Metal stair railings: reliable, beautiful, attractive

Stairs are a mandatory element of a multi–storey building. The design for safety is complemented by railings, which play a functional and decorative role, since without fences the staircase will look unfinished. To ensure reliability, it is necessary not only to take into account the optimal parameters, but also to use high-quality materials. Metal stair railings are reliable, they have an attractive appearance that complements any design.

Metal stair railings are not only reliable, but also have an attractive appearance

• 1 What are metal railings: what elements do they consist of
  • 1.1 Features of metal railings for porches and stairs
• 2 Types of handrails for stairs in a private house: characteristics
• 3 Main materials used for the manufacture of railings: photos of exquisite options
  • 3.1 Features of handrails for stairs to the house made of ferrous metals and cast iron
  • 3.2 Other metals used for the manufacture of metal railings for stairs
• 4 How to decide on the design of railings: drawings of stairs
• 5 Metal stair railings: the main requirements for products
• 6 What elements should be present in the handrails for spiral or marching stairs
• 7 How to weld a handrail with your own hands: the necessary tools, the main stages of work
• 8 How to equip a staircase with handrails yourself: important installation tips
  • 8.1 Step-by-step instructions for installing handrails with your own hands
• 9 Some ideas for creating beautiful metal railings

What are metal railings: what elements do they consist of

Stairs connecting the floors of the house may differ in a simple, unremarkable design or represent works of art. Despite the fact that the main function of the railing is to ensure safety, the choice of design should be approached competently, and it is also necessary to correctly determine the type and size of the steps.

The main function of the railing is to ensure safety, but the design should not be forgotten

Fact! If you look at a variety of photos of railings for stairs in a private house, it immediately becomes clear that metal structures are most often used for decoration.

Before you make a railing for stairs, you need to decide what the fence is intended for and what structural details underlie it. So, if we turn to the definition of the word, railings are called fencing, which includes the following elements:

1. Racks and balusters. They are not only decorative, but also load-bearing, as well as protective elements.
2. Handrails. Important items of construction that play the role of support for a person during ascent and descent.
3. Internal filling. It is a protective element of the stairs.

As for the internal filling of metal stair railings, they are also divided into types:

Racks and balusters are not only decorative elements, but also load-bearing

1. Classic. It consists of handrails and balusters.
2. Solid. It is made of a single sheet of metal or other material.
3. Crossbars. They have the form of crossbars that are located parallel to the main handrails.

Features of metal railings for porches and stairs

Railings in the house not only provide security, but also help to create a harmonious and complete interior design. That is why the appearance of the structures is of great importance. The main reason why it is recommended to install railings on the balcony and other potentially dangerous structures is considered to be the prevention of injuries and accidents. It is the barriers that protect the residents of the house from falling from a height. Among the main advantages of installing metal railings for stairs in the house or on the street are the following:

1. Unlike other structures, metal structures are distinguished by durability and strength. Even after a while, the fences will not begin to creak or deform.
2. Metal is considered a universal material that is easy to combine with wooden, glass or stone elements.
3. Metal parts are malleable, so it is easy to make elements of various shapes from them. These can be both regular geometric shapes and a variety of fantasy elements.

Other advantages of using metal for the manufacture of handrails for stairs:

The internal filling of metal stair railings is divided into classical, solid and crossbars

• incombustibility and non-susceptibility to fire;
• resistance to temperature and humidity changes, which allows you to install railings for stairs on the street;
• long service life without repairs or updates;
• easy to care for;
• the possibility of application in any interior styles – from classics to laconic loft and hi-tech;
• increased resistance to mechanical stress;
• high strength;
• ease of processing with various tools;
• the ability to make simple options yourself.

To improve the appearance of the finished railings, several methods of final processing of the main elements are used:

1. Anodizing. The result is chrome-plated handrails for stairs.
2. Coloring. With the help of special paint, fences can be given any color corresponding to the surrounding environment.
3. Polishing. Gives shine and smoothness to surfaces.
4. Satin finish. It is performed by using sandblasting equipment. In the photo of the railing, you can see how similar structures look like.

To improve the appearance of the railing, anodizing, coloring, polishing or satin is used

Among the disadvantages are the susceptibility of metal elements to corrosion and oxidation. But modern processing technologies involving the use of special solutions make it easy to cope with the problem. The main thing is to choose the right mixture and adhere to the rules of application.

Types of handrails for stairs in a private house: characteristics

Depending on the method of manufacturing , fences are divided into several types:

• national teams;
• welded;
• forged;
• cast;
• combined.

