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Porch rail design


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. 

30 Porch Railing Ideas for a Stylish Outdoor Area

By

Farima Ferguson

Farima Ferguson

Farima Ferguson began her career at HGTV where she worked with designers to write about home design. Her work has appeared in HGTV, Insider Reviews, Travel Channel, and more.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Published on 06/03/22

Design by Kate Marker Interiors / Photography by Stoffer Photography

Even though a porch railing's main purpose is for safety, it is a great opportunity to enhance your home's curb appeal. With so many options to choose from, from sown wood balusters to nautical rope details, you have many options to choose from no matter what your home's style is.

If you're wanting to upgrade your porch's design, choosing the railing is a great first step since it usually spans the entirety of the porch. To help you choose the right railing for your home, we share 30 porch ideas to help inspire you.

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Types of porch railings, design photos of different railings

Author Angela Reading 9 min Views 5.6k. Posted by

A beautiful entrance group is a kind of business card of the building owner. A huge role in this architectural ensemble is played by the porch, it can be large and very small, round, square, complex geometric shape. But, despite the size and shape, according to safety regulations, porches consisting of more than three steps must have a fence.

Today, porch railings are made from a wide variety of materials: traditional metal, wood, concrete, stone, wrought iron, and modern vinyl PVC, glass, etc. In the article, we will tell you how to choose the right fence for the porch, what types of railings are available, what sizes and shapes of parapets are the most optimal. We will make a comparative analysis of materials for fencing, and of course we will give some tips on how to make a railing on the porch with your own hands.

Content

  1. Technical side "Medals"
  2. Height
  3. Design features
  4. Materials
  5. Wooden
  6. stainless steel
  7. Forged vinyl

fences and handrails, street porches were no exception. Railings must be reliable, stable and durable, in addition, they must harmoniously fit into the design of the structure.

Exclusive panels for decorating fences

Height

According to the SNiP standard 02/31/2001, in residential buildings, railings must be at least 90 cm, but it does not indicate where to measure, so here you can take some liberties with the height of the fence. So, in private houses on small porches they arrange fences 70 cm high, if you count from the top edge of the step. If the structure is high, with a dangerous opening, then the optimal height of the railing on the porch is 110 cm.

Metal railing for the porch, photo of a standard stainless steel railing

If there are small children in the house, as well as in public institutions, the height of the fence is regulated by SNiP 2. 08.02-89, and should be no less than 120 cm. It is very important to pay attention to the fact that horizontal divisions in such houses and institutions are strictly prohibited so that the child does not climb them.

Stamped Metal Porch Railing

Features

The porch railing itself can be balustraded or solid. Solid railings are usually filled with plastic, wood, polycarbonate, tempered glass, brick or stone. To facilitate the construction, solid porch railings are sometimes made with ornamental cutouts. Such railings for the porch contain all the richness, sophistication and luxury of the architectural and artistic design of the entrance group.

Very beautiful, elegant and light, in the design of the porch of monumental concrete and stone buildings, openwork railings cast from cast iron or laser cutting on metal look. And the porches of private houses made of wood give a special charm, sophistication and color to wooden carved panels for the railing.

Porch railing, photo of forged massive but low railing

Solid porch railing opens up endless possibilities for design, decorative elements can be repeated in canopies or canopies, which will assemble the structure into a single ensemble. For such fences, you can use not only different materials, but also the most exquisite finishes, for example, sculptures, high reliefs, bas-reliefs, various stained-glass windows, glass with sandblasting, metal and stone with engraving or laser cutting, and more. other.

Glass railings do not weigh down and do not overload the structure, make the porch very elegant

But most often, baluster railings are installed on the porches, and the platforms are decorated with curly poles. I think it is not necessary to clarify that the distance between the racks should be the same. Based on the theory, the distance between the balusters should be one third of their height, but in practice, they are installed on each step or through one, sometimes there is a scheme: two balusters per step.

