In the production of stairs, it is impossible to ignore such important element constructions like railings. This obligatory component of the stair railing performs several useful functions at once - it increases the safety and comfort of the system, and also gives the staircase structure a complete aesthetic form.

This article will tell you what types of railings for stairs are most popular today, as well as how to install them with your own hands, guided by the installation instructions. Also presented to your attention are magnificent photos of the railings and a useful video on their own installation.

Handrails play an important role in the entire staircase - they provide not only comfortable movement, but also are a decorative element of the staircase

Railing for stairs in the house - classification by type

A railing is an element of a staircase that is responsible for the convenience and safety of a person's movement along staircases. In addition, handrails are also a stylish and effective decoration of the stepped structure itself.

When designing a stair railing, you need to know what the main types of railings exist in the construction of these systems. Today, the most popular among consumers are the following types of handrails:

The most popular and often used by developers are wooden, metal and wrought iron railings. Let's talk about these types in more detail.

Metallic

Very often in country houses you can find stairs with metal railings. They are placed on stepped structures made of various materials - concrete, metal, wood, plastic, and so on.

For the manufacture of metal fencing, the following types of metal are used:

• steel;
• aluminum;
• cast iron;
• brass and others.

Aluminum, for example, is good because it is not afraid of corrosion and is also easy to install.

Wrought iron

The wrought iron railings are delicate, weightless and very beautiful. However, only those craftsmen who are familiar with blacksmithing can make them. Therefore, if you dream of just this type of staircase fence in your home, then you will have to turn to a professional craftsman in order to order these magnificent products.

Wooden

The most common material for stair railings at all times was wood. This popularity is due to the mass of unconditional advantages of this material, including:

• environmental Safety;
• beautiful natural view;
• ease of handling and installation;
• economical price;
• long service life.

In addition, the wooden railings are unusually comfortable and pleasant to the touch. It is this material that is most preferable for making a do-it-yourself fence. Therefore, later in the article we will look at step-by-step instructions for installing wooden railings on your home staircase.

The main components of the fence

Before you start installing the railing with your own hands, you need to have an idea of ​​what these parts are and what constituent elements they include.

So, the handrails of a wooden staircase consist of:

• two main support legs;
• balusters;
• handrails;
• decorative elements.

The photo below shows a diagram of the fence with a picture of its main constituent parts.

DIY handrail installation instructions

The whole process of installing handrails made of natural wood consists of the following basic steps:

1. Railing calculation.
2. Preparation of material and inventory.
3. Installation.
4. Decorating.

Let's consider each of these points in more detail.

Design

At the very beginning of work, you must clearly imagine what the fence should be at your staircase. Then sketch your vision on paper. In this case, you can also use ready-made design drawings, of which there are a lot on the Internet.

It is important to remember that the height of the fence for its comfortable operation should not be lower than 90 centimeters.

After that, you can safely go to the nearest building supermarket for the necessary accessories for the railings.

It should be noted that it is not at all necessary to buy wooden blanks, and then saw out handrails from them. Today on the construction market you can find a huge variety of the most diverse finished products... You can simply choose the ones you like the most.

Preparation of accessories and tools

For more effective work make sure in advance that all the necessary accessories and tools are at your fingertips.

So, to install the railing, you will need:

• electric drill with drills;
• jigsaw;
• screwdriver;
• hacksaw;
• Screwdriver Set;
• hammer;
• chisel;
• building level.

Installation

This stage is the most time consuming and responsible. Follow this step-by-step instruction:

1. On the staircase, measure and mark where you will have the posts. At the same time, remember the basic requirements for the railings:

2. We proceed to the installation of two bearing racks, for which, using a drill in the treads, we make recesses (pits) up to 1 cm.

3. Between the installed posts we stretch the fishing line or rope, focusing on the markings made for the balusters.

4. We proceed to the installation of the balusters themselves, setting them exactly using a level.

5. At this step, we mark the railing and make holes in them for attaching to the balusters.

6. We screw the railing to the balusters.

Decorating

At this final stage, we eliminate all burrs and roughness that arose during installation using sandpaper or grinder... Then we cover the installed railings with varnish or paint with wood paint.

Video: installing a wooden handrail on the stairs with your own hands

You can purchase beautiful and reliable staircase structures with magnificent railings already installed in the Ladders Master online store at the lowest and most affordable prices in Moscow and the Moscow region.

