Railings are railings along the edges of the stairs that are installed for safe movement along it. The height of the stair railing is a very important indicator, and it must be taken into account when designing. Such structures can be used not only to protect steps, but also in the construction of balconies, terraces, etc.
In addition, the railing of the stairs can act as handrails and help when climbing or descending stairs. Their length should be commensurate with the length of the steps.
In order to properly assemble the stairs, you need to know well all the elements that are necessary for construction. In addition to steps, there are many more components. Railings, for example, consist of:
When choosing materials for the construction, one should not forget about the main function of the railing - protective. This means that they must be of high quality. Particular attention should be paid to the railings on the balcony, because their instability may well cost lives. Falling from several steps is one thing, but from a height of at least the 2nd floor is quite another. Therefore, maximum measures must be taken. 
For narrow stairs, the width of which is not more than 125 cm, the railing is usually installed on one side only. For wider steps, it is better to put a railing on both sides, so you can pass up and down at the same time.
Another option is to install an additional handrail along the center of the stairs so that traffic flows are separated. This method will be functional on stairs with high traffic of people.
Do not forget that any staircase that is not equipped with a railing is dangerous to operate. However, in some cases, you can do without them. So, length is very important, and handrails are usually neglected when building short stairs (less than 5 steps).
For fencing higher structures, it is recommended to make stable supports that will not allow them to fall from the structure. In addition, it is very important to calculate their height.
In any residential premises, the height of the railing should be at least 90 cm. At the same time, the distance from the wall to the railing should be at least 40 cm. On the landing, the height of the fence should also be 90 cm.
Note:
Such parameters do not exist by chance, because it is this size that is ideal for the growth of an average person.
How to be with children? For them, they often put additional railings about 65 cm high.
Of course, various decorative features in the design of the porch or the original design of the railing can make adjustments to their height. However, it is highly undesirable to violate the values recommended by the builders.
The main reasons why you should consider the advice of experts:
According to GOST 25772-83, the presence of handrails on the stairs of public buildings and residential buildings is a prerequisite. The height is also specified, and in order to comply with the standard, it must be equal to or greater than 900 mm.
Railings for balconies are regulated by GOST as follows:
Among other requirements of the standard, it can be found that sharp protrusions are not allowed on fence elements. Railings must also be fire resistant, for this you should use stainless steel or glass. The length of the step is built taking into account many parameters.
When building a house, the aesthetic side of the stairs is not in last place. In this regard, many seek to give the handrails an unusual look or make beautiful steps. Forms of balusters and pillars come in different designs and from different materials.
But the basis for choosing building materials should still be quality and sustainability.
All handrails must be smooth, that is, without burrs. And the joints should be well fitted. The posts should be installed with the greatest possible rigidity, because the reliability of the fence depends on this.
So, we talked about how important it is to install strong railings for stairs, terraces, on the balcony and how to calculate their height. Did you learn something new from our article? What advice was the most helpful? We will be grateful if you share your personal experience in making stair railings or how you yourself tried to calculate their height!