Concrete porch with balusters, photo of a prefabricated structure, parts are purchased separately and assembled into a single ensemble

Sometimes, in order to increase the height of the porch railing, a sub-baluster is installed along the steps, parallel to the handrail, with this element the railing takes on a graphic look. Separately, I would like to write about handrails, usually they are wooden, well-polished, and sometimes with a beautiful chamfer, guides that connect balusters into a single structure. Recently, stainless steel handrails have often been encountered, as a rule, such a decision is made if the fence is solid glass, or balusters are made of the same material. The most ergonomic size for a handrail in cross section 45*70 mm.

Solid stone porch railing

Materials

We have already discussed the design and materials for solid railing. The theme of decorative and artistic design is simply inexhaustible here. But meanwhile, the porch railings, built of balusters, or forged structures are in no way inferior in beauty, sophistication and originality to solid railings, and besides, they have a number of significant advantages. Next, we will analyze in detail the railings from different materials.

Solid timber railing, simple, convenient and tasteful

Wooden

Wooden porch railing, photos with beautiful ideas in the gallery, perhaps the most popular design that can be found in private homes. This is not surprising, wood is a natural material, with a beautiful texture, relatively inexpensive, easy to work with, so it is a favorite material for craftsmen who prefer to make their own porch railings.

Porch carvings add warmth and elegance to any architectural design

Wood is a technological material, with certain skills and the availability of tools, it is very malleable to processing, and in the hands of a master, a wooden baluster can become a natural masterpiece. Carved porch railings are considered the height of craftsmanship and artistic sophistication, where each baluster is a work of art, but even straight railings made of timber or boards, well crafted and finished with taste, can become a decoration of the porch.

But meanwhile, wooden structures are very capricious to changes in humidity, especially since the outdoor porch is under constant "pressure" of an aggressive environment, precipitation, insects, and various microorganisms. To preserve wooden railings, they must be treated with fire-fighting solutions, soaked well with antiseptics, and preferably covered with a vapor-tight, polyurethane, transparent primer before finishing.

Simple timber porch railing

Stainless steel

Stainless steel porch railing is a modern trend that is becoming more and more a part of our homes. Stainless steel railings have absorbed the reliability and strength of metal structures, but meanwhile the brilliance and radiance of the details make such railings very light and stylish, emphasizing the correctness and clarity of lines. In addition to glossy, polished balusters, these products are also available in matte finish.

If you are not a Lefty or Danila Master, then it is very difficult to make a stainless steel porch railing with your own hands, but now there is a huge selection of ready-made elements on the market, you can always buy balusters and handrails, and assemble the structure yourself.

Non-standard solution for a stainless steel porch

Note that stainless steel balusters and handrails are usually pipes of different diameters, and they are attached to each other by welding, then the seam is polished, or with special connecting elements. Such a simple form of railing is not suitable for all design solutions for entrance groups. The most common railing option is stainless steel vertical posts, between which an insert made of glass, polycarbonate or pvc is fixed.

It must be said that, like any metal products, stainless steel gets very hot in the sun, and very cold to touch in the cold, so it is better to install metal balusters and wooden handrails as a set for them.

If you are planning to make a railing with your own hands, but there is not enough money for the finished product, you can find ordinary pipes with a diameter of 25 mm on sale. Pipes are cut to size and assembled using the Joker mounting system, which provides not only connecting parts, but also rotary, sockets for connecting three or more elements, etc. Be careful when buying, because stainless steel is easy to confuse with chrome products.

Stainless steel porch railings are more suitable for office buildings or private homes in an ultra-modern style

Wrought iron

Wrought iron porch railings are a classic that has not succumbed to the relentless time. I must say that wrought iron fencing is suitable for different styles of architecture, it is an almost universal solution for both wooden and stone buildings. Forged railings are appropriate for porches made of concrete, wood, brick, stone, metal, the main thing is to correctly arrange the elements of the entrance group.

Presentable, neat, airy, combining the delicacy and sophistication of the ornament with the nobility, strength and durability of metal. Forged railings can turn even the simplest porch into an elegant and accent element of an architectural group. Forged railings on the porch, see the photo in our article, can be surprisingly openwork, or, conversely, heavy, but one thing is undeniable - forging always sets the color and originality of the structure.

