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Front porch railing design


20 Beautiful Porch Railing Ideas

White Sands Design/Build

At first thought, porch railings serve a strictly utilitarian purpose. After all, nobody wants to tumble off of their porch and have all their outdoor furniture go right down with them. But, in reality, style matters when it comes to your porch's railing.

Not only does it act as that perfect finishing touch to that small, outdoor space that's right next to your front door, but it can also set the tone for your interior design style. But, with so many materials and styles to choose from, finding the right porch railing for your home can feel a tad overwhelming.

To help, we're sharing 20 beautiful porch railing ideas. Thanks to these examples, you'll be able to take your outdoor space to the next level.

01 of 20

Finding Lovely

Want to give your front porch a historical edge? Add a set of sawn baluster railings. Originally designed for Victorian homes, this porch railing style features a decorative pattern that repeats.

While sawn baluster railings could look good with just about any color palette, we particularly love how Jackie Hempel of Finding Lovely paired hers with a cheery teal door. The candy-coated scheme and old-fashioned railings style harken back to those classic Queen Anne abodes.

02 of 20

Farmhouse on Boone

If you're looking for a porch railing style that can withstand time and trends, you can't go wrong with a classic vertical wooden style. Not only can it make your porch appear larger and airier, but it can also act as a blank canvas so it won't upstage your plants and outdoor furniture. Don't believe us? Just take a look at this idyllic iteration from Farmhouse on Boone.

03 of 20

Design: Liz Marie Blog; Photo: Liz Marie Galvan

Looking for a subtler trip down memory lane? Consider adding a turn baluster style to your porch. At first glance, this style looks incredibly similar to that traditional, vertical railing type—however, the slight ornamentation gives this option something extra.

Another perk: it's surprisingly versatile. Check out this space from Liz Marie Galvan, who regularly decks out her porch with seasonal decorations.

04 of 20

Design: 3 North; Photo: Kip Dawkins Photography

For an innovative option that bridges the gap between old and new, check out Chippendale porch railings. Named after a famous furniture maker called Thomas Chippendale, this style prides itself on a cool, geometric repetition—and, more times than not, Chippendale porch railings create a cool, X-shaped pattern.

While this type of porch railings can be used with any type of architecture, they deftly juxtapose a colonial space. Let this home from 3 North show you how it's done.

05 of 20

Design: Greyhouse Design; Photo: Tim Furlong

Gretchen Black of Greyhouse Design found the perfect Chippendale railing style that's classic and modern in equal measure. The geometrical pattern hits a sweet spot between modern farmhouse and Art Deco glamour.

06 of 20

Bria Hammel Interiors

When in doubt, X marks the spot. Designer Bria Hammel offers plenty of Southern hospitality, thanks to this criss-cross railing style.

"A front porch is the first impression guests have of your home," she explains. "We wanted to make sure that ours drew our family, friends, and neighbors in so that they felt comfortable to sit, chat, and even enjoy a glass of lemonade or a cocktail. I’m always drawn to the Southern style and aesthetic, so we wanted to keep that in mind when designing this outdoor extension of our home. It’s everything functional and beautiful."

07 of 20

White Sands Design

A vertical porch railing might be undeniably classic, but it can slip into ubiquitous territory quite easily. If you're looking for a way to offset this traditional type, pair it with a larger porch. For example, this wraparound porch from White Sands Design strikes a happy medium between subtle and statement.

08 of 20

Design: A Small Life; Photo: Melanie Gnau

Anyone whose design taste falls on the subtler end of the spectrum will find a lot to love about a cable porch railing. This style—as seen in A Small Life's One Room Challenge—is slim, but will pop against your home's facade. For a rustic take on this classic style, take a cue from Melanie Gnau, who paired the cable with tonal slabs of wood.

09 of 20

Livvy Land

Or, if your style skews more minimalist, a cable porch railing can still deliver. In this space from Livvy Land, a light wood perimeter and cable weave are paired with woven furniture, plants, and plenty of twinkle lights.

