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Exterior wood railing designs


Wood Porch Railing, Traditional Exterior Cedar Rail, Deck Balustrade

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Our wood porch railing is made of the absolute best clear cedar wood available.   This railing has no knots, and is known for straightness and rot resistance.

We have designed our exterior wood rail to be architecturally correct, easy to install, and beautiful to look at.  Oh, and it’s strong too: We took the additional step of having our porch railing designs tested against the strength requirements for manufactured guard rail.  Along with our newel posts, newel post installation hardware, and rail installation hardware kits, our rail was found to exceed the standards required by building codes.

From the TESTIMONIAL page: F.M. of Rescue, CA writes “American Porch is outstanding! They helped me with a few key decisions in the specification of the porch components, and everything was delivered well packed for shipping and just as I ordered. The porch rail components are very high quality and went together perfectly – just as I had hoped. I reviewed other providers of porch products but found American Porch to be competitive in price and superior in the client interface and product offerings. I have received many compliments on how well the project turned out, and I will plan to do my next porch railing design project with the American Porch family!”

E.B. of Brockton, MA writes “We just installed the rails on the top today.  They look great. People think they are PVC. I pre paint them before installation w Benjamin Moore high gloss oil enamel.  I was on another when I ordered, then pre prime then pre paint. I also had to re frame the roof,  install rubber, then build a mahogany deck on it.  I will send partial pics once developed.  The full job wont be done for another month. I won’t forget you and they are great quality.
Thanks.”

M.D. of St. Paul, MN writes “I can’t begin to describe the railings that I received from American Porch. The word “gorgeous” is just not enough! We put the railings on our outside porch and we have received so many compliments. Not only was the service quick but the wood porch rail had no flaws. I highly recommend American Porch to anyone who looks for quality because it truly is high quality. ”

15 Deck Railing Ideas

Update your outdoor living space with these eye-catching deck rail design ideas

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The temperatures are rising, the days are getting longer, and it’s never felt more tempting to spend time outside. But if your deck has seen better days, it may feel more like a pending item on your to-do list than a personal respite to share with loved ones. 

Luckily, these inspiring deck railing design ideas will give you all the inspiration you need to build your dream patio or update your well-loved deck. Check out 15 of our favorite rail system ideas perfect for backyards, mountain cabins, or tropical retreats. 

Get Back to Basics with Wooden Deck Railings

Most of us think of wooden posts and rails when brainstorming deck ideas. Make the most of these tried-and-true railings with reclaimed wood, stunning deck stain, and out-of-the-box layouts.   

1. Horizontal Wood Railing

Photo: Jon Lovette / Getty Images

Put your own spin on the traditional wooden deck with horizontal deck railing. The rustic design is perfect for lakeside retreats or mountain getaways. You can even match the stain on your decking and railing for a classic look that will stand the test of time. 

2. Pallet Railing

Photo: Shane Cotee / Adobe Stock

Endlessly versatile wood pallets shine in this simple deck rail design. Simply break apart your pallets, measure carefully, and nail the planks into place for a DIY take on a wooden deck.

Explore Alternative Materials for Deck Railings

Change the look of your deck to match—or completely change—the look of your home’s exterior. Modern materials bring a touch of contemporary flair while rustic touches and organic elements add warmth to your outdoor spaces. 

3. Cable Railing

Photo: chuckcollier / Getty Images

Stainless steel cable rails have become a hallmark of modern deck design. The low-profile rail systems allow you to soak up the view with minimal obstruction. You can also customize your design to widen or narrow the spaces between your rails. That way, small children, guests, and beloved pets can safely enjoy the view. 

4. Aluminum Railing

Photo: Solidago / Getty Images

Looking for a sturdy, high-quality porch railing? Then you may consider aluminum railings. The durable material resists corrosion, rust, and everything Mother Nature can throw at it. They’re also easy to install and require virtually no maintenance, so you can get back to relaxing faster. 

5. Glass Panel Railing

Photo: irina88w / Getty Images

Enjoy the ultimate uninterrupted view with railings made of glass panels. The sleek, minimalist look opens up your outdoor space and makes the smallest patio look like an expansive modern deck. 

Don’t think airy glass railings are fragile, either. The low-maintenance panels are surprisingly durable and provide a strong barrier for your outdoor spaces.  

