variety of staircase styles and railing configurations.

Choose the Right Foundation for Your Railing

Plowed and unplowed handrails can look very similar from above, but their construction serves different installation methods. Knowing which balusters you plan to use before selecting your rail can help prevent compatibility issues and create a cleaner finished staircase.

Start by choosing your baluster style, determine whether you need a plowed or solid underside, and then explore ourhandrail collection to find a profile that completes the look of your staircase.