10 of 20

Paper & Stitch

Why settle for one porch railing style when you can enjoy a few? At her former Georgia home, Paper & Stitch blogger Brittni Mehlhoff selected a wood and metal porch railing. "It was one of our favorite spots to sit in the late afternoon with my son and listen to music," she explains. "The footprint was small, so we kept things minimal with the furniture and plants. But, the railings let in a lot of light that made the space feel much bigger than it was. "

11 of 20

Bluebird Kisses

Calling all modernists: you're going to fall in love with glass porch railings. Though glass does require some upkeep—for starters, this material is prone to smudges and scratches—this is a surefire way to give your entryway a modern edge. For Bluebird Kisses' Toronto condo, the glass acts as a blank canvas, letting the slotted wood and brick details do all the talking.

12 of 20

Jenna Sue Design

Another way to rework your traditional porch railing is by experimenting with its finish. White is often the go-to shade for porches, however, raw wood will give your outdoor space a rustic, earthy vibe. Decked out with a dark walnut stain, Jenna Sue's setup takes porch living to the next level.

13 of 20

Once Upon a 1912

We don't know who needs to hear this, but your porch railings don't have to be perfectly symmetrical. Case in point: this stylish space from Kay of Once Upon a 1912.

Since one side porch shares a wall with the home's facade, the blogger adorned only one side with a traditional railing. But, she offsets the asymmetrical railings with matching loveseats, sconces, and topiaries. The result? A porch that packs on the visual intrigue.

14 of 20

Ursula Carmona of House Made by Carmona

Want to take your porch railing style to the next level? The magic lies in your décor. A few personal touches can transform even the most traditional railing idea into a personal oasis. Ursula Carmona of House Made by Carmona took her porch to the next level with throw pillows and plants. We also love how she used her railing as a back for her bench.

15 of 20

Marie Flanigan

A porch railing style has the power to bring your home's design front and center. Take this home by Marie Flanigan, for example. Here, the designer used a mix of vertical wooden railings and brick pillars to emphasize its Craftsman attitude.

Craftsman-Style Homes: The History and Simplicity Behind Their Classic Character

16 of 20

Decorilla Affordable Interior Design

If you're looking for a classic porch railing style that isn't as ubiquitous as typical slabs of wood, give metal a try. Not only can metal be treated to hold up nicely against the elements—a must when dealing with anything that belongs outside—but it can also be reimagined in a handful of styles. In this space from Decorilla Affordable Interior Design, the twisted railings offer a villa-esque vibe.

17 of 20

Design: Mindy Gayer; Photo: Lindsay Stetson Thompson

For many, an enclosed front porch is the best of both worlds. The home's adjacent walls define the porch—and take on the role of the railings in the process. This Napa-based farmhouse by Mindy Gayer is the perfect example, proving that less can oftentimes be more.

18 of 20

K Shan Design

Embrace your bold streak with a set of colorful porch railings. Designer Kelly Shan reimagined this turn baluster style into an inky blue hue. The color of the railings matches the home's facade, offering a dash of drama without upstaging the rest of the property.

19 of 20

Calimia Home

Consider a column-clad porch a happy medium between full-on railing and a bare space. Not only can this style transform your front door into a wow factor, but it also draws the eye upward, creating the allusion of a stately estate. Want to recreate this idea for yourself? Check out this front yard, courtesy of Calimia Home.

20 of 20

RushMeHome

Do you need to have porch railings? Not necessarily. Sometimes, the boldest design move you can make is forgoing the railings altogether. But, just because your porch is bare doesn't mean it has to be boring. Rashmi of RushMeHome decked out her railing-free porch with potted plants, an evergreen wreath, and a charming welcome mat.

