An indispensable attribute of any flight of stairs are railings and railings. The first handrails appeared in the ancient world, when they began to enclose the stairs of the Colosseum, amphitheaters and other similar buildings of that time. Nowadays, stair railings are used everywhere. However, the right choice of railings requires certain knowledge, because for different places they should also be different. Let's look into all the nuances of this issue.
As you might guess, these products perform 2 important functions:
- provide convenience and safety during the descent or ascent;
- serve as a decorative element of the interior or exterior.
Some people may think that fences are needed only for the safety of children, the disabled or the elderly. Both may have problems with stability, especially during descent or ascent. However, even an adult healthy person needs to feel safe. Therefore, these elements are recommended to be installed on all stairs without exception, so that in case of an unforeseen situation, grab onto the railings of the fences. In addition to providing convenience and safety, stair railings also perform a decorative function. Light or dark, with or without carvings, rounded or angular, wooden or metal, mounted on a flight of stairs or built into the wall - all this makes it possible to realize your unique design in any room. 
The structure of the railings on the stairs
Since the first appearance, the railing for the stairs has changed significantly. If initially they were conceived as a wall that ran along a flight of stairs, then in the modern world a lot of decorative delights are used for beauty. Despite the large number of decorative variations, stair railings have a strictly defined design:
- Balusters. They are also called columns or steles, which is fundamentally wrong - balusters can not always be in the form of columns. The most banal example is metal decorative balusters with a carved pattern. The task of any baluster, regardless of shape, is to hold the handrail.
Important! If there are small children at home, it is advisable to make the fence solid. As an option - an increase in the number of balusters, which will not allow the child to crawl between them.
Varieties of stair railings
As mentioned above, there are many options for stair railings. A wide choice of design solutions is provided due to the variety of shapes, colors, mounting methods, as well as materials. Therefore, the types of stair railings should be discussed in more detail. First of all, we note that the above decor options depend on the location of the flight of stairs. Based on this, stair railings can be classified as:
- Interior - located inside the room. Such products are more characteristic of light colors, and wood or glass often acts as a material.
- Exterior (for example, a porch railing) - the flight of stairs is located outside the building. Mainly metal and concrete structures are used.
wooden products
Despite the wide variety of materials, wood railings are still popular. This is because people always strive to use natural products and materials. Most often, such fences are used in private homes, but you can often find wooden railings on the porch. 
The enduring popularity of wooden varieties can be explained by the following points:
- environmental friendliness - products do not produce harmful substances and are completely safe for people and animals;
- attractive appearance - wooden stair railings will always be associated with prestige;
- resistance to damage - wooden fences perfectly tolerate negative impacts, so many people are not afraid to install for the porch;
- a wide range of prices - expensive types of wood are best used in the house, and cheaper ones - on the street (in particular, for railings on the porch).
The main and only drawback is the need to cover the products with a protective varnish every few years. For this reason, most builders of private houses for the railing on the porch prefer not to use wooden, but metal or concrete railings. 
glass railings
The peculiarity of such products is minimalism combined with a modern look. Not only ordinary people resort to the installation of glass elements, but also large corporations. In particular, in the offices of Google, Yandex, Samsung, Apple and other companies, glass railings are most often found. Despite the apparent fragility, such products have a number of positive aspects:
- ease of installation - glass handrails can be installed in 1-2 days, and the installation process itself is not particularly difficult;
- a variety of types - in addition to standard products, there are frost-resistant, fire-resistant, sound-proof, explosion-proof and bulletproof varieties on the market;
- long service life - glass handrails can serve faithfully for up to 50 years;
- simple dismantling - if a separate section is damaged, it can be replaced without difficulty.
Concrete and stone railings
Concrete products are not always suitable, like their natural stone counterpart. The fact is that such railings have a significant weight. And in the case of natural stone, they can also be expensive. But the strength and durability of such structures is simply excellent. That is why they are often installed on the street, since such railings are not afraid of weather conditions. If we talk about natural stone, then it also emphasizes the status of the owner of the house. 
An important structural element of a country house is a staircase. Very often, a beautiful staircase becomes a business card of the house, plays a major role in the interior and sets the style of the room as a whole.
The main functional purpose of the staircase structure is the possibility of comfortable movement between the floors of the house. The safety and reliability of the structure is ensured by railings - railings and handrails, on which the general appearance of the stairs and its strength depend.
