Metrie is North America's largest manufacturer and distributor of solid wood and composite mouldings, as well as a leading supplier of interior doors and millwork solutions. With six manufacturing facilities and 26 distribution centers across Canada and the United States, Metrie offers an extensive portfolio of products designed to transform interiors—from baseboards, crown mouldings, and shiplap to door jambs, wall treatments, and prefinished solutions. Their value-added services include custom profile design, pre-mitered options, and factory-applied finishes to help streamline installation and reduce jobsite waste. As a proudly Canadian retailer, Windsor Plywood is pleased to offer Metrie’s full range of mouldings, trim, and doors—backed by expert advice and personalized service. Whether you're renovating a single room or designing a whole home, Metrie provides the tools and inspiration to help you create truly finished spaces.
Round mouldings are used for handrails, closet rods, craft projects, tool handles, furniture components, and any application requiring a cylindrical wood profile. They come in a range of diameters to suit different load and grip requirements.
A graspable handrail for residential stairs should be between 1.25 inches and 2 inches in diameter under most Canadian building codes. The grip should allow a full hand wrap. A round profile between 1.5 and 1.75 inches is comfortable for most adults. Confirm your local code requirements before installing.
Pine and poplar are the most common because they are easy to work with and readily available. Hardwood rounds in maple or oak provide more strength and wear resistance for applications like handrails or heavy-use closet rods. Windsor Plywood carries a range of species and diameters.
In practice, the terms overlap significantly. Dowels are typically smaller-diameter cylinders used for joinery and fastening, inserted into drilled holes to align and reinforce joints. Round mouldings span a broader diameter range and are used for exposed applications like rails and rods. At Windsor Plywood, both are available in standard lengths.
Use a V-block jig or clamp the round between two flat surfaces to prevent rolling on the saw table. A fine-tooth mitre saw blade produces clean cuts. For longer ripping cuts along the length, secure the round in a jig or use a lathe. Avoid excessive pressure that can split the grain at the cut end.