It costs me more to do it this way, but the rewards are clear - perpetual smoothness. Don't worry about copper discoloration--it generally turns a dull penny brown, but its easy to polish with some Brasso if you prefer it shiny. You may paint it if you like (use an oil-based paint and roughen the surfase a little for best results).

The rail returns to the top and bottom posts of your staircase. This prevents purse straps and the like from catching and pulling an errant stairstepper backward and down. The surface is "grippable," unlike the flat cap of the rail itself. The rail top is too wide for children and older adults, and the ballasters interrupt the user's sliding grip. For more information on code requirements for this item, click here.