Handrail fix

[HouseFixer]

I’m fixing the stair handrail to the wall and wanted advise on the best way to do it. The builder initially used caulk to seal it to the wall, but movement cracked that. I have removed the caulk, painted the bare plaster behind, and now my thoughts were to fill the gap rather than push it to the wall. I’ve got noodle type foam sealant to push into the gap, or I could use expanding foam. Then on top, what would be best? Caulk again? Or I’ve got Ronson’s 2 part wood filler (which seems to be the same as an epoxy filler?) Or Toupret wood filler?

 

[kp00110]

Maybe a trim piece of wood instead?

 

[blup]

Consider building up the gap with an oak or pine strip, with the top layer scribed to fit using a sharp hand plane or file sander. You might also be able to screw through the handrail into the wall if there is a stud available to keep it steady

 

[HouseFixer]

Thanks for the ideas. There doesn’t seem to be a stud there unfortunately, that was my first thought too. Putting a wood trim is a nice idea, but would I have the same problem with cracking where it’s glued on, with the movement?

 

[HouseFixer]

Not sure if I have the patience for building up with oak or pine strips then scribing, and again, will movement likely cause the top bit to come away from the wall?

 

[Koolpc]

Expanding foam first then fill.

 

[HouseFixer]

my thought is that expanding foam will flex (does it?) then fill with what though?

 

[opps]

The expanding foam will flex slightly, and to a degree it will hold the timber in place.

Spray the area with a mist of water first. It will help the adhesion and curing.

Once cured, cut away any excess with a sharp knife, tilted slightly downwards to provide space for the filler. The 2 pack filler that you show will be fine but even if you use a sanding block, you may end up with a slight radius where it meets the plaster. The radius will be far less if you use a soft filler such as Red Devil OneTime, but it is so soft that it could become dented over time.

 

[johnny2007]

Nice piece of joinery there.
Perfect cut!
Where's @JobAndKnock ???

 

[thomp1983]

Use a piece of trim wood as suggested above but attach it to the plaster only then the handrail will be free to move below it

 

[HouseFixer]

Nice piece of joinery there.
Perfect cut!
Where's @JobAndKnock ???

Haha, I’m thinking there’s a little sarcasm in your note?

 

[HouseFixer]

Use a piece of trim wood as suggested above but attach it to the plaster only then the handrail will be free to move below it

Ah, I see. So would you fill/ pack out the space at all or just leave it so it can move?

 

[opps]

Haha, I’m thinking there’s a little sarcasm in your note?

@JobAndKnock is one of the most knowledgeable people on this forum when it comes down to carpentry related matters.

As an aside, how much bigger has the gap become?

 

[HouseFixer]

@JobAndKnock is one of the most knowledgeable people on this forum when it comes down to carpentry related matters.

As an aside, how much bigger has the gap become?

It was tight to the wall, so 9mm gap now

 

[opps]

BTW, the filler in your photo is a polyester resin filler. It is not an epoxy resin filler. They are way more expensive and probably wouldn't help in this case. They would not adhere sufficiently to the plaster.