Required attribute of any flight of stairs are railings and railings. They appeared in antiquity, and today they are used literally everywhere. However, the correct choice of railings requires certain skills and knowledge, since they must also be different for different structures.

Peculiarities

The question of how the staircase will look and what it will be built from should be decided at the design stage. It is imperative to pick up optimal material, design and shape future design that should be safe, functional and stylish.

Today there are several basic types of staircase structures:

• marching flights;
• straight stairs;
• curved structures;
• rotary stairs;
• screw devices;
• curvilinear;
• combined.

When designing stairs, there are several basic requirements:

• Every 9-10 steps, it is advisable to equip small areas where you can relax and catch your breath.
• The minimum width of the steps should be 80 cm - it is optimal if 2 people freely disperse on one step.
• The height of the steps is considered comfortable for climbing 15-20 cm, and it is better to build the depth within 25-30 cm.
• Landings must be wider than the flight of stairs.

• The entire structure as a whole should be tilted by a maximum of 45 degrees, and it is better if this parameter is within 25-30 degrees, otherwise the movement will be unsafe.
• Steps and other elements of the staircase must be combustible; for this, the materials used must be treated with special fire retardants.
• The ascent angle is steeper the less area reserved for the construction of the stairs. If the space is very small, then the staircase will be spiral with a large number of turns and bends - this option is often used to equip a country house.

Mandatory element any stairs are handrails. They perform very important functions- make the descent / ascent comfortable and safe and are stylish element design that favorably emphasizes the overall design solution interior and exterior.

Many believe that such fencing is required only for the elderly, sick people and families with children, since it is these categories of users that have the greatest stability problems. And this is a fundamentally wrong approach - even an adult needs a sense of security, which is why the railing must be installed on all types of stairs, without exception, so that any person, even an adult and absolutely healthy, can grab onto them in case of an unforeseen situation.

In addition to providing convenience, railings serve an aesthetic function. They can be dark or light, with or without carving, angular, rounded, wood, glass or forged. Railings can be mounted on the steps, or they can be built into the walls - such a variety allows you to implement any design ideas and emphasize the conceptuality of the style.

From a technical point of view, railings are vertical structures that are attached along the edge of the flight of stairs. They include several basic elements:

• The base of the fence, its supports- this is the so-called baluster. It connects the steps to the handrail and ensures safe movement throughout the structure.
• Fencing filler- these are materials that are attached between the balusters. They can perform a decorative function, however, where children are constantly going down and up, such barriers are required.
• Handrails- serve as a support device for a person. As a rule, they are attached to a wall or to a baluster.

In addition, all types of placeholders have their own classification. So, according to the version of execution, they can be:

• classic- that is, those that consist of vertically located or inclined rods, most often they are called curly;
• solid- very often, to ensure greater safety and prevent falls, solid panels are mounted, which are attached to the balusters;
• crossbar- this is a design in which vertical strips are bridged with each other by horizontal ones;
• patterned Is an artistic fill that can look whatever you want according to the individual design of the user.

Fencing and opening elements can be combined to create stylish and eye-catching combinations. In rare cases, balusters are replaced with a bowstring - these are horizontal fences that are mounted under the handrails parallel to the movement of a person. Some railings have a plug, which is also called a curbstone - this is a part that is installed at the beginning and end of the flight of stairs instead of balusters. This is a purely decorative design that has no practical functionality.

Today the market offers a variety of ready-made prefabricated models. However, if desired, everyone can make himself or order his own "exclusive" ladder for professionals.

Norms and standards

Stair railings are used for the safest movement, they act as a guardrail and reduce the risk of injury. Designers sometimes install models without railings, which certainly look very interesting, but using such a structure is a little uncomfortable. There are certain standards that govern the dimensions of the handrail. Their height should be determined individually based on the growth of the inhabitants of the house.

To make the structure as comfortable as possible, you can conduct an empirical experiment - going down the stairs, you need to stretch your hand forward and measure the distance from it to the foot - this size will be optimal height handrail for you.

Traditionally minimum height the handrail is 90 cm, and the largest is 110 cm.If the family has children, then it makes sense to make 2 types of handrails located on different heights... Their own standards apply to childcare facilities: for schools and other places where children are, it is recommended to mount double fences at a height of 90 and 50 cm.

