Metal railings can be quite sophisticated
In every house, even one-story, there is a staircase, and often more than one. Stairs can be both an indispensable element and a highlight of the interior. A good designer knows how to play with, emphasize and fit this element into the surrounding space. Railings are an integral part of the stairs. Their main function is to provide security. But besides this, it is the stylistic solution of the railing that allows the staircase to become a dominant in the design solution of a particular interior. This seemingly extremely functional design can be a bright and memorable accent in the interior decoration of the house. Metal ones allow you to embody almost any stylistic decision, regardless of whether you plan to decorate the interior in a classic style, vintage, hi-tech or Provence.
First, let's deal with the terminology. A railing is a protective system of stairs that ensures the safety of the ascent by protecting it from falling. It consists of several elements. Balusters - supporting vertical posts, with their help, the fence is attached to the stairs.
Filling the fence - closes the space between the balusters, that is, it performs the main function of ensuring security. Also, it is precisely by filling the space between the balusters that you can create a completely different design for the stairs.
Important! If there are children in the house, partitions are necessary. It is safest to use solid partitions.
Filling can be done:
- vertical or inclined elements;
- horizontal crossbars running parallel to the handrails;
- solid sheets.
Vertical filling of the fence
Horizontal filling of the fence
Complete filling of the fence
Handrails - this is the part of the railing that lies on the balusters, and people hold on to it with their hands, leaning on it when ascending or descending.
1. The handrail is installed in the wall. 2. The handrail is installed on the railing
Design and selection of materials for railings
Even if the staircase is not a bright decorative element of the interior, it is important to pay attention to how it looks so that it fits stylistically into the surrounding space. And this largely depends on the choice of material. A minimalist or high-tech metal structure can negate all efforts to create a classic interior, and vice versa - too elegant, it will look awkward in a simple, unpretentious retro.
An example of a harmonious combination of metal fencing with the overall interior of the room
So, consider the most popular materials:
…to exclusive hand-carved versions
PVC handrails and glass panels are also advantageously combined.
Or maybe the embodiment of luxury and wealth
Separately, it is worth noting the railings of artistic casting, which are not inferior in luxury to their “brothers” from ancient palaces
Important! If you plan to install metal railings on the street, the structure must be treated with a special anti-corrosion compound. Otherwise, weather events will quickly spoil their appearance.
Benefits of metal railings
- Durability - unlike wood, metal parts will not require updating.
- Price. Lower compared to wood (everything, however, depends on the complexity of the design)
- Variety of materials - aluminum profiles, steel, wrought iron, pipes, etc.
- Variety of shapes - metal railings can give the largest number of design options.
Metal railings can withstand hail, rain, snow, heat and other weather conditions for many years without losing their beauty.
Methods for making metal railings
According to the method of manufacture, metal railings can be different. And each method has its pros and cons. Prefabricated are made of aluminum or steel parts. After assembling the parts, the steel railings will need to be painted, and the aluminum railings will need to be coated with a protective coating. Another advantage of this option is the low weight. This is the easiest and most economical option that you can assemble with your own hands, and, if necessary, dismantle. Fabrication and installation of prefabricated railings
Cast railings. For casting, a sketch is first drawn, then a mold is made in which the necessary parts are cast. A laborious process, but the resulting result has two undeniable advantages:- durability
- an almost endless variety of shapes
The durability of molded handrails makes them an excellent choice for outdoor installations.
Indoors, such railings can also look chic.
Combined railings are the most versatile and very interesting option. The combination with glass and wood allows you to realize a wide variety of design ideas that will fit into almost any interior.
Most often, metal railings are complemented by wooden railings.
Recently, more and more metal railings are combined with glass panels.
Wrought iron is most often used in classical styles such as baroque or rococo. Elegant and sophisticated, they look sophisticated and rich, creating an openwork light pattern. They will add charm and a sense of luxury to any room. Wrought iron railings can be made in a very diverse color palette - bronze, gold, silver, copper, etc. Perhaps the only drawback of this option is the high price.
Forged railings are suitable, as for internal stairs ...
Same for the porch
White wrought iron railings look especially elegant.