At the design stage, it is necessary to decide what the staircase should be. It is important to choose the right shape, type and material of manufacture ladder construction taking into account the overall architectural composition of the room.
We list some rules that should be followed when choosing and designing stairs:
It is advisable to equip the stairs with platforms every 10 steps, otherwise it will be difficult to climb.
The width of the stairs should not be less than 80 cm (two people should freely diverge on the stairs).
The height of the step, comfortable for moving, is about 15-18 cm, and the depth is 25-30 cm.
Landings between floors in width must be greater than (or equal to) the width of the flight of stairs.
The angle of inclination of the ladder structure should not be more than 45 degrees (optimally - 25-35 degrees).
The staircase must be fireproof (wooden structures are treated with a special compound that prevents fire).
The smaller the space for the location of the stairs, the “steeper” the angle of rise will be, and the design will have more twists and turns.
Brick stairs are extremely durable. Such stairs are usually installed from the outside.
Metal structures (forged, stainless steel) are very stable, but do not always "fit" harmoniously into the interior of the house.
A wooden staircase will bring comfort and elegance to the room, but this design will cost more than the rest.
In order to avoid creaking when walking, it is necessary to install a ladder made of oak, beech, ash.
Good performance for combined stairs (metal + glass, wood + plastic). A competent combination will save the space occupied and allow you to create an original staircase.
Stair railings and infills
Railings are railings installed along the edge of a staircase. Standard railings consist of handrails (slats that you can lean on while walking) and balusters (wooden beams, metal rods, glass panels, etc.).
They devote a lot of time to the manufacture and installation of railings, because they ensure the safety of movement on the stairs and play a significant role in the architectural ensemble of the entire structure.
Railings for stairs are made of wood, metal (forged, railings made of steel, aluminum, stainless steel), concrete and plastic.
Consider the most popular types of railings used in the arrangement of stairs in a country house.
wooden railing
Balusters of wooden railings are pillars of square or round section, which can be decorated with milling, carving or veneer of valuable tree species. Depending on the designer's idea, handrails can be made from the same material as the balusters, or from another wood.
The configuration of the railing will depend on the structure of the staircase itself. If the staircase is spiral, then the railing has a spiral shape.
Railing for marching stairs - straight form.
Handrails of wooden railings should be smooth, without roughness, chips, which can cause injury.
Wooden railings for stairs have a number of advantages:
- versatility of use (suitable for almost any interior);
- give the house a feeling of comfort;
- environmental friendliness;
- strength and reliability (when using special processing agents, they are not subject to darkening, rotting and fire).
Metal railings: stainless steel and anodized aluminum
Metal fences are now at the peak of popularity. This is due to their high performance and ease of installation. Such railings can be combined with stairs made of different materials: concrete, brick, wood or metal.
The advantages of metal railings for stairs also include:
- do not require updating during the operational period;
- affordability (relative to wooden railings);
- for the manufacture of railings, various materials can be used (simple fittings, pipes and profiles);
- various forms of stair railings.
Metal railings consist of a frame (post), a handrail and a railing section (span with design elements).
In the production of railings for stairs located on the street, stainless steel, which does not corrode and does not need additional care, will be the best solution.
Stainless steel railings for stairs can have both polished and matte finishes.
Anodized aluminum railings are lightweight and easy to install. The assembly of aluminum railings is carried out using metal screws and epoxy glue. To maintain the attractive appearance of the railings, it is enough to periodically wipe them with a cloth dipped in any detergent.
The sophistication of metal fences can be achieved by filling the gaps between the racks with decorative elements. It is considered more economical to use cast and stamped decorative elements.
Forged elements will add originality and color to the stairs.
Wrought iron railing
A variety of metal railings are forged railings for stairs. Perhaps their most basic advantage is the ability to manufacture railings in any style. Artistic forging makes the staircase the dominant component of any interior.
Forged railings can be installed for stairs located on the street and in the house. They are usually coated with an anti-corrosion coating, which allows them to maintain their strength and original appearance for many years.
Forged railings have all the advantages of metal structures, the only drawback is the cost of their manufacture. The calculation of the price of stair railings made by artistic forging depends on the complexity of the pattern and the size of the decorative elements.
Types of handrails and features of their installation
Any staircase, at least on one side, must have a handrail that you can lean on when walking. There are different options for the manufacture and use of stair handrails.