6. Plexiglass Deck Railing

Photo: iriina88w / Getty Images

If you want the open appearance of glass railings but need to stick to a tighter budget, you may consider plexiglass deck railings. Also known as acrylic glass, plexiglass deck rail designs mimic the look of glass and offer several of the same benefits. However, the railing system may require more upkeep and maintenance compared to its tempered glass counterparts. 

7. Rope Railing

Photo: Felix Schubbert / EyeEm / Getty Images

Take a cue from the tropics and swap your wooden rails for rope. Rope railings may not last as long as other materials. Still, ropes are a quick and inexpensive way to upgrade your space. 

8. Steel Mesh Railing

Photo: coralimages / Adobe Stock

Steel mesh railing toes the line between modern and rustic. Also known as hog wire railing, the square mesh offers an open view of your surroundings without any wide gaps between cables. Just make sure you choose a powder-coated steel mesh to avoid rust and corrosion.

Deck railings don’t need to be simple. Turn your posts and rails into works of art with custom shapes, patterns, and designs. 

9. X-Shaped Railing

Photo: Engdao Wichitpunya / EyeEm / Getty Images

Elevate a basic wooden deck railing with an X-shaped design. Opt for stained or natural wood for a rural retreat—or give your railings a crisp, modern makeover with white or gray paint. 

10. Railings with Geometric Designs

Photo: krblokhin / Getty Images

Take a break from standard wooden railings with a geometric pattern. If you prefer a sleek, contemporary look, you may consider black metal railings. However, we’re big fans of this wooden railing’s organic aesthetic.

11. Sunburst Deck Railing

Photo: Robin Gentry / Getty Images

Add a touch of whimsy to your outdoor spaces with sunburst deck railings. The classic rail design features a half-circle “sun” and wooden “rays” that connect to the top and bottom of your railing system. They’re fixtures in mountain retreats but are easily adaptable, making them perfect for any outdoor setting.

12. Wavy Railings

Photo: Annie Otzen / Getty Images

Ornate, wavy balusters add a touch of elegance to any back or front porch. These stylish accents connect to your deck at the bottom and the handrail at the top, setting them apart from spindles and other types of slats. We recommend silver, gold, or black railings for a modern look with timeless appeal.

Add the Finishing Touches to Your Deck Railings with Accents

Let your deck railing shine with something a little extra.

13. Railings With Built-In Seating

Photo: N_u_T / Getty Images

Take a load off without taking up any of your outdoor living space. These built-in benches integrate seamlessly with wooden railings for a laidback take on patio seating.

14. Railings With Lights

Photo: oneillbro / Getty Images

Make the most of your patio all day and night with lights. Built-in fixtures like these sit just below the post cap and illuminate your outdoor space. For a more budget-friendly approach, install small solar lights to the top of your railings or wrap them with string lights.

15. Railings With Planters

Photo: mafredxy / Getty Images

Get even closer to nature by adding planters to your deck railing. If you’re currently updating your deck design, you could customize your railings or wood posts with built-in planters. Otherwise, take on an easy DIY project and head to your local home improvement store for a few brackets, planters, and your favorite blossoms.

metal, wood, glass, height (47 photos)

The second floor in the house requires a staircase. It is not enough to decide where it will be located, what type of steps will be, you also need to choose what type and type of railing for stairs will be. This enclosing structure sets the appearance and style, which is very important for creating a harmonious interior.

Contents of article

Structure, distances, dimensions

Handrails for stairs are necessary for safer use, as they are a protective structure that prevents injuries. There are models of stairs that do not provide for the presence of any fences. They look, perhaps interesting, but using such a ladder is scary. Stair railings usually consist of several elements:

Such a simple design, but it has a great variety of options. And it is the railings for the stairs that give them a special charm and originality, they set the style.

Materials

The main structural elements of the railing for the stairs - racks - are made of wood of different species and metal. Handrails can be made of metal, wood and plastic. In the case of filling, other materials such as glass, plastic, ropes, textiles and many others are added. But even more often, railings for stairs are combined - combining two or three materials in one product.