How to Add Personality to Your Outdoor Space, According to Nate Berkus

10 designs to add curb appeal |

(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you are looking for porch railing ideas, it's likely you're at the start of a porch design – or redesign – project. The railings can set the tone of your entire porch so need to be chosen carefully: intricate railings will give a period home a highly decorated appeal, while simple, streamlined railings will suit a more modern exterior, while wood and rope designs will work with log cabin or country-style homes.  

Similarly, the profile and density of the railings will create either an open or private feel for your porch, something you may want to vary between your back and front porch ideas. 

The finish on the railings is important, too, with light colors creating an airy feel, and darker tones creating a more dramatic appeal. Wood finishes will bring a rustic appeal to your home too. 

Below, we showcase a variety of porch railing ideas to help you make the right choice.

Porch railing ideas

Whether you are looking for porch railing designs for your front or back porch ideas, bear in mind that they need to be chosen to reflect the architecture of the rest of your home's architecture too. If they can reflect other elements, such as your front gate or backyard fencing, too, all the better.

1. Paint wood porch railings for a cohesive feel

(Image credit: Serena & Lily)

It's always important to reflect the other materials used on your porch in the railings, so if you have a wood front door, shutters and decked flooring, wood will be a natural choice for the porch railings, too. You can heighten the effect of the use of this natural option by choosing porch furniture in sympathetic materials, too.

Wood will obviously need protecting from the elements, which is where your porch paint ideas can play a part. White is a classic, brightening choice that is easy to add accent shades to in easier-to-paint areas of the porch, such as your home's exterior wall, or even just in soft furnishings. White is also the best choice if window frames are painted white, too, to create a cohesive feel. 

'When it comes to choosing the right color for your home, it’s important that you ensure the shade is harmonious with your exterior,' says James Greenwood of Graham & Brown .

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Who knew there was a porch railing design dedicated to cocktails? If you are curious as to how they got this moniker, the binoculars balanced on the flat top rail of the railings above gives you a distinct clue: this top rail is flat and wide enough to hold a cocktail glass, which makes them the perfect choice for small front porches where you might socialize regularly but perhaps don't have the space for drinks' tables.  

Here, the porch railing has been finished with a tough varnish to suit the cabin decor of the house. However, cocktail railings really suit a range of different treatments, with the railings painted a different color or finish to the top railing.

(Image credit: Andrew Suvalsky)

If your home or backyard feature intricate architecture, it pays to echo this within the design of your porch railing ideas. Here, the railings mimic the style of the gates beyond – or perhaps vice versa. The effect is to draw attention to the porch, which means keeping the finish on the railings, in this case white, quite simple. Color can be added in furniture, as on this porch. 

If, as on this porch by Andrew Suvalsky Designs , your seating is positioned to enjoy a beautiful view, it pays to ensure that the porch railings aren't set too high. The ideal height will be around 36in (though in California deck railing is required to be 42in): safe for small children, low enough to be easy to look past when seated.

4. Highlight porch top rails with paint

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

Highlighting the top rail of your porch railings is a great idea for adding more color and detailing to your porch, and is particularly successful if chosen to complement your front door color ideas.

'Although the go-to paint is often a white or off white, choosing a bolder color is a great way of creating a feature, especially if you have beautiful doors or windows in your property,' says Helen Shaw, director at Benjamin Moore .  

Here, it picks out the shutters and house number, too, and is turn picked up by the planting.

5. Take inspiration from deck railings

(Image credit: Lagoon)

If your porch doubles as a deck, or perhaps you have a raised or enclosed deck overlooking your backyard, it is worth marrying your deck railing ideas and porch railing design. This will create a cohesive look from the front right round to the back of your home. 

Here, the design of the columns, with the diagonal supports, is mirrored in the design of the porch railings to create a look that's simply elegant.

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

'Screening in a back porch will provide you with privacy if you are overlooked by neighbors; it will also help keep bugs away and can help protect furniture from the worst of the weather. It can help make your porch feel like an extension of your home, too,' says Lucy Searle, Editor in Chief, Homes & Gardens. 