Prefabricated products are made of steel or aluminum parts. It is important to take into account that after installation, all steel elements need to be covered with paint, and a special anti-corrosion coating must be applied to aluminum parts. Such structures are usually inexpensive, as well as light in weight and easy to install.

Welded railings are characterized by a more complex design. Their main advantage is the absence of joints between the elements. Among the disadvantages are the high susceptibility of structures to corrosion.

Depending on the manufacturing method, metal railings are divided into prefabricated, welded, forged, cast and combined

Expert advice! For the manufacture of welded railings, it is best to use argon welding, which gives a neat seam and does not form splatter marks.

Forged products in most cases are performed manually, which requires significant physical and time costs. But the result of the work is a beautiful railing, characterized by an original appearance. Most often they are made to order. The products have a high cost, but they look luxurious, especially if various methods were used during processing, through which the metal is specially “aged” or given a gilded appearance. Often wrought iron railings are decorated with openwork or massive elements.

For the production of cast railings, special molds are used, where molten metal is poured, more often it is bronze, cast iron or brass. Custom-made products will be expensive, while the price of finished products in stores is slightly lower. Each option has a unique appearance that will fit perfectly into any interior.

When performing combined railings, a combination of materials is used, often those that are used to create the interior or exterior of the house. Thus, it turns out to install a railing that fits perfectly into the surrounding environment.

To perform welded railings, it is better to use argon welding, it has a more accurate seam

Whichever type of railing is chosen for the stairs, it is important to keep in mind that their height should not be less than 90 cm. Fences can only be installed on one side. If the width of the structure is more than 1.25 m and there is no wall on the other side, then it is recommended to mount the railing on both sides.

The main materials used for the manufacture of railings: photos of exquisite options

There are various types of metal stairs that are installed outside or inside buildings. According to the installation method, the structures are divided into stationary and mobile. Mobile options are mainly needed only for repair or household work, this can also include ladder ladders. Popular designs are folding or sliding systems that are used to climb to the attic or attic floor. Let’s take a closer look at other types of stairs.

Marching. They are among the most convenient from the point of view of the safety of moving people. The structures consist of straight spans. If a turn is required, platforms or run-up steps are installed. It is not recommended to do more than 15-16 steps in one march.

Screw. Another name is spiral stairs, which look not only beautiful, but also aesthetically pleasing. The rotation is formed due to smoothly curved structures. Spiral staircases are considered safe and convenient. They will not only decorate the room, but also become an element that allows you to competently organize the movement.

When choosing a material for railings, not only the preferences of the owners play a significant role, but also the budget

Various materials and technologies are used to make stairs and stair railings. A significant role in the selection is played not only by the personal wishes of the household, but also by the budget allocated for the manufacture of railings. In most cases, metal is used to create the main elements, as well as wood, which is also great for creating fences that match any interior design.

The main advantage of wooden railings is the ability to decorate them with carved or patterned details. In addition, various shades of wood can be used for their manufacture. But wooden products will never be able to compare in strength with metal ones, which are guaranteed to last longer. Metal handrails on the stairs can be made from improvised materials:

• pipes;
• fittings;
• metal profile;
• welded elements.

If you look at the photos of ready-made options, you can pay attention to the fact that the railings look the most attractive, complemented by decor, which is plastic, glass, textiles, ropes and other suitable materials.

Metal railings for stairs can be made of pipes, profiles, fittings and welded elements

Features of handrails for stairs to the house, made of ferrous metals and cast iron

The most economical option for porch railings, balconies or stairs is considered to be a fence made of black metal. As you know, the materials have some disadvantages, but to improve the performance, a powder coating or enamel is applied to the surface of the products. This allows not only to endow the handrails with strength, but also to choose the desired color.

Fences can be used for the arrangement of multi-storey buildings, offices and residential buildings. Cast-iron structures are in harmony with the steps made of various materials, they look especially good in combination with facing wood and marble tiles. At the same time, ready-made options may have a simple appearance or differ in an unusual design.

Cast-iron railings are ideal for a balcony that faces the street, because the products are resistant to temperature changes and direct sunlight. It is the increased operational qualities and attractive appearance that make cast-iron fences the best option for the house.

Useful information! Railings made of ferrous metal are susceptible to corrosion, so it is recommended to apply protective compounds to products from time to time.

It is recommended to periodically treat black metal railings with protective compounds

If the method of artistic casting is used for manufacturing, unusual interlacing and patterns can be made of cast iron. The finished design looks easy, but at the same time emphasizes the richness of the structure. Almost all products are made according to a unique design, where each element is an integral part of the composition.