Most stairs for a private house are made of several materials

Wooden stair railings

Wood for stair railings has been used for a very long time. It is good because you can make elements in any style. It is possible with a variety of carvings, patterns - for interiors in a classic style. You can use simple geometric shapes - for interiors of a more strict style. There is still the possibility of decorating / painting / varnishing in different ways.

Wooden railings for stairs can be more than just traditional designs….

What's even better is that you can make your own wooden railings for stairs. If there is little experience in carpentry, you can find a simple decor. Wood itself - due to color, texture - is quite aesthetic, so that even simple products look great.

In this case, “simple” does not mean “bad”. The main thing is that the design of the railing fits into the concept of interior design.
Wooden railings can even be in the palace interior
Some elements of carving and decor transform a simple staircase
In laconic styles - minimalism, modern, loft - a simple design fits better
Figured balusters and decorations of supporting pillars are traditional forms of decorating stair railings.
If you add a carved addition
And all they used was varnish / a little for wood of different colors

If we talk about the types of wood from which it is better to make railings for stairs, then harder varieties are preferable, with a pronounced structure: beech, oak, cherry. From conifers - cedar, larch. They make stair railings from pine and spruce, but pine products are too soft, you have to be careful, and spruce is hard to process. The rest of the breeds listed above, in principle, are also not a dream in processing, but they are very beautiful, so they usually turn a blind eye to complexity.

Metal railings for stairs

Metal railings are perhaps even more versatile. There are three ways to make metal railings for stairs: welding, forging, assembling from pipes and fittings.

Metal railings made of pipes and fittings and forged... difference in style and... price

Moreover, "forging" is not necessarily a hot process. There are machines for cold forging, which make it possible to make a wide variety of twisted and bent elements. Plus, there are possible “hot” processes. This in itself gives a lot of room for imagination. You can also use different metals and rolled products:

In this case, the metal can be: ordinary black or structural steel, followed by painting with a variety of paints, stainless, nickel-plated, chrome-plated pipes of various sections. There are even options with bronze or copper elements.

Forging makes it possible to realize any fantasies
Plant motifs - not only flowers and leaves
Geometry that is underlined with color...
Metal railings for stairs can be of different styles
Complex, simple, geometric...
Cast iron stair railings are rare today
For modern interiors
For nature lovers

Since the metal is more ductile, they do not make anything out of it. Floral ornaments, geometric, fantasy, those that are even difficult to define.

Glass

In the usual sense, glass is a fragile thing, but for stair railings, a special one is used - tempered or laminated. Laminated glass - duplex or triplex. This is a sheet of glass glued with a transparent polymer film. The technology is such that the transparency of the glass does not suffer at all, and the strength increases significantly. Similar material is used for cars. Even if it breaks with a strong blow, it will not scatter, and the fragments will hang on the film.

There are two types of glass stair railings: base frame (only made of glass) and when glass is only filling

Tempered glass is made using a different technology. It is heated to a high temperature, then, blowing air from both sides, quickly brought to normal temperature. After such processing, it becomes many times stronger, withstands shock loads well, breaking, crumbling into fragments with smooth, not sharp edges.

In general, both types of glass are safe. In addition, they look good, since such structures do not look massive and heavy. Glass can be transparent, tinted, colored. If desired, you can make a drawing according to the type of stained-glass window. Since the filling is solid, this type of fencing can be considered absolutely safe. The remaining technological gaps of a few centimeters are not dangerous even for small pets.

The handrail on the glass railing for the stairs can be wooden, plastic or metal.
A very interesting option: the pillars are made of wood, and between them is just glass
The usual railing for stairs made of wood and glass. In some interiors, you should follow the rule: the simpler the better.
For more extreme interiors
And the stairs do not seem so heavy and cumbersome ...
There may also be a drawing on the glass ...
Wooden version with frosted glass
Almost a classic...

There are glass railings that have wooden or metal support posts, and there are also handrails. These models can rather be called combined. For the most part, glass is placed between the pillars, and a handrail is made from the same material on top. Such railings turn out to be almost weightless, they do not block the view. They can be used both indoors and outdoors. They are especially good for balconies, loggias or terraces, as they do not interfere with the view.

There are also "pure glass" stair railings, which contain nothing but glass. An interesting option for non-standard interiors. For these structures, duplex or triplex with a thickness of 10 mm or more is used, which increases their cost compared to "frame" options, where cheaper tempered glass can be installed.