'The porch railings you choose for privacy needn't be solid, though; these, above, would give you enough screening but still allow a cooling breeze to penetrate, a must in warm climates.'

7. Go for all-over color

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

If, like us, you love color, you can decorate a front porch – doors, railings and trim – in one bold shade. This works perfectly for small porches, like this one, and really suits the intricate gables of a Victorian style homes.

‘Your front door and surround is the perfect introduction to what lies beyond, consider elements such as the vernacular of the build and a palette that has empathy with the architecture,' says Patrick O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball Brand Ambassador.

Want to go a step further?  'Work with colors that share the same undertone or several shades lighter or darker than one another – this again will create a considered look that is timeless and attractive,’ says Patrick. 

If you are going to take this approach with dark colors, ensure your front porch lighting ideas are efficient enough to light (and show off) what could otherwise be a dark space.

8. Choose cable porch railings for modern spaces

(Image credit: CQM Design + Interiors / J Holt Manning)

If the effect you want to create is minimalist and streamlined, cable railings are the perfect choice for your porch. They are also a great choice for making a small porch feel larger, for maximizing the view beyond and for allowing as much of a breeze as possible to penetrate a stuffy space. 

Cable railings, though modern in finish, needn't just be limited to modern homes; you can see here that designer (and homeowner) Christie Manning of CQM Interiors has used them to complement her period home's architecture.  

9. Pick a composite material for durability

(Image credit: HSH Interiors)

If you love the look of wood but not the upkeep – especially if yours is a large wraparound porch – composite will be a good choice for you. Composite porch railings are made from a combination of wood and PVC and good products look convincingly like wood. They also come ready-colored, so there is no need to paint (or repaint) them, plus they come in a range of styles, so you can find a railing design to suit your home.

10. Pare back porch railings for cottages

(Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)

If you are looking for cottage porch ideas, you could go for an intricate design, but if yours is a small, quite enclosed space, a pared back porch railing will be more space-enhancing and will allow more light into the porch. 

'This type of design is particularly to suited to porches where there is little possibility of injury from falling, particularly for little ones. It also means that the lovely planting in the borders beyond the porch can be enjoyed fully,' says Lucy Searle, Editor in Chief, Homes & Gardens.

How tall should a porch railing be?

A porch railing should be at least 3ft in height to be safe, especially if the porch is raised; in California, deck railings are required to be 42in high. In all cases, ensure you stick to height regulations in your locale. 

What is the best material for a porch railing?

The best material for a porch railing is one that suits both the architecture of your home and the amount of upkeep you are prepared or able to dedicate to your porch. This means that period homes are more likely to suit painted wooden or wrought iron porch railings, while modern homes are more likely to suit metal porch railings. However, this is not a hard and fast rules. As for upkeep, composite porch railings require the least upkeep, while anything painted will need touch ups every three to five years, with total renovations every five to 10 years.

How do I decorate porch railings?

The best way to decorate porch railings is to do so in a way that complements the architecture of your home. So if your home's front door or window frames are painted white, it's likely that white-painted wooden porch railings will suit best. Equally, simple designs will suit more modern, streamlined homes, while more intricate designs will work better for period homes.

Lucy Searle has written about interiors, property and gardens since 1990, working her way around the interiors departments of women's magazines before switching to interiors-only titles in the mid-nineties. She was Associate Editor on Ideal Home, and Launch Editor of 4Homes magazine, before moving into digital in 2007, launching Channel 4's flagship website, Channel4.com/4homes. In 2018, Lucy took on the role of Global Editor in Chief for Realhomes.com, taking the site from a small magazine add-on to a global success. She was asked to repeat that success at Homes & Gardens, where she has also taken on the editorship of the magazine.  

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.

Preschool institutions

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 kids. 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.

Main 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:

You can completely abandon the handrails if there are no elderly and weakened people in the house who need such support. This will not be a violation, although fencing is still desirable when there are several floors. But for objects where mentally ill people are located, fences are necessary. You can’t refuse them, but you can use a railing higher than indicated in the standards.