Stainless steel railings (welded) are quite strong, reliable and durable. The principle of their manufacture is simple: segments of steel or cast iron rods are welded in the form of a lattice, which is coated with paint. Stainless steel railings are commonly used in modern high-tech or minimalist styles. In fact, when processed, they can make very beautiful fences with geometric patterns that will look great in classic versions. Welded iron railings can be prone to corrosion and need occasional painting. Steel products are devoid of these shortcomings. Stainless Steel Railing Welding
Design Requirements
When designing and creating metal fences, it is important to remember not only the design, but also the safety of the structure. In order for fences to fulfill their protective function, several requirements must be observed during design:
- The height of the fences ranges from 90 cm to 1 m.
- The distance between the racks is no more than 60 cm.
- If there are small children in the house, or the fences are designed for a children's institution (kindergarten, hospital), the distance between the posts is reduced to 10 cm so that the baby cannot stick his head between them.
- The distance from the handrail attached to the wall to the wall is 7-10 cm.
- The fence can withstand a load of 100 kg per m.
- The handrails, for which a person holds his hand during the descent, are made smooth and continuous, the cross-sectional area is not less than 5 cm.
- The handrails protrude 30 cm beyond the line of steps, their end is made rounded.
An example of the calculation of the railing for the stairs
A staircase in a house usually occupies a large space and is used many times every day for many years, so its design, convenience and safety must be taken very carefully at the design stage. In order for you to get beautiful, easy-to-use, high-quality fences that will serve you for many years, all stages are equally important: material selection, design, manufacture and installation. Therefore, the best choice is to entrust this process to experienced professionals who will produce high-quality fences for you, taking into account all your wishes and the conditions in which the structure will be used.
Wood is the main building material of mankind from ancient times to the present day. Of course, today there are many good synthetic analogues, but natural wood is preferred both for the base of structures and as a finishing material with a great texture. Making railings from wood is the best solution, not only for aesthetic reasons, but also due to the pliability of the material to all types of processing.
Railings - an important structural element of the stairs
In private housing construction, wood is suitable both for the manufacture of the staircase itself, and for independently constructing aesthetic and comfortable railings for it. At the same time, it is not so important what type of construction and general configuration the staircase has, the railing is needed in any case:
- marching;
- straight;
- curved;
- rotary;
- screw;
- curvilinear;
- combined.
Any handrail is not only an important functional element for climbing / descending stairs, wooden railings are also endowed with an aesthetic component of the interior. They limit the space of the stairs during the ascent (descent), providing overall safety.
Railings are made from different materials, but when choosing the overall look of the stairs, it is very important how it will look against the background of the general style in the house. Today, stairs are often mounted directly into the wall or made of transparent plastic and glass. However, a sense of overall safety and reliability must come to the fore, and the designer's idea must yield to established standards that are responsible for safety.
Attention: The absence of limiters on the stairs is permissible only for small flights of stairs (marches), consisting of no more than 5 steps. Using ladders without handrails (limiters) can lead to an accidental fall and irreparable harm to health!
Basic requirements for wooden railings
Wooden handrails provide a complete look and remain the main support when using degrees. Given the characteristics of wood, it is important to ensure that the railing is sufficiently smooth, eliminating the possibility of injuring the palms. To do this, the wood is well sanded or sanded, varnished in 2-3 layers or painted with enamel, such as railings for stairs made of wood: photo.
In addition to the appearance of the stairs, general convenience is also important - the height of the handrails should be comfortable when moving up the stairs to hold people of average height by the handrails. A single standard is to make handrails no higher than 95-100 cm, measuring from the level of the step. Sometimes at the stairs they make an additional parallel bottom row - railings for children. Along the wall (another supporting vertical), also on the brackets, a railing for a wooden staircase is additionally fixed.
The railing of the stairs is very simple in design:
- handrails (decorative or simple);
- support posts (turned or simple balusters).
Decorative balusters are placed at a sufficient interval so that a child or adult cannot fall out through the holes in case of an awkward fall. Usually one support post per step is sufficient. But with a too gentle descent and wide steps, as well as taking into account some design features of designer stairs, the railing posts are placed at a distance of 10-15 cm.