 Stainless steel railings: types, features, installation and maintenance

Requirements for railings. Advantages and features of use. What kind of railings are there. Self-installation and maintenance.

Using the method of casting and forging, craftsmen get real works of art from cast iron. Such products, in addition to attractiveness, are reliable structures designed for heavy loads and maintain an attractive appearance for several decades.

Other metals used for the manufacture of metal railings for stairs

For the price, handrails for stairs made of stainless steel will cost more than ferrous metal products, but they are great for installation both on the street and in the house. Increased resistance to atmospheric effects is the reason that stainless steel fences are most often used for the porch. Metal railings retain their appearance for a long period, and also differ in decorative qualities, so this option can often be seen outside and inside the house.

Most often, polished stainless steel is used for the manufacture of fences, which has a large number of advantages:

• wear resistance;
• strength;
• simple care;
• no need to update the color;
• the possibility of combining with other materials.

To create unusual ornaments or geometric shapes from stainless steel, the metal is processed by cold bending. An important advantage is the absence of corrosion even without painting. The average service life is 50 years.

Steel, unlike stainless steel, is exposed to corrosion, so a thin layer of powder coating is required to be applied to all elements. This will allow the various elements of the metal handrails for the stairs to give almost any shade, so that you can interestingly and cheerfully beat the staircase in the interior. The cost of steel fences is 20-30% less than the price of the stainless version.

But steel products have significant disadvantages. So, fences consisting of complex figured elements are assembled from several parts that are attached to each other by welding directly during the installation of the staircase itself. To avoid the appearance and spread of corrosion, the joints remaining as a result of welding are sanded and painted.

Very often, polished stainless steel is used for the manufacture of railings

Aluminum, like stainless steel, perfectly resists the negative influence of external atmospheric factors. Plasticity and low weight are considered important advantages of aluminum. Thanks to this, you can find fences on trading platforms that differ in different geometry and color.

A large number of advantages has become the reason that aluminum railings for stairs in a private house are very common. But due to the fact that aluminum is less durable than steel or stainless steel, such fences are not advised to be installed in public or office premises.

Brass is a metal that is obtained by mixing zinc and copper, in some cases nickel or tin acts as an additional element. The material has a golden hue, which will add luxury and wealth to the interior. This option is often found in classic interiors: modern, Baroque, Rococo and others.

Railings made of brass will look even more attractive if you use a combination of glass, wood and stone with metal. After applying a special composition, the brass surfaces of the railings acquire shine, their strength improves. It is most important to combine brass with elements of artistic forging.

How to decide on the design of railings: drawings of stairs

To create a harmonious interior, you should choose not only a successful type, but also the design of fences. You need to understand that a staircase without a railing will not look complete, so even if the structure is small, it will look better together with the supports. To find the perfect design, you should turn to ready-made options on the Internet. If imagination allows, you can create a sketch yourself using simple computer programs.

To improve the appearance of the metal surface, you can use the method of artificial aging. In addition, depending on the surface, it is given a gold, silver or any other shade. For example, to improve the appearance of stainless steel, it is not necessary to cover the metal with paint solutions: as in the case of aluminum, a polymer, nickel-plated or chrome-plated coating is used.

To emphasize the style of the railing, you should correctly approach the choice of handrails. For safe and comfortable use, their surfaces must be smooth, have no joints, seams or other uneven or pointed elements.

Useful advice! If you want the staircase to look finished and attractive, you need the handrails to extend 30 cm beyond the line of the lower step. To reduce the likelihood of injury, it is better to make the edge rounded.

Handrails for stairs made of metal: the main requirements for products

After a specific fence model is selected, you can try to install a handrail for the stairs with your own hands. But first you need to familiarize yourself with certain nuances:

• a welding machine will help to fix the metal railing on the metal ladder;
• if the staircase is made of concrete, for reliability it is necessary to install metal mortgages in the base;
• bolted connecting mechanisms are used to attach the supports to the wooden staircase.

Before making a railing on the stairs, you need to think about the comfort of using the structure. To do this, you need to take into account the following points:

• the height of the balusters should not exceed 1 m;
• there should be no visible defects on the jumpers;
• it is necessary that the handrails fit comfortably in your hand;
• the minimum load for which the fences are designed should not be less than 100 kg per square meter of the fence;
• it is recommended to leave 70 cm between the racks.