Style-Metal develops and installs fences of any complexity, including combined systems. Installation is free! To contact us, just leave a request for a call back or call tel. 8 495 766 56 89.


Railing for stairs in a private house, railing for stairs made of metal and wood, types of railings

In order to secure the movement of a person on the stairs, railings were invented. Such designs are available in different shapes, types, and are also made of various materials. According to the type of stairs, a certain type of railing is installed, which fits the product. Having dealt with the varieties of structures, you can independently make the right choice and install the best fence for safety and convenience.

Outdoor stair railing for the porch

The porch railing is the first thing that meets the owners of a country house and their guests before entering the premises. Such a design is not only a decorative requirement, but also a practical one. It acts as a supporting support for a person walking up the stairs. Beautiful design designs will become a visiting card in the country or in a private house.

The structure of the stair railing for the porch under the canopy looks like this:

Traditionally, railings are installed up to 90 cm high, so a person of average height will be comfortable using this design. Among the most popular materials are wood, metal and polyvinyl chloride. Wooden products look solid, but the material requires additional processing: it needs to be protected from moisture, insects, so the products are stained with stain and varnish.

Metal constructions look modern, while forged versions delight guests and residents of the house. Polyvinyl chloride has recently gained popularity - such products are affordable, durable and presented in a wide variety of species. External railings are selected according to the design of the facade of the house.

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The second type of railing is internal, which is ideal for installation in a house or apartment. Stair railings are suitable for different types of interior structures, but have the same structure. For example, support poles are fixed at the beginning and end of a flight of stairs, the step between them is 50-60 cm. Supports are additionally installed on turntables.

The second important element is the handrail. Harmony in the interior will depend on its appearance, but attractiveness is far from the main aspect of this detail. Even the most original handrails are designed to perform a single function - to secure movement on the stairs and provide convenience when using the structure. Therefore, the handrails are located on top of the supporting pillars, and can also be attached to the wall - this allows you to hold on to them with two hands.

Another detail of modern interior design is the filling. This element is considered optional, it fills the space between the posts and handrails. Filling is extremely important if there are children in the house, balusters or posts should be installed in between. Often the design is filled with inserts from different raw materials.

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Manufacturers of stair railings offer a huge variety of construction materials. After reviewing the full list of raw materials, you can make your own decision.

Wooden stair railings

The most popular raw material for the manufacture of structures is wood. It is used for the construction of internal railings, designed for both spiral and mid-flight stairs. Wooden railings are easy to make, easy to work with, and suitable for any style of interior. The colors of wooden structures amaze with an assortment, so each homeowner can choose his own option.

For the production of support posts, handrails and filling, the following types of wood are used:

Wood railings are characterized by their versatility and combination. Combined wooden products look great in a modern interior. Environmental friendliness and aesthetics are two indisputable advantages of such a material.

Metal railings for stairs

The second most popular material is metal, which will perfectly fit into high-tech and minimalist interiors. Metal railings are rarely installed where the stairs are in the living room. Often this design decorates the area of ​​​​the terrace, veranda or winter garden. The following types of metal are used for production:

To improve the appearance of black metal railings, manufacturers apply a special powder mixture - it gives the product aesthetics. The handrails in this product are made of wood. Stainless steel is often dressed in chrome to fit into modern interiors. Such designs are used for spiral, rotary and spiral staircases.

Aluminum is another material worth paying attention to. It does not corrode, so it calmly tolerates being outdoors. From this it follows that aluminum railings are great for a summer cottage. Brass is the choice of those who love golden hues. Brass railings are combined with glass, stone and wood. They are suitable for Provence style interiors.

Glass

Glass stair railings make the interior of the house airy, light and spacious. If there is not much space in the apartment, then glass products will be an excellent way to visually expand the room. Design solutions allow the use of the following types of glass:

All of the types listed are laminated glass structures and are ideal for stairwells. With such material, you should not be afraid of fragility and worry about broken railings. One of the important factors is the care of the product - it must be constantly wiped with a cloth with a product, then the design will look like new.

