FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Dance Studio Hand Rail

BossHog | Posted in General Discussion on August 31, 2004 04:28am

I was recently asked about putting a rail in a dance studio that some friends are starting up. Trouble is, I know nothing about dancing or dance studios.

I’ve seen the rails in dance studios that the dancers hold on to when they stretch and stuff. I suspect it’s just common hand rail stock, like the local lumberyards stock. Or is it?

Two other things I’m wondering –

First, what’s the correct height for the rail?

Second, how do I attach it? The walls are brick with plaster over it. Then they’ve put 1X3 strips on the walls and put cheap 1/8″ panelling over the top of that. The owner does not want the panelling or trim disturbed, so I’m kinda stuck.

Any thoughts?

I could dance with you till the cows come home, on second thought I’ll dance with the cows till you come home.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    CloudHidden | Aug 31, 2004 04:46am | #1

    1 1/2" round poplar or oak. Typical height 42", but can vary. http://www.gibsongymnastics.com/ballet.html

  2. DougU | Aug 31, 2004 05:00am | #2

    BH

     I know nothing about dancing or dance studios.

    Your kidding!  :)

  3. calvin | Aug 31, 2004 05:32am | #3

    If you can drill one hole per bracket and want to mount to the block, these brackets from Ives in Aluminum would be the ticket.  Go to a hardware supplier and spec the Ives #159 Alum Handrail bracket.

    View Image

    If you cannot mount to the wall, there are free standing ballet bars available, for mucho dollars.

    When my daughter danced, they had a couple diff hts for the age group.  I'm sure if they are going to open a dance studio, they'll know the ht.  I think too that the round dowel rather than a sculpted handrail would be the ticket..........then again, I can't dance.

    Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

    Quittin' Time

    1. User avater
      BossHog | Aug 31, 2004 01:50pm | #5

      Those brackets look like they'd work well, but...

      The main problem is the 3/4" air space between the cheap panelling and the brick walls. Not sure how to deal with that.

      Also - If they buy these nice brackets, I don't know of any way to mount them except with tapcons. And I'm not sure how well the blue tapcon heads would look over the brass/aluminum handrail brackets.Bumpersticker: Democrats are sexy.Who ever heard of getting a great piece of elephant?

      1. calvin | Aug 31, 2004 02:05pm | #7

        Ron,

        Mount the bracket over the furring location.  Use heavy Expandet anchors with #12 or 14 pan head screws long enough (2-1/2 or so) to go past the furring  at least an inch and a half.

        http://www.phoenixfastener.com/viewprod.asp?index=97&cid=2Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

        Quittin' Time

        1. User avater
          BossHog | Aug 31, 2004 02:44pm | #9

          Mounting the brackets over the furring strips would be ideal. But I'm not sure yet where the furring strips are, and I don't think they're particularly level. (I saw a few of them exposed in a closet)

          Once I knew the corret height for the rail, I was going to go back there and see if I could figure out where they were and if the height of the existing furring strips would work out.My Wife walks with me when I take the garbage out. That way she can tell her friends we go out once a week.

          1. Karrl | Aug 31, 2004 04:40pm | #11

            Figure out the height that is appropriate. If there is no furring strip behind it use a hole saw to cut a hole, that is the same size or larger than the handrail bracket, at the desired height.

            Using that same holesaw, cut out some plugs the appropriate thickness and use some PL construction adhesive to glue them to the brick. Before gluing you could make an extra thick plug with the pilot hole from the hole saw expanded to the right size for the masonry anchor (illustrated in the previous post with a handrail bracket pictured) as a guide to rotohammer the mounting hole.

            I may not have explained it clearly enough to go in an instruction manual but I think you will get the gist of the method.

            If the gap between the round "furring" plugs and the hole in the paneling is unsightly a neat bead of caulking should suffice. You could also use a holesaw 1/8 inch bigger to cut the plugs and eliminate most of the gap between the installed plug and the hole in the paneling.

            Karl

          2. calvin | Aug 31, 2004 09:16pm | #12

            I would hope ron that they mounted the furring vertical, looking for the seams and picking up the repeat nail pattern would be the way to go.........which a man of your caliber I'm sure knew. Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            Quittin' Time

          3. User avater
            BossHog | Aug 31, 2004 09:31pm | #13

            The furring strips are horizontal 1X3s. Which makes sense, as the panelling is vertical.

            The furring strips were stuck on with concrete nails, half of which easily slide out of the wall when pulled on.

            So I'm kinda trying to maek a silk purse from a sow's ear with almost no budget...I used to have a handle on life, then it broke.

          4. calvin | Aug 31, 2004 10:32pm | #14

            Well I'll be, must be some more of those regional differences.  And here all the time when furring, I've been running them vert.  So over there, all the seams in the panels push in cept where they cross the furring.  Go figger.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            Quittin' Time

          5. User avater
            Lenny | Aug 31, 2004 11:22pm | #15

            I did a rail for a school ....  same thing....crappo paneling job with random furring

            I ran a 2x6 around the perimeter...routed the edge to sex it up a bit...long tapcons over the furring and some screw that pulled the panel up snug to the 2x6....then put the brackets and rail on.

            If I remember the rail was about 36" high for smaller kids.

          6. Dave45 | Sep 02, 2004 06:43am | #16

            Darlin' Daughter came through (sorta).  This website supposedly has all you need to know about the subject.  (It's called a barre, by the way)

            http://www.alvas.com/index.html

  4. rasconc | Aug 31, 2004 07:28am | #4

    Most dancers I have seen had a verticle brass pole.

    1. User avater
      BossHog | Aug 31, 2004 01:50pm | #6

      "Most dancers I have seen had a verticle brass pole."

      I don't think I'll suggest that to my friends. The dance classes they offer are for kids from ages 5 through 13 or so. I don't think they would see any humor in that...Don't take life too seriously. They will soon repeat it on cable TV.

      1. rasconc | Aug 31, 2004 02:43pm | #8

        I figured that, just thought you might see some humor.

  5. Dave45 | Aug 31, 2004 04:21pm | #10

    My daughter has been a dancer and dance teacher for 20 yrs and I know that the bar needs to be VERY sturdy - it will take a lot of stress.  I'll ask her about the size, height, and clearance from the wall and post the info.

  6. Jeff | Sep 02, 2004 03:53pm | #17

    Boss

    I just did a bar for an exercise class room.

    Due to the poor backing, I mounted a 1x6 pine board across the whole wall for support (anywhere I could find place to set a screw).

    For a rail I used Galvanized pipe and fittings (wall mount was a simple plate) and painted it with an enamel paint.

    Height was determined by the teacher and where her foot came to (I think it was 35").

    Didn't cost very much and made her happy.

    Jeff

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans

Hover's smartphone app offers an easier way to get precise 3D scans.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business
  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data