Many people think that stair railings are a secondary structural element. In fact, they are very important, as they provide the most important thing - safety and comfort while driving. Even the best staircase with low-quality railings can become not only uncomfortable, but also dangerous.
In addition, the design of the fence affects the overall aesthetic perception of the structure. Therefore, when making a staircase, you must pay special attention to its choice.
General information
Device
Before giving preference to any product, you need to figure out what constitutes a fence for a staircase and consider the features of its device.
So, a railing is called a fence, which includes several elements:
- Racks (balusters), which, in addition to the main function, often also perform an artistic and decorative function.
- Handrails, which are directly the fulcrum.
- Fillings.
The last element of the fences, i.e. filling, should be considered in more detail, since there are several types of them:
- Classic. Includes uprights and handrail only.
- Solid panels. This construction is made of wide sheets. Most often, this type of filling is used when combining metal elements with glass.
- Filling with crossbars, i.e. crossbars parallel to the handrails.
- Artistic filling. Represents all kinds of patterns. Most often, such filling can be found on forged products.
The main purpose of the handrail is to provide a person with a fulcrum when moving up the stairs.
Advantages of metal fences
Stair railings are available in metal, wood and plastic. If desired, any of them can be designed with your own hands.
Most often, metal railings are made for stairs, since they have a number of advantages:
- Resistance to atmospheric conditions;
- More durable than wood and capable of providing the necessary strength;
- Resistance to mechanical products;
- Durability;
- The ability to combine with all interior styles.
Types of metal fences
Metal stair railings represent a whole group of structures, which includes railings:
- Stainless steel;
- Aluminum;
- Steel;
- Forged products, etc.
Nowadays, you can order products of any kind and with any patterns. True, really beautiful products will cost a lot.
You can find forged metal railings for stairs up to 3000r per linear meter, but these will be unpretentious railings made with the most primitive pattern. If you want to get real works of art, you will have to pay a much larger amount.
Next, we will dwell on each type of fencing in more detail and consider their features.
Stainless steel
The greatest resistance to climatic conditions is demonstrated by stainless steel products. They are optimal for use in any conditions and organically fit into interiors of any style. Plus, stainless steel looks great in combination with other materials.
In particular, it is not uncommon to find stainless steel structures with glass or wood filling. Most often, there are products made of stainless steel with a wooden handrail, however, a steel handrail is no less popular.
Today polished stainless steel has become in special demand. It attracts attention primarily with its amazing durability.In addition, its appearance can add additional sophistication to even the most stylish setting.
Also, stainless steel is indispensable for the construction of spiral staircases. When designing them, the handrail has a helical, complex geometry. It is very difficult to make such a wooden structure, so they usually turn to stainless steel.
Steel
Steel products are most commonly powder coated. Therefore, posts and handrails can be of a wide variety of colors and shades. Undoubtedly, they have decorative advantages and the price for them is much lower than for structures made of other materials.
However, along with all the advantages, there are also disadvantages. Products of complex configuration are assembled from several fragments that are welded during installation. Therefore, to avoid corrosion, you usually have to do the grinding and processing yourself.
Advice! After installing steel fences, pay attention to the quality of the anti-corrosion coating, if there are scratches, then they must be painted over.
Aluminum
Aluminum products are not afraid of corrosion. In addition, this material is plastic, wear-resistant, installation instructions are extremely simple. Aluminum structures come in many shapes and colors.
As a result, we have a whole range of advantages of this "airy" material. This opens up significant prospects for its application in the construction of staircase structures. However, in some ways aluminum is inferior to steel - these are strength characteristics.
Forged stair railings are assembled and mounted on site, and a protective coating is applied there. The standard elements are so diverse that truly unique combinations can be created to satisfy even the most sophisticated tastes.
Output
The variety of materials used in the manufacture of stair railings, as well as their combinations, allows you to create truly unique stair "outfits". Despite the relative complexity of the staircase design process, today's choice allows even the most incredible staircase design ideas to materialize in your home.
Additional information on this topic can be obtained by watching the video in this article (see also the photo "Metal stairs to the second floor").