Wrought iron elements for the porch - reliable, elegant, trendy

Of course, forged porch railings can only be made by blacksmiths, but you can always buy ready-made railing elements and assemble them on site with your own hands. Note that you can provide railing sketches, or develop a design in the workshop, and then your railing will be made according to an individual project. This pleasure is not cheap. You can also buy ready-made serial stamping products, their cost is lower than exclusive railings, but still the price is quite significant. But one way or another, forged railings on the porch of your house are always beautiful, reliable, elegant and elegant.

Vinyl

Modern pvc vinyl porch railing is cutting-edge innovative technology at your feet. Plastic railings for the porch are sold in sets, or you can assemble the necessary equipment yourself. Also, the product range is supplemented with various decorative elements, poles, headrests for them, adjoining details.

Plastic railing for the porch from afar is difficult to distinguish from wood

The installation of plastic railing is very simple, all parts have grooves and are easily joined together. The handrail and posts have an internal stiffening frame made of galvanized iron, which is covered with a thick layer of PVC, so plastic porch railings are not afraid of corrosion, unlike metal ones. The material does not burn, is absolutely not afraid of aggressive environments, abrasives, chemicals, rodents and insects.

Production technologies allow you to paint products in different colors, the paint is inside, so these railings will never fade in the sun. Balusters for railings have a different shape, and in their design have something in common with wooden counterparts, so they harmoniously fit into almost any exterior, both classic and ultra-modern.

Vinyl porch railings have a virtually unlimited lifespan

Porch railings come in a variety of materials and designs to give your entryway style and personality. To make the porch of the house more expressive and unique, try to select poles, handrails, balusters of an interesting, non-standard shape for decoration.

90,000 railing height on the porch

Content

There was a question about the height of the porch railing of a multi-storey residential building.

In SP 54.13330.2011 clause 8.3: “The height of the railings of external flights of stairs and landings, balconies, loggias, terraces, roofs and in places of dangerous drops must be at least 1.2 m. Flights of stairs and landings of internal stairs must have fences with handrails at least 0.9 m high, ”there is no concept of a porch.

At the same time, in SP 118.13330.2012 p.6.5 *: “The height of the porch fence when climbing three or more steps and with a height of more than 0.45 m from the sidewalk level must be at least 0.8 m”, - it is written here just for the porch.

In SP 59.13330.2012 “5.2.15 Along both sides of all ramps and stairs, as well as at all horizontal surface elevation differences of more than 0.45 m, it is necessary to install fences with handrails. Handrails should be located at a height of 0.9 m (allowed from 0.85 to 0.92 m).

What is the standard height of the porch of an apartment building?

There was a question about the height of the porch fence of a multi-storey residential building.

In SP 54.13330.2011 clause 8.3: “The height of the railings of external flights of stairs and landings, balconies, loggias, terraces, roofs and in places of dangerous drops must be at least 1.2 m. Flights of stairs and landings of internal stairs must have fences with handrails with a height of at least 0.9m "- there is no concept of a porch.

At the same time, in SP 118.13330.2012 p.6.5 *: “The height of the porch fence when climbing three or more steps and with a height of more than 0.45 m from the sidewalk level must be at least 0.8 m”, - it is written here just for the porch.

In SP 59.13330.2012 “5.2.15 Along both sides of all ramps and stairs, as well as at all horizontal surface elevation differences of more than 0.45 m, it is necessary to install fences with handrails. Handrails should be placed at a height of 0.9m (allowed from 0.85 to 0.92 m).

What is the standard height of the porch of an apartment building?

The house begins with the porch - it is on it that all the people who come to visit first of all pay attention. It should be comfortable, beautiful and, of course, reliable.

The number of steps depends on the height of the foundation. Depending on the location of the porch, it is framed on one or both sides with a railing.

It is their varieties and construction that will be discussed in this article.

Purpose of this railing

The railing ensures the safety of walking on the porch. Being a good support, they help to avoid falling when the porch can be slippery. Without them, it looks uncomfortable and unsafe.