In addition, there are supporting and intermediate balusters, and the bases of the stairs are made on thicker supports than the secondary support on the railing. However, making railings for stairs too light is also not recommended - in any area, the handrails must withstand a sufficient horizontal load, of the order of 100-120 kg / m. The simplest railings are polished bars mounted on metal brackets along the wall. The number of balusters on a standard staircase usually corresponds to the number of steps.
Before you make a railing for a wooden staircase with your own hands, you should start:
- with the study of basic building codes;
- calculations of timber costs;
- preparation of the necessary tools and woodworking machines;
- creating a project, drawings or sketches;
- calculations of the width of the step of the stairs and the location of the balusters on them (at the beginning of the step or in the middle).
The main elements of the support are best made from oak, maple or beech, which crack and dry out the least. Such a staircase will not creak even after many years if it is properly designed. Finishing details can be carved from ash, yew, rosewood, cherry or walnut. To emphasize the natural texture of the wood pattern, it is better not to paint the handrails, but to cover them with stain after polishing and varnish them.
Tip: Be sure to check the horizontal and vertical bars for timely adjustment, and if the level slides off the board, you can temporarily fix it with tape.
The main types of stairs
The appearance of the stairs cannot be designed in isolation from the general style decision of the house, since the staircase is always an important aesthetic component and even its business card. Stairs are classified:
- external and internal;
- house, service, landscape, architectural;
- entrance, interfloor, checkpoints;
- stationary, portable and transformable;
- single-march and multi-march;
- straight and rotary (for 2 or more spans).
Guests may not notice some paintings on the walls, but they will definitely remember the beautiful spiral or hanging glass staircase they climbed. Therefore, if the construction of a staircase is only in the plans, contact a competent architect for the development of a project who will offer the option that will organically fit into the design of the house. In addition, a specialist will help you choose the type of staircase design:
- on bowstrings;
- on stringers;
- on the bolts, etc.
1. Stairs on the bolts or cantilever. This design looks spectacular because it does not have visible supports, and guests initially experience some anxiety when using the steps. In real life, the steps are very securely fixed to the vertical plane, withstanding an impressive load. It occupies a minimum of space, but older people are reluctant to use it. It is important to ensure confidence when climbing and to confine the stairs with good railings.
2. The ladder on the stringers rests on the support beams, fixed in a special way. The design has been used for several centuries and has proven its reliability, it is made over a large area.
3. The ladder on the string looks elegant and light, it is often used as decoration in the interior, connecting the living room and the hall. It is somewhat reminiscent of a stretched rope ladder, but made of more durable materials.
4. Spiral staircases are used where there is no provision for climbing stairs along the walls, but connects the first floor with a hole in the center of the ceiling on the floor above. It occupies a minimum of space, but is not very convenient, since two people walking towards it will not miss each other. But its aesthetics are usually beyond doubt, and handrails are a must. The movement in a spiral determines the type of this construction.
Standard staircases in entrances or in private multi-storey buildings are single-flight, double-flight or multi-flight rotary type. A march is an inclined fragment of stairs with steps, connected by an interlevel platform. Staircases between marches make it possible to enter, turn around and go to the steps of other marches. Turning stairs are:
- bilateral;
- rights;
- left.
Also closed stairwells, semi-open fully open, not limited by handrails. Understanding the design features is not for the sake of remembering the names, but for choosing a suitable staircase configuration for your home, based on:
- functionality (where it leads);
- location in the house;
- constructive design;
- material of bearing supports (wood, metal, plastic, concrete goods).
Each type of stairs involves its own type of handrails or restrictive elements, as well as types of fastening. Therefore, professionals know where it is better to use:
- hidden;
- adhesive;
- groove connection of structural elements.
On a narrow staircase up to 130 cm, the railing is usually done on one side. On wide stairs, where it is supposed to move towards at the same time, the handrails are made symmetrically with the same angle of inclination. This angle must correspond to the degree of inclination of the flight of stairs, that is, duplicate its geometry. The width of the handrails should not be large, that is, as comfortable as possible for palm coverage. At the beginning and at the end of the handrail, it is necessary to make roundings. All these subtleties should be reflected in preliminary calculations.