As for the width, they are usually produced in sizes from 3 to 7 cm - they should be such that you can freely grab and hold on to them. The distance between the balusters is determined by the artistic intention of the owners of the building, however, experts do not recommend taking a step more than 0.5 m in length.

Designers give several simple recommendations for the arrangement of structural elements of the railings:

• The number of balusters should be dictated by the dimensions of the handrail. If flexible or heavy materials are used, the number of supports should be such that no sagging of the profile or excessive overloading of the supports occurs.
• In the classic version, balusters are attached to each step, and sometimes even several supports per step. If there are small children in the house, as well as in childcare facilities, the distance between them should not exceed 15 cm - this will protect the kids from the risk of falling out.

• If the width of the flight of stairs exceeds one meter, then it is recommended to install railings on both sides.
• Wooden railings are installed only in living quarters.
• In office buildings, it is recommended to install a bowstring instead of balusters.
• When arranging a shopping complex, at least three railing crossbars should be used.

Fencing

As already mentioned, there are a great many options for railings for arranging stairs. Great variety is achieved through the use of different materials, colors and mounting options. Therefore, it is worthwhile to dwell separately on the existing types of stair railings.

Immediately, we note that all the indicated options largely depend on the location of the staircase. There are the following types of railings:

• Interior- that is, those that are located inside the premises. As a rule, they are decorated in light shades, and basic material glass or wood protrudes.
• Exterior- These are stairs that are located outside living quarters, for example, on the porch. In this case, dark colors prevail, and metal and loaf are used as material.

The shape of the railing depends on the location of the span, in addition, the material of manufacture has a great influence on it. So, the tree is more often used to implement ideas. classic design- balusters in the form of straight columns are quite massive, the handrail has rounded edges. Metal railings have a miniature handrail, but the balusters are richly decorated with decorative elements, but glass products are distinguished by a strict laconic design.

Tree

Despite the abundance of materials on the market, the popularity of wooden railings does not subside, and this is easy to explain - consumers always strive for maximum naturalness and environmental friendliness of their homes. They have a stylish appearance and attractive texture, are characterized by resistance to mechanical damage, easily tolerate all types of negative external influences. This largely explains the fact that wooden railings are commonly used for arranging facade elements.

In addition, various types of wood in different price segments are widely represented in stores, so everyone can buy raw materials based on their financial capabilities. Usually, more expensive types of wood are used inside the house, and budget options are preferred outside.

Metal

Railings made of stainless steel or aluminum are widespread, nickel and brass are slightly less popular. The peak of their popularity was at the beginning of our century, then they were ubiquitously installed in large shopping and office complexes and business centers... Interest in such railings has not faded away even today, this is due to the extremely high performance characteristics of such structures:

• Long term of use. Metal railings can last at least 50 years.
• Aesthetics- giving the design a stylish and modern look.
• Easy to maintain – hardware do not need regular touching up and varnishing, they do not need to be processed protective compounds and fire retardants. All that is needed to care for them is only to wash them periodically with plain water.
• Corrosion resistance. Stainless steel, like aluminum, is resistant to rust, thanks to this property, they can be mounted both inside the building and outside. If we talk about stainless steel railings, then another advantage will be affordable price, which is much lower than analogs made of glass or forging.

As for the minuses, there is only one - after a long time of use, the resistance of the material to mechanical damage decreases and numerous scratches and chips appear on the surface of the railing, and their attachment points are often loosened. However, this does not apply to aluminum railings - they retain their strength and strength for many years.

More expensive but quality option are forged railings. When choosing such a material, the leading factor is the exceptional grace of such products and beauty.

Forged stair railings are manufactured using several technologies:

• Cold forging allows you to create products of the simplest shape by twisting rods. This is generally the preferred option for porch railings and other types of outdoor stairs.
• Hot forging takes longer, but the products also turn out to be the most intricate and ornate. Using the hot method, you can create the most complex structures, which are often installed in large comfortable cottages or hotels.

The advantages of wrought iron railings are not in doubt, among them:

• resistance to external adverse influences- forged railings perfectly withstand temperature fluctuations, rain, hail and snow, and also show resistance to mechanical damage;
• long service life- fences can serve faithfully for up to 100 years;
• exceptional design- the technology of manufacturing forged products allows you to equip the railings according to any individual sketches, such a product is always exclusive.

There is only one drawback of forged railings - they are very expensive.

