• A handrail attaches directly to the wall abutting a staircase.portalon lateral de allariz image by anscario2005 from Fotolia.com
  
  Aluminum handrails are an attractive and functional option for staircases abutting a wall, whether the steps are made of concrete, brick, stone, wood or metal. These handrails provide sturdy support to help people maintain their balance while ascending or descending the stairway. Unlike stair railing systems, aluminum handrails have just three basic components and must be attached directly to a wall to provide proper support.
  
  

The Rail

• The aluminum handrail is a long piece of formed aluminum that runs the length of the staircase. Aluminum rails come in a variety of shapes, thicknesses and finishes. Some rails are simply long, hollow tubes, while others are made of heavy-duty aluminum; many offer a baked-on acrylic finish for good looks and low maintenance.
  
  

End Knobs

• Knobs are attached to each end of the aluminum handrail and secured with screws to cover the rail's hollow interior. Although they're primarily used for aesthetic purposes, end knobs also keep insects and objects out of the railing. End knobs can be simple or have a decorative touch to them, adding an unexpected flair to the basic handrail.
  
  

Handrail Brackets

• Aluminum handrails are attached to the wall with brackets specifically designed for that rail. Typically, a bracket has holes for attaching it to the bottom of the handrail with screws. Some brackets are circular at the top, sized for the handrail to just fit tightly through them. The brackets have one or more holes to securely attach the bracket to the wall. Lag screws are used when mounting into wood surfaces; wedge bolts are used to mount into masonry surfaces, such as a brick wall.