So that a person does not injure his hands during the ascent, it is necessary to maintain a sufficient distance between the wall and the handrail. It is important not to forget that the main function of the railing is to ensure safety when moving between floors, climbing a high porch or while being on the balcony. That is why it is necessary to strictly maintain the key parameters. So, according to the SNIP and GOST standards, when installing railings on stairs, it is necessary to adhere to the following parameters:

• in accordance with the norms of GOST 25772-83, the optimal height of the barrier is 90 cm;
• the cross section of the handrail is 5 cm;
• the distance between the balusters is 10-15 cm;
• the gap from the nearest wall to the handrail is 10-20 cm .

According to the specified standards, the handrails should be continuous and at the same time adhere to a section of 50 mm. As a filling, it is better to give preference to fire-resistant materials.

The suggested recommendations will help you choose the right railing, and if you follow the installation rules, you will get both a comfortable and safe design. At the same time, the price of railings for stairs will depend on the selected material and additional elements. If desired, it will be possible to choose an option suitable for any budget.

According to the norms of GOST 25772-83, the optimal height of the railing is considered 90 cm

What elements should be present in the handrails for spiral or marching stairs

Regardless of the type, the railing consists of three main elements:

• support pillars;
• balusters or fillings;
• handrails.

The support pillars on the flight ladders are fixed at the beginning and end of the span, as well as at the corners of the turning platforms. On screw structures, the supports are located at the beginning and end of each bend. It is with the help of these elements that the stairs are given strength. The distance between the support pillars is usually in the range of 50-60 cm.

Metal balusters for stairs are considered optional elements, because they play a decorative role. It is with the help of balusters that the space between the support pillars on the steps and the bowstring is filled. Despite the fact that the elements are installed only to complement the interior, they are also able to increase the safety of the structure and prevent injuries. For example, for small children who like to climb where it is not required, filling will be an excellent barrier that does not allow them to fall off the stairs.

The attractiveness of stair railings will primarily depend on the shape, material, method of installation and the distance between the internal elements. If there are no children in the house, it is quite acceptable to leave the space between the pillars free. In the presence of children in the apartment, it is necessary to monitor very carefully so that under no circumstances can the child put his head between the elements.

The attractiveness of handrails for stairs depends on the shape, method of installation, material and distance between internal elements

Important! It is recommended to maintain a distance of 7 to 15 cm between the internal parts.

The height of the handrail is usually in the range from 90 to 110 cm. Here everything will depend on the average height of the tenants of the house. At the same time, designers focus on the fact that children should not be taken into account, since they are growing fast. If desired, you can fix a temporary option parallel to the main handrail, which will make the use of the stairs comfortable for children. If the staircase is wide, it is recommended to install handrails on both sides.

There are different ways to fill the space between the support pillars. Someone prefers to use openwork elements, someone prefers solid wide panels with patterns, drawings or options for combining different materials. Some people acquire crossbars (rails) to fill the interior space – metal rods installed not vertically, but horizontally.

How to weld a handrail with your own hands: the necessary tools, the main stages of work

Even despite the modest design, metal railings can be made in various ways. For example, when creating complex structures, a welding method is used that is suitable for steel and ferrous metals. The main thing is that the joints are absent or barely noticeable. Before welding a metal ladder, it is necessary to prepare such tools:

Usually, with the help of welding, railings are made from a profile pipe

• a grinder with a cutting and grinding disc;
• drill with metal drills;
• welding machine;
• vise;
• the level and the squares with which the marking of the details of the structure is performed;
• suitable fasteners.

Usually, using welding, handrails are made from a profile pipe. For manufacturing, you will need 2 pipes of suitable length and diameter. You should not do the work by eye, in order to obtain an ideal product, it is previously recommended to perform a simple drawing taking into account the size of the opening.

When creating the simplest option, it will be necessary to weld a supporting frame from pipes or channels, to which the corners that serve as the basis for the steps are then welded. After the frame is ready, all seams need to be sanded and make sure that there are no metal burrs or other irregularities that can scratch your hands.

After completing the welding work, they proceed to the next stage: a primer or paint for metal surfaces is applied to the finished product. This must be done to protect the product from corrosion and give the railing an attractive appearance.

The simplest version of the stairs is a supporting frame made of channels, to which the corners are welded, which are the basis for the steps

Both handrails and vertical supports are made from the profile pipe, which are easy to weld to the finished metal ladder using the same welding machine. A ready-made staircase with fences can last 30 years or longer with proper operation. The main thing is to prevent the development of corrosion in time.

Useful advice! To install a metal railing with your own hands is a task that most craftsmen will cope with, but you should resort to self–manufacturing of fencing if you have not only the necessary tools, but also knowledge. You need to understand that working with metal is not the same as working with wood.