Glass

Stylish and modern solution for those who prefer minimalism in the interior. Despite the external fragility, these beautiful railings have many advantages:

• simplicity and high speed of installation- handrails and handrails can be installed in a couple of days, and the installation process itself is not distinguished by its complexity and high manufacturability;
• large selection of different design options- soundproof, explosion-proof and frost-resistant models, as well as fire-resistant and bullet-proof modifications are widely represented on the market;
• durability- glass barriers can be used for 50 years;
• easy dismantling- in case of deformation, any section can be replaced without the need to change the entire fence as a whole.

Such railings and disadvantages are not without. These include the complexity of maintenance and the high cost of such products.

Plastic

Polymer composite railings are made of very hard plastics and WPC, fixed on a special mount. The advantage of polymers is their price. The cost price of plastic handrails is an order of magnitude lower than all other options for arranging stairs. However, the advantages of plastic are not limited to this. This material is easy to care for, it is easy to clean and wipe off, does not require regular treatment with varnishes, paints and fire retardants.

The material is resistant to minor damage, but any strong impact can damage them. However, this statement applies to most materials.

Concrete

Concrete railings, like the stone version, are rarely used, since such structures are quite heavy, and if we talk about stone, they are still very expensive. At the same time, their strength and strength are extremely high, which is why their main field of application is the arrangement of flights of stairs and a porch.

They are not afraid of any unfavorable atmospheric influences, but they look more than presentable, emphasize the style of the exterior, as well as the status of the owner of the building.

Stone balusters are also very popular. Depending on the peculiarities of their manufacture, they are distinguished:

• carved balusters- usually made by hand, therefore, as a rule, they are distinguished by the sophistication of forms and a variety of patterns;
• point - the most common type, characterized by roundness of shapes and a varied distribution of thickenings, it is easy to recognize them - a horizontal section point supports have the shape of a circle;
• hewn- such columns have pronounced even edges, their shape is rather angular, and the horizontal section resembles a polygon.

As for the materials, marble, Dagestan or artificial stone, as well as granite are used to equip the railings. The latter gives the most durable support, since this stone is one of the hardest rocks. Stone railings look very attractive, they emphasize luxury and nobility interior design premises, however, create an additional load on the flights of stairs. This must be taken into account when designing a staircase.

Stone supports go well with plank staircases or metal steps. Such combinations beneficially refresh the design and give the room a more residential and comfortable look.

Upper support elements

Any railings must be equipped with "tops" - handrails, otherwise their use will be unsafe. There are a variety of options for the implementation of the upper support elements of the railing.

By shape and material

If we talk about the form, the handrails can be presented in the most different options: round, rectangular, square, oval, angular or rounded. Depending on the purpose of the stairs, you can choose the most profitable material for its production. So, for the porch, forged or chrome-plated profiles, as well as stainless steel options, are most preferable.

PVC handrails on your own operational characteristics are similar to metal, but outwardly they look more like wooden elements... Their main advantage is high plasticity, which allows you to give handrails any shape when exposed to warm air(for example, when heated with a building hair dryer). Another advantage is low cost.

For many years, wood handrails have been at the peak of popularity. Such persistent interest is largely due to the special atmosphere of comfort that wooden elements bring to any home. Sometimes the quality of their workmanship is so exceptional that the handrails can even be called a work of art.

At the place of attachment

Depending on the type of fastening, there are two main types of handrails:

• over the bowstring;
• handrails with a bearing function.

As a rule, handrails are mounted to balusters using anchors and self-tapping screws, as well as by welding - it depends on the material used. The handrails are fastened to the wall along the staircase using special cast brackets that can wrap around the bar anywhere or from the end.

Non-standard solutions

For creating individual design and maintaining an atmosphere of coziness and comfort in country houses, unconventional handrails are often installed from improvised means. A little rough handrails from untreated logs... Such an element can place the necessary accents in the room and emphasize the thoughtfulness of its interior.

Handrails made of branches in combination with polycarbonate look quite nontrivial - this allows you to implement the principles of minimalism in the design of premises. But admirers of the marine theme can be recommended options from a rope or thickened rope, which will look harmonious both in the house and in the country.

Original handrails are preferred by all more homeowners. Among the most popular options:

• handrails from light wood as a continuous line;
• straight oak timber, which is fastened with metal clamps;
• a combination of glass and chrome sheets with wood edging;
• uniform alternation of vertical and horizontal lines - as a rule, this option is used for wooden or metal structures;
• steel pipes fixed parallel to each other with curved bends.