Classification of handrails according to their attachment point
According to the method and place of attachment, three types of handrails can be distinguished:
- over a free bowstring;
- handrails with a bearing function;
- handrails above the wall string.
The handrails are attached to the balusters using anchors, self-tapping screws or welding (depending on the material from which the handrail and balusters are made).
The handrails are fixed to the wall along the stairs with the help of hinged or molded holders (brackets) clasping the bar in an arbitrary place or from the end.
Types of handrails in shape and material
Handrails for stairs can be made in various forms. The most common handrail models are:
- round;
- rectangular;
- oval;
- square;
- rounded;
- bent (angular).
Depending on the purpose of the stair handrail, you can choose the best material for its manufacture.
For the street, it is better to use stainless steel handrails, chrome, forged or aluminum.
Handrails made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) outwardly resemble wood, and in their characteristics are similar to metal ones. The main advantage of such handrails is that they are very plastic (when heated with an industrial hair dryer, you can create any most intricate design). An important advantage is the low price.
Wooden handrails are still one of the most sought after, thanks to the special atmosphere that natural wood brings to the interior of the house. Some stair handrails, made of wood and framed by hand carvings, can be called a work of art.
Options for original handrails
In a small country house or cottage, original handrails from improvised means will look appropriate.
A deliberately rough handrail made of logs will become a spectacular design element. For the arrangement you will need: a log, fasteners and hooks-holders.
A little more effort is needed to create a polycarbonate railing with branch railings.
A rope or thick rope handrail will “fit” into the interior of a country house, made in a marine or urban style.
Features of the installation of stair handrails
A free handrail, placed above the free stair string, fixes the flat and rod components of the handrail. Dowels, glue and trunnions are used to mount the handrail to the uprights.
The direction and shape of the free type handrail must fully correspond to the shape and direction of the stair bowstring. Therefore, it is desirable to make such a handrail simultaneously with the string.
The transition from a straight handrail component to a curved one can be done as an angled or vertical connection.
With a vertical connection, over time, at the point where the handrail bends, the joint may slightly disperse (when the stairs settle). An open groove will slightly impair the appearance of the railing and will interfere with the normal sliding of the hand along the railing.
When designing a curved staircase, it is better to make a railing of a simple shape - this will facilitate the manufacture of a handrail profile.
Making and installing stair railings with your own hands
Basic requirements for railings
When making stair railings yourself, it is important to adhere to the general rules for their design:
- the optimal height of the railing on the stairs is 90-100 cm;
- if the family has small children, it is advisable to equip additional railings that correspond to the growth of the kids;
- the surface of the railing must be smooth;
- on narrow stairs, it is permissible to install a railing on one side, a staircase with a width of more than 125 cm must be equipped with a railing on both sides;
- the distance between the balusters should not exceed 15 cm.
Do-it-yourself wooden railing installation
When starting to independently manufacture a stair railing from wood, the question arises: “How to make a railing for a staircase?” There are two options: order ready-made railing elements or make handrails and balusters with your own hands.
In order for wooden beams to acquire an aesthetic and decorative look, they can be processed on a milling machine.
Consider the step-by-step installation of wooden railings:
Extreme pedestals-racks are installed, which serve as the basis of the structure.
On the pedestals, you need to fix the guide cord (a cord will be installed along it).
The distance between the balusters is determined and marked.
Balusters are attached to steps or bowstrings. The corners of the end surfaces of the baluster from above must correspond to the inclination of the bowstring, and from below they must be even and set at an angle of 90 degrees. You can fix the balusters with the help of self-tapping screws planted on glue.
The handrail is attached to the balusters. Difficulties may arise at the joints of the transitional parts (when changing the direction of the stairs).
The final stage is the cleaning of the finished product. It is necessary to sand the protruding parts, putty the gaps, clean them from sawdust and dust. Wipe the entire surface of the handrail balusters with a damp cloth.
Railings can be painted and varnished.
Do-it-yourself installation of metal railings
The installation of railings made of aluminum, stainless steel and painted pipes is almost the same.
Consider the step-by-step process of installing stainless steel railings on a concrete staircase:
- Holes are drilled in the steps of the stairs for the mounting studs of the racks. The holes must be cleaned of dust (with a vacuum cleaner or compressor).
- The holes are filled with glue and threaded studs are installed in them.
- The nut fixes the mounting angle and the plate to the stud.