How to make a wooden stair railing
Installation of stairs with railings is a painstaking and time-consuming, but at the same time very exciting process. The simplest do-it-yourself wooden railing made of wood, with any type of staircase, is easiest to make on the basis of balusters. In modern construction supermarkets, various blanks or ready-made components for stair railings are sold, with which installation will be simplified. Turned balusters resembling skittles are considered the most beautiful.
The design of wooden railings is chosen based on the general tasks, the material used and the possibilities for woodworking.
1. To make simple wooden railings yourself, you need to cut 2 racks from the finished timber, preferably 100 x 75mm. These blanks are fixed on the outside of the bowstring, below and above the march. Immediately, the accuracy of the vertical racks is checked by a level.
The vertical mount is easiest to adjust with screws. Further along the line of attachment of the supports in the center of the flight of stairs, the 3rd rack is mounted from the timber - the rest of the handrails are displayed along them.
3 workpieces 150 x 40 mm are cut with a power tool. With a planer, you will need to process (round off) the edge, which will later become the basis of the handrail. These processed boards are fixed with an equal interval from each other, fixed on the back surface of the racks.
It is important to ensure that the supports are slightly higher than the handrail - by about 50 mm. After that, the central support is cut at the required handrail height, now their surface can be thoroughly sanded.
2. The most beautiful wooden railings - with decorative balusters, previously carved by a woodworking machine. In practice, many do not know how to make a railing from a tree of complex configuration. To make them, you need to have professional carpenter skills and good equipment.
However, you can use ready-made balusters, machined or purchased in advance. For such railings, the support consists of 3 parts. The trapezoidal base of the baluster, which acts as their support, is tightly mounted to the bowstrings with the help of spikes. They must have a groove in the upper base - for mounting the support post.
We fix the decorative part on the central support - formed with the help of a lathe and a well-polished head, with the help of spikes we seat it tightly in the grooves. We check all the elements with a careful fit before assembling the entire structure, after which we apply carpentry glue to the spiked joints. The parts to be glued must undergo an exposure, they must not be loaded earlier than after 1-2 days.
Medium decorative balusters, turned by a lathe, are assembled sequentially. The supports of the balusters are fastened with dowels to the bowstring, based on wood glue. The base of the supporting baluster is securely attached to the floor with anchors so that the edge of the stairs does not move under load.
We mount a rail with a groove corresponding to the size of the base of the intermediate baluster to the bowstring, fasten it with screws with sweat. Next, we fix the middle post of the support baluster in the same way. We put the intermediate supports with the lower end into the grooves of the rail, having previously lubricated with carpentry glue. The tops of each passing baluster are mounted in the corresponding groove on the prepared handrail.
Attention: All balusters are cut before installation at the same angle, corresponding to the slope of the stairs. Measuring their length, they take into account the correspondence of the dowels to the depth of the grooves - both at the base and at times of the handrails. On the first baluster, even before the final fastening with grooves, be sure to check the verticality of the balusters with a level. Having made all the marks, we make the final bevel at the required angle, then we use the fully finished staircase part as a stencil for the rest of the balusters.
Fastening intermediate balusters in order:
- insert a bar of the desired shape and length into the groove of the lower bar greased with glue, check the interval between all intermediate balusters one by one;
- we insert the required support into the groove of the handrail based on glue, if there are doubts about the reliability of fastening, you can additionally fix it with nails;
- We insert the 1st baluster into the grooves prepared in the lower bar and handrail, and grease the edges with glue (you can also duplicate it with nails);
- we install intermediate strips between the balusters and the handrail in the grooves of the rail, smearing it with glue, and the step between them should have an equal interval between the balusters;
- in the same way we install each subsequent part;
- fastening the handrail to the support post is done on a metal corner, screwing it with nuts;
- it is important to beautifully process the rounding at the ends of the handrails;
- once the adhesive has set, the handrails will be strong enough for everyday use.
Attention: In the lower support under the handrail, make a window for fastening the nut with a washer, and after installation, close it with a wooden washer. Polish the junction of the handrail parts well. The handrail can also be ordered in the carpentry of any configuration that the cutter will provide.