Plastic in stair railings

Polycarbonate is used more and more today, because it is reliable and practical, it is presented in a wide variety and is great for apartments and houses. Railings for stairs using plastic are a relatively new word in design. The main advantage of this material is impact resistance. Manufacturers also distinguish resistance to aggressive substances, wear resistance, lack of scratches and scuffs. With proper care, such railings will not crack and will not lose their color. There are several features of the installation of simple plastic structures:

  1. Material preparation. It is necessary to purchase railings, cut to size, mounting hardware, a building hair dryer, drywall and dampened cloth.
  2. A screen is being constructed from drywall, on which polymer handrails will be installed.
  3. If plastic is present in the inserts, it is mounted between drywall sheets, and the structure must be further strengthened.
  4. In order for the plastic handrail to acquire the desired shape, it is heated with a building hair dryer.
  5. Heated handrail can be rotated to the required angle, make bends.

When all the bends are done, a damp cloth is placed over the heated pvc to help the material retain its shape. Plastic railings also have a few downsides: they don't resist frost and UV light well, so they're not suitable for use on a porch.

Rope

Another unusual type of stair railing is rope. This design is a rope of medium thickness according to the type of rope. Rope railings are well suited when the mid-flight stairs to the second floor are long. The design feature is that the rope is stretched between several support posts and firmly fixed there. Rope stair railing is well suited for a nautical style, as well as for interiors in the spirit of England and Scotland.

Photos of such structures show that the emphasis in the system is on balusters. Vertical wooden poles are fixed on spans and turntables. You can make such railings yourself according to individual sizes, because the cost of materials is small. Another nuance is to fasten the rope preferably on both sides. Wall railings are useful when there are children and elderly people in the house

Stone

Stone structures are often represented by marble products - this natural material is well suited for palace interiors, it symbolizes luxury and nobility. The peculiarity of marble structures is that they are heavy, which means that the steps must also be made of stone or concrete in order to withstand the load.

Artificial stone is often used instead of natural stone. Such products are lighter in weight, but also have an attractive appearance; they are made of acrylic and other impurities. Stone is often used to make balustrades - elegant designs securely support balusters and handrails. Stone railings are great for round stairs, but fixing the products will cause some difficulties.

Another natural material is granite, which is also used for railings. Granite significantly improves the appearance of the room, but its cost, like that of marble, is high.

Concrete

Concrete railings are best suited for a porch. The structure itself is made by casting the material into special molds. Handrails are type-setting - they are sold by the meter, the user himself decides how many meters he needs. The frame for the form is made of wood or metal. Durable structures can be reused.

Concrete railings are not only durable, but also allow architects to fully express their imagination. As a result, the output is exclusive - it is unlikely to be able to find similar designs. Concrete railings look good on the porch of the cottage, as well as in the exteriors of estates - they can enclose rounded stairs leading from the street directly to the second tier of the house.

Combined railings for stairs

Combined products include those options that involve the use of several materials in the construction at once. Popular examples:

This type of stair railing is installed both in public places and in courtyards and indoor areas. Quick installation, strength and aesthetics ensure the popularity of the design.

Stair railing decor

According to the chosen style, designers determine the future railing decor. The design can be painted with acrylic, if it is wooden, make carved elements, artistic painting. Several options for modern decor:

Each type of decor can be realized with your own hands, or you can place an order in specialized companies. Decorative railings for the stairs will add coziness to the homely atmosphere, as well as emphasize the owner's individual approach to details.

Safe stair railings: norms

In order not to endanger the lives of households and guests, it is important not only to properly operate and install the railing, but also to comply with all safety requirements. These include:

For example, on a winder staircase, the handrail can be made from any material, but the transition between the handrails must be made as convenient as possible.

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