On the background dark walls The illuminated railing looks quite unusual, with the power supplied directly to the railing.

The most common designs:

• stainless steel railings and illuminated handrails. It is built into the handrail in the form of an LED strip, it breaks through when cornering, and a brass plug is fixed at the end.
• Glass fencing with euro-edged. Here the LED strip is located inside the main profile. In basic versions, the LED has a power of no more than 4.8 W / m and has a diffuse white or color tint.
• Tubular backlight options. In this case, special remote holders are used, on which the LED strip is attached. The power consumption also corresponds to 4.8 W / m, and a rivet is attached at the end.
• Wall-mounted handrails- in this case, both the handrail itself and the fittings are fastened using mirror grooved stainless steel pipes.

Installation

If the railings are installed by hand, then most often they use wooden structures. This is due to the fact that wood is quite easy to process, and the tools that are needed for this are in the arsenal of any home craftsman.

The first step is to draw up a drawing of the future staircase, and only then proceed with its installation. Consider the scheme of work:

• To begin with, end pedestals are mounted - they are installed at the top and bottom of the stairs. If she has two or more marches,
• then the pedestals are fixed at each turn.
• A fishing line is stretched between the pedestals - it indicates where the railings will be located and what the base position of the railings will be.

• In places where the supports will be located, markings are applied. As already mentioned, the distance between the supports can be very different, but, as a rule, it is 15-20 cm, and if children constantly live or often visit the house, then it should be even less. Please note that the balusters are installed 5-10 cm from the edge of the step.
• To achieve greater reliability of fixation, they are attached directly to the stairs and bowstrings: to the first horizontally, and to the second at right angles. To increase the strength characteristics of the fastening, it is recommended to additionally use assembly glue.

• At the finishing stage, handrails are installed on the balusters. To make the process go faster, the grooves must first be cleaned of dirt and all dust removed, this will achieve complete smoothness.
• The work is completed with varnishing, with the help of which it is possible to achieve not only increased aesthetics of the structure, but also additional protection wood. This stage should be given special attention.

Among the majority of owners of private houses, there is an opinion that wooden surfaces of all types are always processed according to the same scheme. This approach is erroneous, since the response of different wood species to the same paintwork can vary greatly. For example, light varieties such as pine, it is desirable to varnish with light coatings, and if you soak it with a dark stain, the result can be the most unpredictable, and most often the composition is absorbed into the structure of the tree unevenly and completely destroys its natural texture.

This is due to the presence a large number resin in pine, it accumulates in the material inhomogeneously, and therefore the areas with the greatest resinousness absorb the stain better, giving the material a rich dark color. At the same time, areas with a low concentration of resins remain light, creating a rather unaesthetic visual effect.

To impregnate wood, use such varnishes and paints that favorably set off the structure of the tree, emphasize it interesting drawing but by no means hide it.

Hello Semyonitch! I really liked your story about how to equip the stairs yourself - very sensibly and even without grammatical errors, which is simply amazing in our time. I am writing in the hope of getting advice experienced master... The bottom line is as follows. We have built a 2-storey annex to old apartment... Due to financial difficulties, a primitive wooden staircase was built (so far without railings). A young family with a 9-month-old child lives upstairs, while we, the old people, live downstairs. The child is very active, and the question arose about the arrangement of the railing in order to avoid trouble. For the same financial reasons, we cannot afford to invite specialists, to make wooden railings ourselves - there is no skill and knowledge. On the family council we decided to make the railing in the simplest version: the racks are made of a "square" metal pipe, spaced 0.5 m apart, the filling between the racks is transparent polycarbonate 6-10 mm thick. The technical characteristics of polycarbonate (strength) seem to allow its use in this quality. The problem is in attaching it to the posts. What advice would you give about this and about the whole project?

Best regards, Vladimir Izmailov, Ulyanovsk.

Hello Vladimir from Ulyanovsk!

The question, as they say, is of course an interesting one. My grandson has exactly the same number of months as your grandson (or granddaughter?). And he climbs wherever possible and where not at all. For such guys the eye, but the eye is constantly needed.

The issue can be fundamentally resolved by changing floors for living. Which, of course, will not save in a couple - three months from the child running up and down the stairs.