Any design is inevitably associated with the need to select the right railing. This important structural element affects not only the level of safety of the entire structure, but also forms the appearance and design of the stairs. There are many ways to make railings. They may differ in the material of manufacture, shape, size, level of filling, design and the presence of decor. In order for the entire staircase design to be safe, practical, aesthetic and harmoniously fit into the interior of the home, the choice of railings must be approached with special care. We invite you to be inspired by the options for the execution of railings for stairs of a wide variety of designs and materials of execution on the example of our large-scale photo selection.
Varieties of railings according to the material of execution
Railings are called stair railings. Often they are necessary not only to create protection against a possible fall of a person walking on the steps and his support, but also to maintain the entire structure of the stairs, its elements. Depending on the functions assigned to the railing, the material of execution of the entire staircase, its size and type of modification, interior design and financial capabilities of the owners, he chooses the material for the execution of the railing. Most often for the manufacture of railings are used:
- tree;
- metal;
- glass;
- polyurethane;
- acrylic;
- combined structures.
Currently, metal railings can be safely called the most popular way of making this structural element of the stairs. The advantages of metal products are obvious;
- strength;
- durability;
- reliability;
- high wear resistance;
- resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations;
- high fire safety;
- ease of care;
- wide range of design possibilities;
- a wide range of pricing policy (depending on the selected material).
An owner with any wallet size can find his own version of a metal fence. Aluminum and stainless steel will cost several times cheaper than forging or railings made of brass, copper. Steel products are currently the most popular (the cost in this case plays an important role), but manufacturers also offer structures made of iron and even cast iron. But when choosing a material for the execution of the railing, a lot depends on the design of the staircase itself, its weight, dimensions and method of fastening the steps in particular and marches in general.
aluminum railing have the following list of benefits:
- ease of installation;
- resistance to corrosion;
- light weight, elegant appearance;
- affordable cost;
- railings with natural aluminum sheen will look great in interior design styles such as hi-tech, minimalism, modern, varieties of modern style;
- the possibility of tinting a shiny surface in any color.
The main disadvantage of aluminum products is low strength. They can only be used indoors and in a sparing mode. But for many ladder customers, such conditions are more than acceptable.
Stainless steel railing differ from aluminum structures by the lack of brittleness in the structure of the material. Stainless steel is most often combined with other materials, so it can effectively fit into any style of interior design. Usually "stainless steel" is combined with wooden handrails. The combination of stainless steel racks with glass screens is also popular. Such railings can be used both indoors and for the exterior of dwellings.
According to the type of execution, all metal railings can be divided into 4 groups:
prefabricated- very quickly mounted, they are distinguished by high manufacturability, low weight and affordable cost;
welded- such railings are obtained from steel or ferrous metals by cold deflection. Products are characterized by sufficient strength, durability, wear resistance. The weak point of such railings is the welds. To prevent corrosion, products must be periodically painted. Only stainless steel is deprived of this shortcoming;
casting- products are obtained by pouring molten metal into molds. The cooled blanks are taken out and processed. In this way, you can make a railing of amazing beauty, with the most diverse design, exquisite decorative elements;
forging- this way you can create a railing with a truly unique design. Forging masters are able to create real masterpieces with the help of special tools or manually. Finished products can be processed "under gold or silver", apply a patina (it all depends on the style of the interior in which the staircase will be located). The high cost of forged products is justified not only by manual work, but also by the originality of design, strength and reliability of structures.
Natural wood railing
Even if your staircase is not made of wood, railings made from this natural, versatile material will be more than appropriate. Wood products will never go out of fashion. High environmental friendliness of natural material, excellent aesthetic qualities, and simply pleasant sensations from touching warm wood are relevant at all times. There is an opinion that stairs or their components made of natural wood are not a pleasure for everyone. But for the manufacture of railings, you can choose the so-called "budget" types of wood, affordable for many of the Russians.
The disadvantages of railings made of natural wood include only the effect of moisture and temperature changes on the structure of the material. Wooden structures without additional processing (varnishing and impregnation with special compounds) should not be used outdoors.
If your interior is decorated in one of the country style directions, or in such styles as chalet, Provence, tropical, marine, wooden staircases in general and railings in particular will be more than appropriate. A beautiful natural wood pattern not only brings a special atmosphere to the image of the room, but also emphasizes the originality of other interior items.