Plastic in stair railings

In stair railings, plastic can be used as handrails. Round, oval, rectangular plastic handrails are a budget and practical option. Budget - because such railings are inexpensive, practical - because smooth plastic is easy to wipe, and it does not wipe, does not require replacement of the paintwork. The only thing that can damage it is a significant shock load. But it is critical for all kinds of pearls.

Metal stairs with plastic railings are one of the most practical and durable options.
Approximately this profile, round or oval section
Plastic handrails look good on metal railings
Type-setting plastic balusters are assembled from prefabricated elements

Balusters can also be made of plastic. In this case, a metal core is inserted into the plastic (usually PVC). It will carry the load, and plastic is just a decorative element. Ladders with plastic elements are cheaper, but no less durable. After all, PVC, of ​​which stair railings are usually made, does not rot, does not lose its properties over the years. The material is unnatural, but practical.

Combination stair railings: beautiful options

A lot of unusual and decorative stair railings are obtained by combining two or even three materials. The combination of wood and metal, wood and glass, metal and glass, all three of these materials give an unimaginable number of options and variations.

Weld frames, insert transparent glass into them - simply and effectively
With patterned glass looks no worse ...
Wood, forging and glass - everything is harmonious and emphasizes the dignity of the "neighbors"
The usual railing for stairs made of wood and glass. In some interiors, you should follow the rule: the simpler the better.
Wooden version with frosted glass

Area of ​​use

According to the location of the stairs are internal and external. Both those and others are equipped with railings. Typically, railings for indoor stairs have a more refined infill than outdoor ones, but this is not always the case. There are very beautiful forged or wooden railings for the porch, stairs to the second floor.

Glass railings on the street do not interfere with viewing the landscape

Selecting the type of decoration

If the house has a balcony, terrace, it is logical if their fencing will exactly repeat the pattern of the railing for the external staircase. The exception is usually the stairs to the attic. They try to make them less noticeable in this case, most often they use a simple ladder, which can be removed or laid along the plinth.

Railings for stairs and balcony railings, terraces must be in the same style.

If there is a need to make a stationary lift, it can be beaten, made with a screw or with turntables, arrange a beautiful railing. The second option is to make a simple vertical staircase by welding small handrails on the sides. How this option fits into the design of the house is a question of architecture, but it is definitely cheaper.

Plastic and glass for street railings

If we talk about materials for railings of outdoor stairs, then you can use any: wood, metal, glass, and plastic. When choosing a plastic handrail or filling, it is necessary to clarify whether it can withstand operation at sub-zero temperatures and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. If yes, you can put it without hesitation.

If you are afraid that glass railings on the street can be damaged, use armored glass: it can withstand even point-blank shots

It is even easier with glass - it does not react to temperature or ultraviolet light. The only thing that can stop is its fragility. But, if you use tempered or laminated glass, this fragility is apparent. But the glass railings on the porch, balcony, terrace absolutely do not interfere with the view.

Peculiarities of metal on the street

Not everything is unambiguous with metal, but everything is clear. If you choose railings for stairs made of stainless, galvanized or nickel-plated pipes, you must first ask if they are intended for outdoor use. Yes, there is such a "stainless steel", which is only for internal use.

The metal will need to be repainted periodically.

If the stair railing is made of ferrous metal, it will need to be repainted. And you need to use paint for outdoor work. Each element must be carefully, to bare metal, cleaned of rust or scale, primed and only then painted. So there will be a guarantee that for several years the street railing for the stairs will look normal. The bad news is that the paint will sooner or later give up its positions, you will have to clean it up, prime it again and paint it. But this is inevitable and not news to anyone.

Processing outdoor wooden railings

With wood, everything is both simpler and more complicated. As you know, she feels good on the street, but also like ferrous metal, requires careful processing. Before installation / installation, the elements of wooden railings for stairs are impregnated with protective compounds for outdoor use. Please note that some of them stain the wood in an uncharacteristic color (red, greenish, grayish). If you plan to paint the railing with a covering paint, this is not so important. But if you are only going to change the tone, make it darker or lighter, such “highlighting” greatly interferes, especially for light tones.