Idea using shaped pipe and polycarbonate sheets for ladder installation deserves attention. Nobody will give 100% guarantees that such a ladder will not be broken by a child (meaning polycarbonate). But you can try to foresee all sorts of incidents.

I am interested in the statistics of child injuries in our country. There are many accidents with children who are injured on swings, especially metal ones. Sometimes "smart" designers make a swing in such a way that there is a distance of about 10 centimeters between the swing post and the armature on which the seat is fixed, which is commensurate with the child's head. With all that it implies. Or the mosquito net on the plastic windows of the loggia does not have a secure attachment, as a result of which it may end up on the ground with a child leaning on it. And much more.

Many years ago, my teacher, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Grigory Illarionovich Leskov, said the words engraved in my memory: "Any mechanism or structure must be designed for a fool." I meant, not that all people are fools, but that everything should be like this, or strive for such perfection, so as not to provoke a person to all kinds of trouble.

If you climbed into the switchboard, then when you open the door, the electricity should turn off. If you walk up the steps of a concrete staircase, then ceramic tile on them should not be slippery in any weather. If there is a ladder, then the more it has platforms and turns, the less likely it is that, having crashed on the top step, a person is guaranteed not to fly to the bottom step.

This means that for any design of your staircase, it should not be steeper than 45 degrees, but it is better to have an inclination of about 30 degrees. Have steps that are wide and low. And platforms with a width of two or three steps every meter, maximum one and a half, will not allow you to roll far.

I will not bore you with the calculations that need to be made before starting to build a staircase, especially since you do not ask about it. Nevertheless, steps with a height of about 150 millimeters, and their width of about 300 millimeters, are considered optimal in individual housing construction. At least such sizes in old merchants and manor houses, as well as in monastic cells, or rather staircases leading to them. And everything is made there from boards with a thickness of 50 to 70 millimeters. Baluster racks on such stairs are installed, as a rule, at each step.

That is, if you compare it with your intention to install metal shaped pipes every 0.5 meters, then their distance is slightly less. But since you intend to install a safety fence in the form of polycarbonate sheets, then this is quite acceptable.

Thickness cellular polycarbonate it is better to take a 10 mm one, this is more reliable. There is no dispute about tastes, but of all the colors of polycarbonate I choose yellow, it makes a joyful impression on a person even in cloudy weather and indoors, and a sheet of such (6 / 2.1 meters in size) costs only a couple of hundred rubles more than a transparent one.

For a more economical use of the cut and reduce waste of material, the structure of the cells of polycarbonate sheets can be placed not strictly vertically with respect to the floor surface, but perpendicular to the plane of the stair string (unless, of course, you have stringers).

It is best to fasten polycarbonate sheets to metal racks from a profile pipe using self-tapping screws with a press washer. The self-tapping screw is taken with a carving for metal, not wood. Such a self-tapping screw has a tip at its end - a kind of drill and can be wrapped in metal without preliminary drilling a hole in this metal. However, first try practicing on a blank that you can then throw away. Otherwise, you run the risk of not measuring your efforts, spoil the polycarbonate sheets and break them in the place of the fastener.

If it does not work out, then first, in the places where the polycarbonate sheets are attached to the metal racks, drill the holes with a drill with a diameter of a couple of hundredths of a millimeter smaller than the outer diameter of the self-tapping screw. And only then wrap the self-tapping screw itself. All this is done with an electric drill or a screwdriver and a bat or a head for a self-tapping screw.

So that the upper edge of the polycarbonate sheets does not spoil the hands when climbing and descending your homemade stairs, it is covered with a handrail (railing) from above so that the edges do not stick out. And even better - cover this cut from below and from above in the places where it adjoins the bowstrings with a wooden fillet. With the fillets fastened with self-tapping screws with a head in a fold, so as not to tear the palms of the hands.

(By the way, about the handrails. In your version with metal posts, of course, they can also be made from a metal profile pipe and welding with electrodes to the posts. Or from wood, purchased, but then metal posts cut off at an angle of inclination of the handrail are fastened with self-tapping screws on wood with by pre-drilling the racks at a right angle for these screws.

It is better to fix polycarbonate sheets from the side of the flights of stairs. At a height of the pipe-racks of about 0.9 meters, fastening is made with two or three self-tapping screws.

The second floor in the house has a staircase. It is not enough to decide where it will be located, what type of steps will be, you also need to choose what type and type of railing for stairs. This enclosing structure sets the look and feel, which is very important for creating a harmonious interior.