It happens that customers want to create wooden handrails on the railing of a spiral staircase. It is not easy to obtain such a design from natural material. An affordable alternative is the manufacture of radial elements from polyvinyl chloride. Of course, it will not be possible to achieve complete similarity with the aesthetic qualities of natural wood, but you can get a completely durable and reliable structure.
If the staircase is bounded by walls on both sides, then the need for railings is eliminated. But for comfortable and safe movement along the steps of the stairs, it must be equipped with a handrail that can be mounted directly to the wall. In most cases, such a handrail is made of wood (even if the staircase itself is made of a different material), because it is so pleasant to touch it.
When creating a completely wooden staircase, you can use a combination of wood species with a contrasting combination of natural color solutions. But such designs can be expensive. It is much more practical and affordable to combine painted and unpainted wood. As a rule, if this technique is used for supports and handrails, then it is repeated in the steps of the stairs.
Glass railings for a modern interior
Most often, glass is used to create protective screens. For this, panels made of tempered, laminated organic or silicate glass are used. Such material is called triplex, in construction circles you can find the name "translucent structures". Glass in the triplex system has the following advantages:
- aesthetic appearance;
- environmental friendliness of the material
- strength;
- heat resistance;
- no danger for a person to be cut by fragments when the panel is broken (the protective film prevents the formation of fragments);
- safe sanded edges;
- the possibility of tinting panels in any color, if the transparency of the structure is not required.
Another important advantage of glass railings, which should be noted separately, is the transparency of the structure. Sunlight penetrates almost unhindered through the protective screens of the stairs, creating a light and bright image of the entire room, not cluttered with stairs.
As a rule, the size of triplex glass panels does not exceed 1.2 m. Glass railings are used both for equipping stairs in public buildings and for private use in houses and apartments with several levels. Glass railings, consisting only of translucent panels that do not have handrails, look luxurious, modern, unique. But the level of safety and comfort in use is an order of magnitude lower than the alternative with comfortable handrails.
Combined railing
By combining different materials in the manufacture of railings for stairs, it is possible not only to create an original design, but also to improve the quality of strength, reliability and safety of structures. Most often, metal and wood are combined. Metal posts and wooden handrails are the perfect alliance to create a reliable, durable, comfortable and enjoyable stair railing.
When creating combined designs of railings for stairs, the so-called metal strings are very often used. The elements got their name for their small diameter, but high strength. The strings create reliable protection for everyone who moves up the stairs, but at the same time they practically do not block the spread of sunlight. For these qualities, designers recommend the use of metal strings (thin ropes) both in spacious rooms and in small spaces.
In some cases, it is successful to combine the three main materials used to make railings - metal, wood and glass. Such structures will cost a lot, but can become a practical and reliable decoration of the stairs. As a rule, protective screens are made of glass, which are attached to metal racks, the structure is completed by wooden railings.
And in conclusion
Summarizing all of the above, there are several recommendations for choosing a railing for stairs used in a private home:
it is obvious that the appearance of the railing should not resonate with the overall design of the stairs, it is necessary that the whole structure look organic. The texture, material and color schemes of the main parts must match or blend seamlessly. Decorative elements (if any) should not "conflict" with the foundation of the building;
for a completely wooden staircase, it is better to opt for a railing made of a similar material (you can combine different types of wood with a variety of natural patterns, colors). But metal inserts can also decorate a wooden staircase, giving its structure additional strength;
if you need an affordable, reliable and unpretentious solution for stair railings, then choose the option using stainless steel (such designs do not need to be painted, they are easy to transport and install);
the shiny surface of stainless steel will organically look in any of the directions of modern style, hi-tech or modern. If you need matte surfaces, then it makes sense to consider using black steel. Powder paint coating will help to give the products any color solution (at your discretion - to harmoniously fit into the overall picture or create a contrast). With this choice, the family budget will not suffer;
when creating a luxurious interior, in which the design of the stairs plays a key role, the best option would be to use artistic forging - the exclusive design and magnificent appearance of the durable structure will compensate for all costs.
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, just 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
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.).
A lot of time is devoted 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 handrail component 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.