This is how wood treated with wood oil looks like

After the protective coating dries, paint/varnish/wood oil can be applied. There are few questions with paints and varnishes: it is necessary that they be suitable for outdoor work. Tone, degree of gloss choose according to your own taste.

About oil for wood (it can be written "for terraces" and something like that) it is worth saying a few words separately. It does not create a protective film on the surface, but penetrates between the fibers, creating a protective barrier several millimeters thick. This type of protective coating is good in that when updating, there is no need to remove the old one. A new layer is simply applied on top of clean, dried wood. Everything, no removal of old varnish or paint. Grinding - only if necessary, if some places are wiped or damaged during operation. The disadvantage of wood oil is that it is expensive. But it's worth it.

standards and norms according to GOST

The railing on the stairs perform several functions, the most important of which is to ensure safety. When installing this structure, it is necessary to correctly calculate its height so that the fence is really useful. Low sides can serve an aesthetic function, but do not protect against falling. It is no coincidence that the height of the railing is regulated in GOST and SNiP - not only human health, but sometimes life depends on it. Falling down stairs can cause serious injury.


Minimum required railing height

The standard for a private house, office, store or administrative facility is considered to be a railing height of 90 cm. However, the average growth rate should also be taken into account when choosing design parameters for the house. The taller the person, the higher the support must be, otherwise the fence will not protect against falling. The height of 90 cm is average considering the height of an adult and a teenager - it is suitable for everyone. However, when forming fences in various institutions, this parameter is changed.

For children under 3 years old, 50 cm is considered the norm, and for schoolchildren 6-14 years old - 75 cm. However, such low structures are not installed in kindergartens and schools for several reasons:

  1. it is unsafe - children can easily climb onto the railing;
  2. Adults also use railings in schools and kindergartens.

Therefore, in such institutions, multi-level systems are used, equipped with several (2–3) handrails. The lower ones are for children, the upper ones are for adults. In schools, the standard for the height of the railings has been changed upwards - 120 cm high fences are installed here. This is done to protect children - schoolchildren are constantly running around, and fences protect against accidents. In such institutions, metal structures are installed as the most reliable and durable.

Particular attention is paid to the height of the railing for stairs in specialized institutions. If the standard height of structures for schools is 120 cm, then in institutions for special children the requirements are tightened - here this parameter sometimes reaches 180 cm. The minimum height of the railing for such objects is 1.5 m.

When creating outdoor fire escapes, more stringent standards are also used. According to GOST standards, the height of the railing must be at least 120 cm. These standards must be taken into account in order for the object to be inspected after construction. These standards are also relevant for loggias and balconies, verandas and terraces.

As for the internal stairs in the entrances of houses, here the fences have a height of 90 cm, as in a private house.


What determines the height of the railing

The height of the railing for stairs must fully ensure the safety of the people who use them. This is the main principle followed by specialists in the formation of balusters. Aesthetic standards fade into the background - first, the minimum dimensions are calculated to ensure the safety of people.

Along with safety, comfort during operation is of no small importance. If during the ascent a person cannot normally grab the handrail, then in this case the railing simply does not perform one of the basic functions. And their aesthetic component does not matter, because the design becomes useless.

When determining the optimal parameters of the railing, the height of the landing is also taken into account. Often, to increase the level of safety on the marches located above, more solid fences are installed. However, this is not a mandatory requirement, but just a precaution. Something similar can sometimes be seen in schools or kindergartens.

General norms and GOST

When installing railings, not only their height is taken into account, but also a number of other parameters. When designing fences, the minimum parameters specified in GOST are taken into account. Deviations from them are possible only in exceptional cases. The process of creating railings is carried out taking into account a number of standards:

  1. Distances between balusters. Balusters should not sag. They support the handrails and perform a number of important functions. From the outside it may seem that these elements have an exclusively decorative purpose, but this is not so. According to the standards, the step between the balusters should not be more than 12 cm. The exception is kindergartens, where the step is larger, but the elements are connected using crossbars.
  2. Railing width. The handrail should not be narrower than 3 cm and wider than 7 cm. This is the optimal size so that a person can use the support when lifting. It is also easy to grab onto a handy handrail when falling. An exception to the rule is the front stairs, which perform a decorative function.
  3. GOST standards. The requirements for the height of the railing, the thickness of the handrails in accordance with GOST are strictly observed where the safety of people depends on it. Deviations from the standards are permissible as long as they do not increase the risk of damage during operation.

