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Matfield Reader Rails

A modular system that builds to your space — set the graphics width, pick a finish, and add graphics.

Live preview — drag to orbit, scroll to zoom. Built to your width and finish.

Upland® Exhibits Matfield Reader Rail, 60 inch Two reader rails connected end-to-end Matfield reader rail at the National Archives
Packing

Configure Your Rail

Rail + hardwood legs, priced by graphics width

Graphics width — inches, 24 to 72
Graphics — choose one
Your build $ USD + ground shipping, calculated at checkout
Estimated Lead Time
—
Custom-built to order
Ships by
—
Then 1–7 business days in transit

View graphics guidelines →

Modular Design

Built to Last Generations

Our heirloom-quality reader rails made of solid wood add a warm, inviting touch to galleries.

The modular design allows you to combine two or more rails to create the perfect size and shape for your exhibit.

Single reader rail module

Single Rail

A second reader rail module being added to the first

Adding a Module

Two reader rails connected end-to-end

Two Connected

// Technical Details

Specifications

Materials
Legs: solid birch hardwood with mortise-and-tenon joints
Rail bodies: Baltic birch plywood
Length
Any width from 24" to 72" — 45" and 60" are the most common
Height
30½" at front / 37¾" at back
Graphic Panel
Rail width × 15" on the sloped top
Finish
Includes Upland Signature Finish in your choice of color
Graphics
3mm UV-cured aluminum composite material (ACM)
Matfield reader rail dimensions
What's Included
• 1 rail body
• 1 graphics backer
• 2 leg units
• 1 hex wrench (5/32)
• 6 connector bolts (1/4×20 40mm)
• 6 joint connector nuts
• 10 connector bolts (1/4×20 23mm)
Upland® Exhibits - Matfield Reader Rail on display at the National Archives in New York City
Case Study

The National Archives

Upland's Matfield Reader Rails on display at the National Archives in New York City. This installation features our solid walnut upgrade for a premium, sophisticated look.

Upland® Matfield Reader Rails on display in NYC

Features solid walnut upgrade

Interchangeable Panels

Graphics System

Our Matfield Reader Rail System features interchangeable graphics panels so you can replace damaged panels or add new graphics.

The panel is your rail width × 15″ — supply artwork with ½″ bleed all around. Every order includes a 1:1 template generated to your exact width, or we print from the same file. See the graphics guidelines for file specs.

Upland® Exhibits Reader Rail graphics cross-section
Custom Sizes

Custom Sizes

Configured to your specifications.

Custom Finishes

Custom Finishes

Your choice of paint or stain.

Shipping

Easy Shipping

Ships via UPS or FedEx.

Design Services

Design Services

Professional graphics available.

// Common Questions

Frequently Asked

Does the reader rail include printed graphics, or just the rail?
You choose right on the product page:
  • Print your own — the finished wooden rail; produce the graphic panel yourself from the free 1:1 template, at any large-format print shop.
  • We print your artwork — we print your finished files on a 3mm aluminum composite (ACM) panel, ready to drop into the rail.
  • We design + print — you supply the text and images, our designers do the exhibit-scale layout, and we print it. The price includes the printing.
Is the rail stable on its own, or does it need to be mounted to something?
It's fully freestanding. Legs are solid birch hardwood with mortise-and-tenon joints and the rail body is baltic birch plywood. You can anchor to the floor or wall if additional stability is required.
Can I combine rails to make a longer or angled run?
Yes. Modular rails bolt end-to-end with the joint-connector hardware that's already included with every rail. For an angled layout, note the angle when you order and we'll prepare the joint for it.
How are the graphics prices calculated?
The graphic panel is your rail width × 15". At the default 60" width that's about 6.3 sq ft: printing it on ACM runs $258, and design-and-print runs $961 — rail interpretation is dense, close-reading work, so design takes about 1.5 hours per square foot at our $75/hr rate (roughly 9½ hours at this size). Both prices update live as you change the width.

See all common questions · Email us →