In addition, the railing has a decorative function, maintaining the overall style of the building, making the porch structure complete. Made of wood, metal, stone or synthetic materials, handrails can be a real decoration of the house, making the patio cozier and more welcoming.

Railing characteristics

The height of the railing primarily depends on the occupants - the convenience and functionality of the railing depends on it. The average height that allows an adult to comfortably climb the porch, holding onto the handrails, is about 90 cm. This figure is enshrined in SNiP 31-02-201. The width of the railing should not exceed the width of the palm.

The presence of small children in the house will serve as a reason to install additional handrails, which are attached to the main structure with the help of special brackets.

The standard height of the children's railing is 50 cm, but it can be adjusted according to needs. When the need for additional support disappears, it is easily dismantled.

The strength of the supporting structure is of no small importance - if necessary, it must easily support the weight of an adult. For overweight people, it is advisable to install metal handrails of increased strength. Other durable materials such as concrete or wood can also be used.

If you are interested in how to make a forged porch railing, read this material.

Detailed information about what a fence grillage is, where it is used and how to make it - here.

You can see the main list of useful and important SNiPs in construction in this article.

Types of construction

The choice of material depends on a number of factors:

The durability of the structure, its aesthetic appearance will depend on the quality of the selected material. Outdoor placement is fraught with the influence of various natural phenomena - temperature changes or high humidity.

Metal

Metal railings look expensive and beautiful. In addition, they are distinguished by increased strength and reliability. This type will look good with any type of structure, especially in combination with other materials - wooden handrails or stone (brick) decoration of the porch itself. The presence of other decorative elements made of metal, the use of metal structures in the yard also speaks in favor of installing such a handrail.

Only stainless steel must be used for the construction of street railings. To exclude the possibility of corrosion damage and maintain an aesthetic appearance for many years, the metal must be treated with special anti-corrosion agents that will provide reliable protection from direct sunlight, moisture and temperature extremes.

When choosing the appearance of the fence, avoid sharp corners. They not only look ugly, but are also dangerous to human life and health.

If mishandled, these protrusions can cause injury or damage clothing. The presence of sharp protrusions and corners is also unacceptable if there are small children in the house. Rounded ends look very impressive and are absolutely safe for health. If the design of the fence does not involve smoothing, the edges can be decorated with special caps, which will also become an excellent decorative element.

Metal forging looks the most solid - the opportunity to decorate the porch with the author's image makes the yard unique, distinguishing it from its neighbors.

Made of wood

Wood has always been famous for its strength and aesthetic appearance. Radiating a special warmth, this material is the best suited for decorating interiors and exteriors. If wood was used in the decoration of the house, then wooden porch railings would be the best option. To strengthen the structure, you can leave a metal frame, decorated with a wooden handrail on top.

This material is characterized by such qualities as:

However, it also has disadvantages. Whatever coatings are applied to the surface, wood is short-lived compared to other materials. Under the influence of negative environmental factors, such as rain, snow, temperature changes, it can lose its color, dry out or swell.

In addition, it must be remembered that wood has sections and needs good processing and a special coating. This is the only way to avoid injury to the skin of the hands in contact with the railing.

Made of PVC

Polyvinylchloride is strong, durable, versatile and affordable. The ability to easily acquire any, even the most intricate shape, distinguishes this material from wood or metal. Due to the combination of these qualities, plastic fences are very popular.

Video removed.

Video (click to play).

Benefits:

However, imitation wood will not look good if the house is finished with natural wood or stone. The status of the building can be emphasized only by natural materials.

Made of concrete

Modern concrete has a variety of textures - it can imitate any of the popular materials. Capitalism, strength and durability, combined with the beauty of execution, make it indispensable in the design of status houses.

The choice of texture and appearance of the railing should not be in dissonance with the overall ensemble of the building.

Concrete barriers are often installed in combination with balusters - supporting elements that perform both supporting and decorative functions.

Compared to other materials, concrete is strong, wear-resistant, and its monolithic structure prevents destruction. The plasticity of concrete allows you to create any form, but working with it is much more difficult (compared to plastic). Drying of the finished fence requires sufficient time.