Design, distances, dimensions

Railings are necessary for safer use, as they are a fencing structure that prevents injury. There are models of stairs that do not provide for the presence of any protections. They may look interesting, but using such a ladder is scary. Usually stair railings consist of several elements:

Such a simple design, and it has a great variety of options. And it is the railings for the stairs that give them a special charm and originality, set the style.

Materials (edit)

The main structural elements of the handrail for the stairs - the racks - are made of wood of various species and metal. Handrails can be made of metal, wood and plastic. In the case of filling, other materials such as glass, plastic, ropes, textiles and many others are added. But even more often, stair railings are made combined - by combining two or three materials in one product.

Wooden stair railings

Wood for the manufacture of handrails on stairs has been used for a very long time. It is good because you can make elements in any style. It is possible with a variety of carvings, patterns - for interiors in classic style... Can simple geometric shapes- for more austere interiors. There is also an opportunity to design / paint / varnish in different ways.

Wooden railings for stairs can be not only traditional design….

What's also good is that you can make a wooden stair railings yourself. If you have little experience in joinery, you can find simple decor. The wood itself - due to the color, texture - is quite aesthetic, so that even simple products look great.

In this case, “simple” does not mean “bad”. The main thing is that the design of the railings fits into the design concept of the premises. laconic styles- minimalism, modern, loft - the simple design fits better Figural balusters and decoration of support pillars - traditional forms of decorating stair railings

If we talk about what types of wood it is better to make a railing for a staircase, then harder varieties with a pronounced structure are preferable: beech, oak, cherry. Conifers - cedar, larch. They also make stair railings from pine and spruce, but pine products are too soft, you have to be careful, and spruce is difficult to handle. The rest of the breeds listed above, in principle, are also not a dream in processing, but they are very beautiful, so they usually close their eyes to difficulties.

Metal railings for stairs

Metal railings are perhaps even more varied. There are three methods of making metal stair rails: welding, forging, assembly from pipes and fittings.

Metal railings made of pipes and fittings and forged ... difference in style and ... price

Moreover, "forging" is not necessary hot process... There are ones that make it possible to make a wide variety of twisted and bent elements. Plus, there are possible "hot" processes. This in itself gives a lot of room for imagination. You can also use different metals and rental:

• Round or square bar.
• Round or shaped (square or rectangular) pipe.

In this case, the metal can be: ordinary black or structural steel with subsequent painting with a variety of paints, stainless, nickel-plated, chrome-plated pipes of various sections. There are even options with bronze or copper elements.

Floral motives - not only flowers and leaves Geometry, which is highlighted by color ... Metal railings for stairs can be of different styles Complex, simple, geometric ...

Since the metal is more ductile, so many things are not made of it. Floral ornaments, geometric, fantasy, those that are even difficult to define.

Glass

In the usual sense, glass is a fragile thing, but a special one is used for stair railings - tempered or laminated. Laminated glass - duplex or triplex. This is a sheet of glass glued with a transparent polymer film. The technology is such that the transparency of the glass does not suffer at all, and the strength increases significantly. A similar material is used for machines. Even if it breaks with a strong impact, it will not scatter, and the fragments will hang on the film.

There are two types of glass stair railings: base frame (glass only) and when glass is infill only

Tempered glass is made using a different technology. It is heated to a high temperature, then, blowing air from both sides, is quickly brought to normal temperature. After such processing, it becomes many times stronger, withstands shock loads well, breaking, crumbles into fragments with smooth, not sharp edges.

In general, both types of glass are safe. In addition, they look good, as such structures do not look massive and heavy. Glass can be transparent, tinted, colored. If you wish, you can make a drawing like a stained-glass window. Since the filling is solid, this type of fence can be considered absolutely safe. The remaining technological gaps of a few centimeters are not dangerous even for small pets.

And the staircase does not seem so heavy and cumbersome ... There may also be a drawing on the glass ... Almost a classic ...

There are glass railings that have wood or metal support pillars, handrails are also present. These models can rather be called combined. Most of the glass is placed between the pillars, and a handrail is made from the same material on top. Such railings are practically weightless, do not obstruct the view. They can be used both indoors and outdoors. They are especially good for balconies, loggias or terraces, as they do not interfere with the view.

There are also "pure glass" railings for stairs, in which there is nothing but glass. An interesting option for non-standard interiors. For these structures, duplex or triplex with a thickness of 10 mm or more is used, which increases their cost compared to “frame” options, where you can install cheaper tempered glass.

