Railings for Stairs Buying Guide


Railings for Stairs

Getting Started

The railing is an important part of any staircase, as it provides necessary support for anyone on the stairs. However, the railing can do more than enhance safety: it connects the downstairs and upstairs areas and create a unifying line for the home that combines different distinct floors and creates a sense of logical continuity. It's possible for owners to take an advantage of railings and create a natural flow for their homes that's welcoming and stylish. But before buying railings, you should choose design and material as well as take other important things into consideration.

What to Consider

Railing Material

Size

While railings have a great potential to enhance your home decor and become a nice accent, they are there for safety and laws control their size and position. The handrail should be between 35-38 inches high, and there should be clearance, approximately 1.5 inches, between the wall and the railing to allow for gripping. Besides, the railing should extend more than 5 inches into the stairwell. Before choosing any railing, check if it follows safety standards.

Types and Features

Cost Considerations

Railings are available in a big range of materials and styles and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Furthermore, enclosed staircases have wall-mounted brackets to provide extra support to the railings while open staircases have posts and spindles for this purpose. All these features influence the railing price. Prices vary significantly and a railing can cost as little as $200 or as much as $20,000 or even more for unique, hand forged railings. Thus, it's important to set up a budget that will help you define your goals clearly and limits the number of railings you can choose from. Whether you think that you want one more design element on your railing, check back to your plan and consider how the little change will impact the overall cost of your railing.