Handrail height and room type

The average railing height of 90 cm is not relevant everywhere. Even in a private house, it is necessary to focus on the needs of residents. In some cases, standards strictly regulate the characteristics of structures, but often builders can decide for themselves whether to strictly follow the rules.

Preschools

In kindergartens, railings are installed at a height of 50 cm so that everyone is comfortable. However, this is not entirely comfortable for adults, so you can see railings with multiple handrails in preschools. Most often they are installed at a height of 50, 70 and 90 cm. If there are increased safety requirements, then the railing can be placed at a height of 50, 90 and 120 cm.

Practice shows that in preschool institutions they treat standards creatively, offering non-standard solutions, but at the same time they do not forget about the safety of babies. Here you can place balusters in increments of 15 cm.


School standards

The school is a high-risk place, so the requirements for the height of the railing are especially strict here. The minimum parameter is 120 cm, and in some cases the fences are made even higher. If the institution has platforms located at a height, then they can be closed up to the very ceiling. This is true for areas between corridors that lead to stairs.

To provide students with maximum convenience, they usually proceed as follows. The enclosing structure is installed at a height of 120 cm, but at the same time, handrails are placed on the side of it. They are mounted at a height of 70 and 90 cm. This is enough for schoolchildren of all classes. By doing this, designers solve two problems at once - they allow schoolchildren to use convenient railings and protect them from falling.

The height of the fences changes if they are installed in special educational institutions. In schools for children with developmental delays, the standards require a railing to be installed at a height of 150-180 cm. Additional handrails installed on the side can also be provided here. High structures are needed in order to exclude a fall. Instead of the usual balusters, such institutions use structures with artistic elements.

Fire escape railings

Fire escapes, which are installed outside the house, must be protected with a railing. They are required for any outdoor structures located at a height of 30 cm. Supports 1.2 m high are installed on fire ladders. They provide maximum protection and are designed for emergencies. In a force majeure situation, a group of people may be on such sites, and all of them must be protected from falling.

The height of the railing on the fire escapes does not change - it is the same at any height. Practice shows that 1. 2 m is sufficient for fall protection. The structures are made of metal by welding, which guarantees maximum reliability at minimum cost. Most often, a metal profile is used during assembly.

Outdoor areas

What height should be the railing on the terrace, veranda, loggia? According to the standard, the height of the structure cannot be lower than 120 cm. This is the standard restriction for outdoor areas located at a height of more than 30 cm. The railing for the porch makes the same height if it is at the appropriate level above the surface.

The railing prevents falls and injury, and provides additional comfort for the elderly and infirm. If the staircase for the porch has more than three steps, then the railing must be installed.

Guardrails are also installed on rooftops. Here the height of the railing ranges from 60 to 150 cm.


Standard railing height according to GOST

GOST 23120-78 is the main standard that is guided by when developing and installing railings. Also, experts are guided by the following standards:

This is an exhaustive list of documents that Style-Metal experts are guided by in their work.

Handrail height on stairs

Requirements for the height of railings on stairs are presented in GOST 25772-83. When developing standards, all the nuances were taken into account. If the structures are installed according to the rules, then they will ensure safety and ease of use. This is due to the system of calculations that are carried out before the development of structures. Railings in an apartment building or a private house should have a height of about 90 cm with a handrail width of 3–7 cm and a distance between balusters of no more than 12 cm. The distance between the railing supports should be no more than half a meter.

The characteristics of the stairs are also taken into account if the span is created from scratch. First of all, the average parameters of a person's step are taken into account (the approximate length is 60–65 cm). A comfortable step height is about 12 cm, width is 20-40 cm. These parameters can be modified to suit the situation.

If the stairs and railings are made with high quality, then they will be used without thinking about the amenities. And design errors will be immediately noticeable.

Balcony and loggia railings

Balconies and loggias located on different floors are equipped with railings 1.2 m high from the outside. For loggias inside the building (for example, for theater halls), railings 90 cm high are sufficient. In new buildings, fences are used today for external balconies 100 to 120 cm high according to different standards. In houses with a large number of storeys, the railing should be higher. In such buildings, the risk is higher - you may feel dizzy, the wind is stronger here.