Plastic in handrail for stairs

In stair railings, plastic can be used as handrails. Round, oval, rectangular plastic handrails - budget and practical option... Budgetary - because such handrails are inexpensive, practical - because smooth plastic is easy to wipe off, and it does not wipe, does not require replacement paintwork... The only thing that can damage it is a significant shock load. But it is critical for all types of pearls.

Metal stairs with plastic railings are one of the most practical and durable options

Balusters can also be made of plastic. In this case, a metal core is inserted into the plastic (usually PVC). She will carry the load, and the plastic is just a decorative element. Stairs with plastic elements are cheaper, but no less durable. After all, PVC, of ​​which stair railings are usually made, does not rot, does not lose its properties over the years. The material is unnatural, but practical.

Combined stair railing: beautiful options

A lot of unusual and decorative stair railings are obtained by combining two or even three materials. The combination of wood and metal, wood and glass, metal and glass, all three of these materials give an unimaginable number of options and variations.

Welding frames, inserting transparent glass into them is simple and effective With patterned glass it looks no worse ... Wood, forging and glass - everything is harmonious and emphasizes the dignity of "neighbors"

Scope of use

At the location of the stairs there are internal and external. Both those and others are equipped with handrails. Usually, handrails for indoor stairs have a more refined filling than for outdoor ones, but this is not always the case. There are very beautiful wrought or wooden railings for stairs to the second floor.

Selecting the type of design

If the house has a balcony, terrace, it is logical if their fence will exactly repeat the pattern of the railing for outdoor staircase... The exception is usually the staircase to the attic. They try to make them less noticeable in this case, most often they use a simple attached ladder, which can be removed or laid along the base.

If there is a need to make a stationary ascent, you can beat it, make it screw or with turntables, arrange a beautiful railing. The second option is to make a simple vertical ladder by welding small handrails on the sides. How much this option will fit into the design of the house is a question of architecture, but it is definitely cheaper.

Plastic and glass for outdoor railings

If we talk about materials for the railings of external stairs, then you can use any: wood, metal, glass, and plastic. When choosing plastic handrails or filling, it is necessary to clarify whether it can withstand operation under sub-zero temperatures and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. If yes, you can bet without hesitation.

It is even easier with glass - it does not react to temperature or ultraviolet light. The only thing that can stop it is its fragility. But, if you use tempered or laminated glass, this apparent fragility. But the glass railings on the porch, balcony, terrace absolutely do not interfere with the view.

Features of metal on the street

With metal, not everything is clear, but everything is clear. If you choose a railing for stairs made of stainless, galvanized or nickel-plated pipes, you must first inquire if they are intended for outdoor use. Yes, there is a "stainless steel" that is only for internal use.

If the stair railings are made of black metal, they will have to be painted. Moreover, it is necessary to use paint for outdoor work. Each element must be thoroughly cleaned from rust or scale, primed to clean metal, and only then painted. This will guarantee that the outdoor stair railings will look normal for several years. The bad news is that sooner or later the paint will give up its positions, you will have to clean it, primer and paint it again. But this is inevitable and not news to anyone.

Processing of wooden railings for outdoor use

With wood, everything is both simpler and more complicated. As you know, it feels good on the street, but just like black metal, it requires careful processing. Before installation / assembly, elements of wooden stair railings are impregnated with protective compounds for outdoor use. Please note that some of them paint the wood in an uncharacteristic color (red, greenish, grayish). If you plan to paint the railing with a cover paint, this is not so important. But if you are only going to change the tone, make it darker or lighter, this kind of "highlighting" gets in the way, especially for light tones.

After the protective coating has dried, paint / varnish / wood oil can be applied. There are few questions with paints and varnishes: it is necessary that they be suitable for outdoor use. You can choose the tone and gloss level according to your own taste.

It is worth saying a few words separately about oil for wood (it can be written "for terraces" and something like that). It does not create on the surface protective film, but penetrates between the fibers, creating a protective barrier several millimeters thick. This view is good protective coating so that when updating, there is no need to delete the old one. A new layer is simply applied over the clean, dried wood. That's it, no removing old varnish or paint. Grinding - only if necessary, if some places have been wiped out or damaged during operation. The disadvantage of wood oil is that it is expensive. But it's worth it.