- The stand is fixed with a stand screw or welded to the plate. The position of the rack is controlled by the level (alignment is strictly vertical - at an angle of 90 degrees).
- The handrail is attached to the posts by welding or bolting.
- Welding seams must be cleaned and sanded (turbo grinder).
- Rub the seams with polishing paste.
The staircase in a country house provides movement between the first and second floors. It serves as a kind of decoration in the room. This design can affect the overall interior. To use the stairs was safe, it must be equipped with railings. This part of the structure is made of various materials.
Today you can see railings made of metal, wood, glass. Masters combine various materials, resulting in original designs. If you have a desire to do everything yourself, then start with the planning stage.
Useful information! Some do not distinguish railings from handrails or consider the two terms to be synonymous. Therefore, there may be misunderstanding between clients who come to the master to order a railing for a country house.
In fact, the railing is a structure of parts located vertically, and the handrail is only the part of the railing that is attached from above.
Materials used in production
The design is created from one, two or three types of materials. For example: wood is used for stairs, and metal is used for railings with handrails. For a private house, any combination of materials is possible. When making a choice, consider all the pros and cons.
Glass inserts between the handrails and steps look elegant and stylish. When reliability and durability are required, it is better to give preference to metal structures. As an alternative, consider making a stair baluster out of natural stone, wood, or PVC.
Choose materials that will be in harmony with the style of the interior of the house. If you are a fan of modernity, then this is glass or PVC. For the classics, wood and metal are more suitable, PVC with wood imitation can also be used.
Today, the fashion trend is original design with exclusive elements. Take a look at the photo of the railing for the stairs, often the decoration is unusual and bright. Talented designers are in search of new solutions, and every season new items appear.
Wood
Really decorate a dwelling, stylized as a tower or a Russian hut, wooden railings. Wood is the material that suits different styles. Master carvers consider this choice to be optimal.
Advantages of natural wood:
- The tree is available to consumers in all localities.
- Most types of wood are inexpensive.
- The fence is environmentally friendly.
- In the process of processing wood, it can be given any shape.
- The material has a pleasant texture.
Wood also has disadvantages that you should also be aware of. The disadvantages include not enough long service life and instability to temperature changes or humidity. Wooden stair railings are not recommended for outdoor use. Products from valuable breeds are expensive.
Not every summer resident will be able to order a beech or oak structure for himself. Street railings are best made from other materials.
The versatility of wood lies in the following: it is easy to give the railing any shape. If desired, the design is always supplemented with decorative elements.
Metal
Forged railings for stairs often become unusual details. Original elements are appropriate for various styles. However, not every home craftsman can work with metal, so the manufacture of metal structures is often ordered by experienced people who have a special tool.
Discuss the design of the structure with the designer, who will advise the most optimal options.
Some mistakenly believe that the metal surface of the handrails is unpleasant to the touch. However, in reality, the coolness of the metal on contact can cause positive sensations. The following advantages of metal railings stand out:
- Versatility. A low fence along the outer edge of the staircase is made in various styles and is installed both indoors and outdoors.
- democratic value. The price of metal structures is lower than for exclusive wooden models.
- High strength and long service life.
- Possibility to make original ornaments.
- Can be combined with different materials.
- The price of finished products varies depending on the complexity of the work. Stylish designs, decorated with forging, are expensive. Today, in a modern interior, wooden and steel parts are replaced with glass inserts.
Glass with plastic
PVC allows you to create handrails and railings with non-standard shapes: the plastic material is easy to bend as needed. Glass panels are stylish additions to modern interiors.
Glass and plastic are not suitable for classics. For PVC, which imitates wood in color and texture, an exception can be made. The material, which looks like an expensive type of wood, gives the interior sophistication and elegance.
However, for indoor construction, give preference to natural wood. Handrails for screw models are made of flexible plastic.
How should the design be placed in the interior?
When building stairs, you should always remember about their safe use. This is especially true for homes with small children. In this case, the height of the railing is of fundamental importance: they must be sufficiently high (90 - 120 cm). Position the balusters as close as possible so that the child cannot squeeze between them. There are other requirements as well:
When stairs are narrow, railings should be on at least one side. This applies even to structures bounded by walls.
If the stairs are wide, handrails are installed on both sides.
At the beginning of the stairs, at the end and at the corners, special pedestals are installed that resemble balusters, but these details are more powerful and durable. It is important that the surface of the handrails be carefully sanded. Then no splinters or scratches will appear on the hands.