Technical requirements for the product are the same as for other materials - direct load from 100 kg/m, excluding injury to skin or clothes, smooth texture. The handrail itself, which is assembled from separate parts, must be perfectly even - the joints are adjusted, and the corners are smoothed as much as possible.

Made of stone

Stone has always been solid and durable. However, working with this material is quite difficult. Due to its strength, it requires sufficient effort in processing and installation. Stone fences will look good as an element of the decor of an expensive house, finished with the appropriate material, they will add solemnity and monumentality to the exterior.

The most commonly used porch railings are granite, marble or sandstone. These materials are distinguished by high strength, wear resistance, environmental friendliness, and excellent appearance. Color solutions can also be quite varied.

Artificial stone can be a good alternative to natural materials. It is cheaper in price, easier to process and install, but somewhat inferior to its natural counterpart in terms of durability. Outwardly, it is almost indistinguishable from the original.

Advantages of artificial stone:

The handrail made of stone can also be combined with a wrought iron frame to add a touch of elegance to the railing design.

Installation of the structure

It is possible to install the railing yourself if the structure is simple enough and the materials do not require special processing. You can use the material that is left over from the construction of the house, this will save money and time, and the railings will be guaranteed to be made in the same style with the structure.

The simplest is the installation of a wooden fence, consisting of two support posts, between which a handrail is attached.

If the requirements for the design of the porch are quite serious, it is necessary to think over the design in detail, purchase all the materials and order the parts necessary for additional processing (for example, forged decor).

Regardless of the material, when installing the railing structure, a certain stage is observed:

  1. The surface of the porch must be ready for the installation of railings - steps are leveled, cracks and bulges are rubbed.
  2. Installation begins with the installation of support poles, which act as load-bearing elements. They are slightly larger than the balusters. These elements must be well fixed, because it is on them that the main load will be. The method of fixing the supports depends on the material - they can be welded if it is metal, or fixed with a dowel - a wooden or metal anchor.
  3. Balusters are attached directly to the steps at a distance of 20 centimeters from each other and are also fixed with dowels.
  4. Using a rope stretched between the supports, the verticality of the balusters is checked, after which the handrail itself is laid. It is fixed with dowels or screws.
  5. The final step will be the application of a protective coating or paint, if this is required by technology.

It is not recommended to use nails during installation - they tend to loosen over time, which will lead to a violation of the integrity of the structure. It is also necessary to avoid the formation of gaps at the joints - at the end of the work they can be puttied.

This process can be visualized in the following video:

Design options

There is no universal railing option that would suit any building, any style of decoration. In order for the composition to be complete, the style of the porch design must match the exterior of the house. The price also plays an important role, which imposes certain restrictions on the design of fences:

Do not forget that the porch and its frame is the face of the house and requires no less attention than all other building elements. Design in the same style, attention to the quality of materials and construction will help to design a porch that will last a long time.

Photo gallery of porch railings

The photo below shows various options for such structures:

Going up or down the stairs, few people think about its design features. Even less often, the population is worried about the height of the railings and their structure. And in vain, because this is quite an interesting question. The fact is that in construction nothing is done just like that, “by eye”. All dimensions are justified and clearly regulated by law. Even if it concerns, it would seem, such an insignificant thing as a railing.

The height of the railing for stairs is clearly regulated by law

Basic functions and structure of railings

Although many people do not attach much importance to the railing, this element of the stairs performs several important functions. These include:

  1. Assistance to the population. Young and strong people rarely lean on the railing while going up or down the stairs. What can not be said about pensioners. They, just like people with poor health, cannot easily get to their apartments. The railing makes life a little easier for them, performing a supporting function.
  2. Security. A person may trip while climbing stairs. And only the presence of handrails will save him from the inevitable fall. Since a person automatically grabs the railing, these elements of the stairs have a standard size, regulated by GOST.
  3. Creating a harmonious environment. Often the railings are made in such a way that they resemble works of art. With their appearance, they can compete even with the architecture of the Renaissance.