How to equip a staircase with handrails yourself: important installation tips

The simplest method is considered to be the purchase of a ready-made fence, where the necessary elements, fasteners, drawings and instructions for self-assembly are included. Installation will require a minimum set of tools and skills, the main thing is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations flawlessly.

If it is decided to install railings with your own hands, you need to remember that their main task is safety, so you need to approach the installation carefully. There are 2 main ways of installation. If the ladder is located close to the wall, the handrail is attached to its surface. For installation, cast or hinged brackets are used, with the help of which the optimal distance between the wall and the handrail is set. Usually it is 7-10 cm. It is important to take into account that it is the hinged brackets that allow you to adjust the angle of inclination of the handrail if necessary.

The balusters are attached to the steps using a single anchor or flange mounting using several screws

As for how to attach balusters to railings and steps, here you can choose one of the ways:

• the single method consists in fixing the rack with a single anchor;
• the option of flange mounting is to use several flange screws.

These methods are considered very simple, but far from the most reliable. Vandal-proof fastening with the use of a drill is considered the most stable. During installation, holes are drilled in the steps, where the embedded parts are placed, on which the railing racks are then attached.

Important! If it is decided to install railings on the steps, it is worth understanding that the width of the stairs will decrease. If we are talking about a narrow design, it is better to give preference to the method of fastening from the end side.

When installing metal railings with your own hands, you need to remember that their main task is safety

Step-by-step instructions for installing handrails with your own hands

Before starting the installation, first of all you need to perform a preliminary marking of the structure under the racks. To do this, step back from the edge of the step by 5-10 cm, 30-60 cm should remain between the holes. As already noted, the first and last racks are initially installed, and then the procedure will depend on the chosen installation method:

1. For single mounting, holes with a diameter of 1.6 cm are drilled, while they need to be deepened by at least 1.2-1.5 cm. The sheets under the balusters are inserted into the finished cavities.
2. If flange mounting is assumed, 3 holes are made for the installation of dowels with a length of 8 cm and a diameter of 1.2 cm.

Before proceeding to the installation of the balusters, a cord is stretched between the pre-installed racks. It is important to make sure that the elements are not attached in places where the railing is broken or the height difference. If stainless steel handrails are being installed, they are first cut off along the length, while marking the places under the balusters. After that, there is a fastening on the hinges and a reliable fixation. Stainless steel handrails can be attached to the balusters with self-tapping screws or from the end side to the flanges.

Stainless steel railings can be attached to the balusters using self-tapping screws and welding

When the main elements of the filling are the crossbars, they are cut and the marking of the attachment points on the racks is applied. If you plan to install glass panels, you first need to fix the holder on the rack.

Installation of racks on the side of the step is optimal when the minimum distance between the steps does not exceed 70 cm. In this case, it is fixed with spacer anchors, which are attached with an intermediate sleeve. To do this, 2 holes are made in the end of the railing, where an anchor is inserted through the intermediate elements. The protruding end is closed by means of a cap nut. Sometimes it is allowed to use anchors without bushings. If the fences are installed on a concrete staircase, it is possible to use liquid nails.

Useful advice! Before installing railings on the street, you need to make sure that the material will tolerate environmental influences without loss of appearance. Even some stainless steel products are recommended to be used only indoors or under a canopy.

A few ideas for creating beautiful metal railings

Choosing a railing, you need to take into account not only individual wishes, but also a harmonious combination of products with the interior. Some stairs look original and without railings, but the question of safe use remains open. Therefore, it is better to complement any design with handrails. Attractive design options:

For a classic interior with elements of aristocracy, forged and cast railings are best suited

• cast-iron stairs look bulky and massive, but they are not suitable for every interior;
• forged and cast railings will actually fit into a classic interior with elements of aristocracy;
• a variety of patterns will fill the room with a palace motif;
• the openwork version of the metal railing will give the stairs lightness and transform any structure
• a wooden staircase with a metal railing will emphasize the rustic style, the interior of the chalet or the classics;
• using a variety of weaves, shapes and geometric shapes will help to create a real work of art in the house.

Stairs are an integral element of a house or apartment of several floors. The whole structure is an extension of the interior. The railings that continue the pattern of the walls will look very beautiful and harmonious. When choosing a railing design, do not forget about the safety rules. Metal is a durable material, but even despite this, it is necessary to properly install the railing and take care of them, only in this case it will be possible to create not only a beautiful, but also a safe interior.