How are railings installed?
Separate structural elements are considered a feasible task in the same way as installing a staircase with your own hands. You just need to follow the sequence of steps:
- You need to consider everything, whether there are elderly people or small children in the house, the style of the interior and other factors.
- Mark up where the various structural elements will be located.
- After that, you can start installation work.
Ladder installation is a responsible task. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to seek help from those masters who have experience. Before starting installation work, it is recommended to consult with a professional in order to study the theoretical side of the matter. Show the expert the drawings of the future structure and get his opinion.
If you decide to install a structure with glass inserts or curved plastic parts in your house, then entrust such work to experienced craftsmen right away. For the manufacture of such elements, special equipment is required, which you do not have.
Today in the hardware store you can buy ready-made components. It is not so difficult to assemble a structure from them: installation will be greatly simplified.
Photo of railings for stairs
Railings are an indispensable attribute of the staircase design. They perform the function of a protective element that ensures the safety of movement along the span. Railings are distinguished by a variety of shapes and materials, they can be both simple in appearance and made in an unusual, original style. This enclosing element can be a bright design addition to the interior, become a chic decoration for any home.
Having studied various photos of the railings for stairs, you can be convinced of the variability of these structural elements and choose the option that is most suitable for your case.
It is easy to make handrails for stairs with your own hands. Let's try to figure out how to independently make protective elements for a ladder structure, what material is better to use, where to start the installation process.
Material selection
First you need to figure out what materials the railings for the flight of stairs are made of. The most popular are the following enclosing elements.
Aluminum. If you prefer railings made of aluminum, then it will be difficult to make them yourself. Basically, such products are sold ready-made, and you just have to make the right calculations, buy the required number of enclosing elements, assemble them with your own hands and get acquainted with the step-by-step installation of the railing for the stairs.
Chromed. They, like the previous ones, are sold in hardware stores ready-made, so to install them on your own, you must perform the steps listed above.
Forged. Such railings look incredibly beautiful and interesting, but making forged railings at home is a rather difficult task.
Hot forging can only be carried out in a specially equipped room, as for cold forging, it can be done at home, but you need to know the basics of this process and have all the necessary tools in your arsenal.
Made from stainless steel. Such railings are very wear-resistant, strong and reliable, however, in order to install them yourself, you will need the skills of welding and cutting metal.
Wooden. This is the most popular material used in the manufacture and installation of handrails on their own. Let us dwell in more detail on the wooden enclosing elements, we will provide the reader with a brief instruction on how to make a wooden railing.
Wooden stair railings
Wood has long been used to create railings, the main advantages of this material: wood allows you to create a fence of any stylistic orientation, shape, with interesting carvings, ornaments. In addition, there are many options for decorating wooden fences, they can be painted, varnished, etc.
For novice craftsmen, it is better to start with such railings, in the absence of experience in carpentry, you can choose a simple design, the tree, due to its texture, will in any case look interesting and aesthetically pleasing in the interior.
Let's try to figure out how to properly make a railing for a wooden staircase. First, decide on the type of tree, it will be beech, pine, oak, birch or something else. The costs incurred for manufacturing, the quality of the railing, their resistance to sudden changes in temperature, susceptibility to decay, and ease of processing will depend on the selected breed.
Secondly, familiarize yourself with the main parts of stair railings. The following elements will be present in any railing: handrails, racks, balusters, cabinets.
Particular attention should be paid to balusters, because the appearance of the flight of stairs will depend on them. You can make them in the form of neat columns, if it is possible to use metalwork equipment - carve various patterns and ornaments on the surface.
Manual cutting can turn these structural elements into a real work of art, the scope for creativity is incredibly wide, craftsmen carve figures of people, animals and other incredible compositions from bars.
After preparing all the necessary elements, the question arises of how to install the railing on the stairs. Wooden curly posts can be attached directly to the steps, using grooves or metal studs, while flat balusters (presented in the form of thin boards) are best mounted on a special beam located 10 centimeters above the bowstring.
In this case, the railing handrail, timber and pedestals will form a frame, where flat balusters must be inserted. The distance between the crossbars in both cases should be no more than 15 centimeters.
So, in general terms, the process of adding a flight of stairs with enclosing elements looks like. Having decided to install the railing, evaluate your strengths, choose the right project, calculate how many materials you will need for work, prepare the necessary tools and start this interesting activity.
Photo of railings for stairs
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