In this video you will learn the GOST requirements for stair railings:

Given these functions, all stair railings have the same structure. They consist of the following elements:

  1. Balusters. These are vertical posts on which handrails are installed.
  2. Handrails. These are the bars on which a person leans while moving. They should be smooth, even and narrow, that is, comfortable.
  3. Main supports. These are pillars, between which balusters are located.
  4. Mounts. They fix the railing strictly vertically.

If you pay attention to the structure of the fences, then, instead of balusters, you can see bowstrings (crossbars). They perform the function of vertical pillars, but are located horizontally between the main supports.

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Fencing material

Although the height of the stair railing is controlled by inspection organizations, the choice of material for the construction of fences remains with the owner of the premises. So, for the construction of stairs and their protective elements use:

  1. Wood. This material is most often used for the manufacture of stair railings. Several factors speak in its favor: relatively low cost, beauty, environmental friendliness. However, the tree is short-lived, in addition, this material is highly flammable. But all these shortcomings can be easily eliminated by treating the wood with special compounds.
  2. Metal. It is also quite often used at work. Preference is given to steel, cast iron, iron, brass, aluminum. Metal constructions are strong and durable. And forged products - weightlessness and unique beauty. But aluminum structures are not very durable. They don't corrode though. Products from them are most often installed indoors. But steel handrails are more durable and less capricious, so they are used both inside and outside buildings.

    Metal stair railings are strong but difficult to shape and install
  3. Plastic. Used to make handrails. Quite often, plastic imitates wood. The fact is that this material is much lighter than wooden structures, and it is easier to care for it.
  4. Glass. Hardened, reinforced, multi-layered. It is highly durable and is used to create very unusual railings.
  5. Concrete. It is used less often and mostly in conjunction with other materials.
  6. Combination of several materials. This method is used quite often. Stair railings look good, for example, consisting of wooden handrails and steel supports or metal handrails and glass infill.

All of these materials are approved for use in construction. And if the height of the railing is observed according to GOST, then the owner usually does not have any problems when checking the handrails by third-party organizations.

Legislative handrail height

According to sanitary standards, handrails are installed when the height of the stairs is more than three steps. That is why not a single porch of an apartment building is equipped with a parapet. In addition, the “railing height” indicator is established, documented and must be strictly observed during construction. Its meaning is spelled out in documents such as SNiP and GOST.

It must be remembered that the height of the railing on the stairs according to GOST is not the same for different buildings:

  1. Ordinary stairs installed in apartment buildings, office buildings, shops, administrations. For them, the minimum height of the handrails is 90 see
  2. Stairs in a private house. Here, the minimum indicator, as in the previous case, will be 90 cm. But this is not a final value. During construction, the height of the railing on the stairs in a private house will depend on the height of its tallest owner. This indicator is calculated as follows: a person stretches his arm forward, and the resulting distance from the palm to the floor will be equal to the optimal height of the handrails.
  3. Small stairs of three steps, which are a porch in public buildings. This category includes administrative buildings that are visited daily by a large number of people. The height of the handrails in this case must be at least 80 cm.

    The regulated height of the railing for stairs varies depending on the room in which they are located
  4. Kindergartens. Here, the height of the stair railings cannot be lower than 50 cm. If a large number of children regularly visit preschool institutions, then the stairs are equipped with two railings located at a distance of 10 cm from each other. The first are intended for adults and are at a height of 90 cm, the second - for children, at a distance of 50 cm from the floor.
  5. Primary schools. For these institutions, the height of the handrails on the stairs cannot be lower than 120 cm. This is necessary to ensure the safety of children.
  6. Fire escapes. They must be equipped with fences, the height of which must be at least 120 cm.

These are the main indicators that must be taken into account in the construction of buildings and structures with stairs. It is important to remember that regulatory organizations are very attentive to the regulations and carefully check their compliance.

In addition, if you strictly follow the rules and take into account such an indicator as the height of the railing during construction, then a large number of accidents and injuries can be avoided during the operation of the building.

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