Terraces and verandas

The standard height of railings for verandas and terraces should be the same as for balconies. Railings with a height of 100–120 cm are usually used. The thickness of the handrails here is quite small - about 30–40 mm. Fences are necessary for objects that are located at a height of 30 cm above ground level. The structures are formed in such a way that they do not interfere with the view from the veranda. At the same time, railings must protect against accidental falls and prevent accidents.

Even falling from a height of 4 steps can result in injury. That is why the standards indicate the maximum height of stairs that do not require supports. For terraces and verandas, which are usually located on a hill, railings are required. In apartment buildings, such sites can be located quite high. In the construction of fences, stainless steel and a metal profile are used.

What is the height of the railing of the handicapped ramps

With the correct design of handrails for the disabled, a person in a wheelchair can easily climb up. Sometimes such fences are erected by people who do not understand their purpose. This leads to the fact that the ramps become impossible to use for their intended purpose. When creating such supports, it is important to follow the rules of GOST. According to the norms, the supports are placed on both sides and have a double system of handrails.

The upper handrail at the ramp is at a height of 90 cm, the lower - 70 cm. The thickness of the railing should be such that any person can easily grab onto them. If the handrail is too thick or thin, it will not be possible to use it.

Handrails are installed at the base of the ramp, it is desirable to connect them together. During operation, the structure should not stagger and raise doubts about the quality of the installation. If the supports are installed in a children's institution, then here you need to make another level of handrails at a height of 50 cm.

Structure of fences and functions

Fences have a relatively simple design, regardless of their purpose and the materials used. They consist of several elements:

After the calculations, support posts are created - this is the "skeleton" of the fence. Balusters will be installed in it, as well as (in some cases) balusters. These are the straps used to fix the supports. Next, the railing and other elements are fixed. This installation scheme is relevant for many objects. Wall rails are often used along with conventional railings. They have an even simpler design and consist of crossbars, a support bar and fasteners.

These railings have several functions:

Some types of fences have an exclusively decorative function. In the main halls, massive stone railings play such a role, which do not help with the ascent and only slightly protect against falling. Similar constructions today have remained only in theaters and old palaces.


Fencing material

Handrails are made of wood, metals, polymers, glass, concrete. Combined designs are also widely used, in the production of which glass and stained-glass windows are involved.

Metal and steel are a reliable choice for structures of any complexity, they are used to make support posts. To make the fence as strong as possible, the same material is chosen for balusters, partitions. Metal and steel products are welded and prefabricated. The latter are easier to dismantle in the future. The most popular are stainless steel structures that are resistant to external influences, as well as products made of chrome-plated metal.

In the production of stairs, tempered glass is used, which can withstand high loads. The most common varieties are hardened, multilayer (triplex), reinforced. If you want to create beautiful fences, you can combine glass and metal. Less commonly used stained glass systems that look unusual.

Wood is a classic material used for fencing in private homes. Such designs are in perfect harmony with mid-flight stairs. In a private house, a standard railing height of level 9 is acceptable0 cm. If there is a child in the house, then you can additionally make the handrails a little lower - at a height of 70 cm. This is enough to make everyone feel comfortable.

Polymers, plastics are a practical category of fencing materials that are easy to assemble. However, experts recommend using them exclusively in conjunction with other options that are more durable and reliable. Plastic can be combined with metal, especially as a cover for handrails.

Handrail height permitted by law

Handrails are required for stairs that contain more than three steps - this is prescribed in the standards. GOST and SNiP indicate the minimum height of handrails for different objects. For private houses, this is 0. 9 m.

If it is required to create fences for schools, kindergartens, specialized institutions, then other norms work. For schools, the standard is 120 cm, because here the railing is necessary to ensure maximum safety for students. In special institutions, the height of handrails ranges from 150 to 180 cm. On balconies, loggias, terraces and verandas, fences 1.2 m high are installed.

Basic functions and structure of railings

Railings are needed for several reasons:

In past centuries, the architects who created exquisite palaces paid too much attention to design and decorative function. Therefore, today, railings for stairs in old houses cause so many inconveniences in operation - they are completely impractical.


Deviations from standards

When determining the height of the railing, deviations from the standards are allowed in several cases: