Handrail from metal: all about the design, materials and installation features

Different types of stairs are used both in private estates and in administrative buildings. Most of the stairs, as well as balconies and loggias to give aesthetics, orderliness, creating extremely safe conditions are protected by a railing. Very often, a simple staircase enclosure can become a skillful decor for the entire room or decorate the facade of the house with a balcony.

Basic structural elements

Stair railings act as fences that perform a protective function. The main structural elements:

• Balusters - supports for attaching to the stairs, often decorated with a decorative element;
• Handrails - the constituent structures that are necessary for comfortable operation, are installed directly on the balusters;
• Filling fences - elements with which they close the free space between balusters. This ensures the highest level of security.

In turn, the filling can be classic (balusters are placed on a slope or directly vertically) or decorated in a more original way. For example, crossbars are often used - horizontal rods. Beautiful railings with continuous filling of glass look especially modern and elegant.

Railing Materials

Today, materials for the manufacture of railings are more than enough. Both trendy eco-motives are used (for example, a wooden staircase can be supplemented with all elements of the same material and only some forged elements for decor), as well as original options with an ultramodern concept (an abundance of metal, plastic, glass).

The choice of material depends on the operating conditions, the level of necessary security, design goals and financial capabilities of the customer. Conventionally, we can distinguish several of the most popular materials:

• Cast iron is a common material for street fencing. Cast-iron installations with ornate handrails along bridges, embankments, in private estates look impressive to enhance the atmosphere of rich old design. In the house, cast-iron parts look too rough and massive, therefore they are rarely used;
• Steel is a popular material characterized by impeccable performance. Railings made of polished metal and stainless steel are known for their special wear resistance, practicality, and unpretentious care. The material is good both for outdoor fencing, and for the arrangement of enclosed spaces;
• Aluminum is a flexible and ductile metal that does not withstand high loads. It is not used on the street, but a staircase with metal railing in the house or on the balcony is quite appropriate;
• Iron is a universal raw material for work. Often used both for industrial purposes and for the home. However, it is hard to work with iron. Metal fencing for stairs, railings and fences made of iron need to be thoroughly treated with anti-corrosion agents, as well as regular tinting;
• Bronze and brass are extremely rarely used due to difficulties in operation and high cost.

It is recommended to subject metal railings to nickel plating or chromium plating in order to increase the period of active use.In order not to damage the galvanic protection, they refuse to install by welding, preferring the threaded connection method.

Materials for the manufacture of balusters

Historical balusters are wooden curly posts that supported the stair railing. Wood is still considered a universal material for creating such elements.

The tree lends itself well to any processing, it is easy to decorate and decorate in a variety of ways. The wrought iron railings for the stairs, combined with wood balusters, look particularly elegant. This is ideal for a country cottage in a classic style.

Stair railing and all structural elements made of wood will fit well into the country interior, Provence, eco-style, ethnic and oriental design compositions. In the shape of a baluster made of wood can be:

• Cylindrical (the easiest option);
• Flat (for laconic interior installations);
• Carved with sculptural decor.

Wood is a beautiful, environmentally friendly material that will fit well into any interior. Street fencing and balcony structures made of wood do not because of absolute impracticality.

Stone and glass

Metal railings are often complemented by stone balusters. The most popular material is marble. It is reliable and durable, it looks especially solid, respectable and elegant. For the arrangement of small stairs or miniature balconies, bulky elements are not used. The material is quite expensive and will only look appropriate in expensive and spacious apartments.

An interesting alternative to marble gloss is the airiness of glass structures. Glass balusters are usually cast. Crystal glass artistic elements with spectacular overflows and backlighting will complement the ferrous metal railing well. The safest material is laminated silicate glass, which is very difficult to break.

Concrete products

For massive metal railings (for example, cast iron), balusters made of concrete are suitable. Many consider this type of fencing a relic of the Stalinist Empire. Heavy and slightly rude constructions really do not fit into the atmosphere of apartments and houses.

Concrete products and metal railings for stairs will be a good solution for ennoblement of a personal plot: for fencing arbors, terraces, barbecue areas, a front garden and other locations requiring a clear delineation. Concrete and plaster fences are excessively fragile. They quickly collapse under the influence of temperature changes, prolonged precipitation and banal mechanical damage.

Metal

Often balusters are made of the same material as the railing for the stairs: metal or wood. Building envelopes look holistically and organically. Wood gives a special shade of aristocracy and a touch of antiquity. But metal structures can be made modern and stylized for a specific historical era.

Various alloys are used depending on the interior solutions, dimensions of the room, and functional qualities. A wide range of metal balusters and from the perspective of the method of manufacturing these products. The railing for the porch of metal or any other fencing can be supplemented with balusters, made as follows:

• National teams;
• Cast;
• Welded;
• Combined.

The manufacturing method directly affects the scope of use of such structures. First of all, they take into account the general style and location where this type of fencing will be used.

Important Security Aspects

When choosing suitable railing for stairs made of metal or other materials for a house or apartment, it is important to assess first of all not the aesthetic characteristics and affordability, but the key nuances of safe operation. Two points to keep in mind:

1. The height of the structure must be at least 80 cm.This is approximately the average adult. Such a height is considered extremely safe and completely aesthetic;
2. The standard number of balusters should be equal to the total number of steps on the stairs. This is provided that other filling elements are not provided, as well as if the vertical rods are not too thin.

The clearance between the uprights should be no more than 150 mm. This is especially important if there are children in the house. Among them there are many who want to stick their heads between the balusters.

Mounting Features

In order for the functional of the metal railing to be fully justified, it is necessary to strictly adhere to all the rules regarding the installation of the structure. Railings are standardly installed on stairs with more than three steps.

If the ladder does not adjoin a wall or other type of protections, it is necessary to mount railings on both sides. No matter how complex the design, there should not be sharp edges, sharp protrusions, or other defects that could cause injury.

Ideally, absolutely any type or format of handrails should protrude 30 centimeters per line of the step, ending with smooth rounding. The shape of the handrail should also be thought out in terms of ergonomics. The best option is a handrail corresponding to the girth of the hand with overlays made of smooth materials.

It is important to understand that the design must be safe and durable, therefore, the installation of such fences should be done by specialists. The decision to deal with such a problem independently should be based on the availability of certain knowledge and experience.