Railings for stairs (Stair)

Railings for stairs

The stairs inside our homes can have different forms and structures. The wide range of finishing materials and the availability of various technologies mean that the stairs have long ceased to be just a structure that makes it easier for us to climb higher floors. Currently, both stairs and stair railings are architectural and decorative elements in the house, as important as the way of finishing and furniture. Often, being in the central point of the house, open to the living area must harmonize with the rest of the house, creating a coherent whole. That is why it is so important that, in addition to functionality and durability, stairs and stair railings are effective and properly matched to the interior. Fortunately, the wealth of materials and styles that we can use is enormous. In our homes, classic wooden balustrades, designs made of stainless steel combined with wood and glass or made only of stainless steel can look beautiful.

Stair barrier, how to choose?

The most important thing to consider when installing a railing is safety. Building regulations precisely define the necessity to install a railing on each staircase, which is used to overcome a height of more than 50 cm. In a single-family house, their height - measured from the top of the handrail to the edge of the steps or landing - should not be less than 90 cm. Meeting these requirements is a must, of course, when most of the household members are tall, it is recommended to adjust the height of the railing to them. Also, when small children live in the house, it is recommended to pay attention to all clearances and distances between the balusters. Another choice is to match the materials, patterns and style of the railing to the stairs and the rest of the interior design.

Handrails for stairs, what are the types

Railings according to construction are divided into full, openwork or curtain. The full balustrade forms a wall, it is a uniform surface covering the flight of stairs, often bricked or made of plasterboard construction. This type of railing is very safe for children, unfortunately it can create the impression of a heavy and overwhelming structure. Openwork railings are most often a combination of handrails and posts with different clearances. Such a railing can be made of wood, metal or a combination of these materials. This is the most decorative type of railing. Curtain railings are a combination of the above two types. Mostly made of glass, it does not completely obstruct the flight of stairs, it reaches below the flight of stairs. It is easy with this type of railing to obtain the effect of lightness and transparency of the entire structure. The railing around the stairs can be made in a classic or modern style. The former are most often made of wood. A comfortable handrail and balusters form a whole that can be varnished or painted any color. Very often, the wood used for handrails and stairs is noble oak and beech. It's good when the entire railing joins the stairs. Modern railings are most often a combination of metal and glass or glass and wood. Using our own imagination, we can create the perfect solution for our interior.

Internal railings, methods of assembly.

The method of installing the railing depends on the selected model and often the type of stairs. Their type and width very often determine the chosen method of attachment. The railing will be installed differently in the case of spiral stairs, and differently when we have stairs with or without a tread. To put it simply, there are two main ways to attach it, to the steps or to the side of the stairs, i.e. the cheeks. Attaching to the surface of the step reduces their width and it should be taken into account when planning the type of railings, when mounting the protection to the side of the stairs, we must have a place for it, which should also be taken into account in the design. It is important that the fastening is durable and that it properly transfers the resulting loads to the structure of the stairs, and that it stiffens the railing so that it does not bend as a result of the forces acting on it.

How to measure the height of a stair railing?

The height of the railing on the stairs is limited in the relevant regulations, its lower limit is 90 cm, the upper limit of the height of the railing to be installed depends on the selected design and the elements it consists of. It is also worth adjusting it to the height of the household members, the interior design and, for example, the presence of small children in the house. When measuring the rails, we take into account the length from the tread to the top