Metal Stairs Railings are a popular modern home design trend that isn’t going away any time soon. They add safety and a stylish aesthetic to your home’s interior and exterior.
This article explores the differences between handrails and railings, reveals common metal options like stainless steel and aluminum, and helps you choose the perfect style for your home.
Wrought iron is a timeless metal that is often found in residential staircases. Its intricate yet sleek designs evoke elegance and a sense of history, adding a luxurious touch to the home. Wrought iron is also versatile, and it can be forged into many shapes and curves to complement any design. Because wrought iron is made up of iron and carbon, it is extremely sturdy and durable.
Its durability makes it ideal for stairs, balcony railings and porches. While wrought iron is more expensive than other types of metal, it can be a great investment for the home as it will not wear out easily and requires minimal maintenance to keep looking new. Wrought iron is often coated with a protective finish, which further extends its lifespan and protects the metal from corrosion.
When paired with wood balusters, wrought iron can offer an ornate and elegant style for the stairs. In this gorgeous staircase, the curving iron spindles contrast with the straight wood balusters to create a balanced aesthetic. Alternatively, this staircase is simple and minimalist, with a black wrought iron handrail that adds modern flair to the space.
This curved iron railing provides a safe and secure barrier for the stairs without taking away from the beauty of the home’s architecture. It is a great choice for homeowners who want to preserve the integrity of their staircase’s design and add safety features.
Steel railings can be used on both indoor and outdoor stairs, balconies, porches, and decks. They are a beautiful and functional addition to any property, whether it is a suburban home, modern loft, or even a boutique storefront. This stylish look is a good fit for any type of décor, and it can easily be matched with other metal elements in the home, such as grills, kitchen appliances, and lighting fixtures.
For an exterior metal staircase, homeowners should be prepared to spend about $50 to $120 per linear foot for materials and installation costs. This cost includes the balusters (or spindles), decorative poles at each end of the handrail, and the bottom rail. This cost may be higher if the project requires galvanization or the staircase is located in a steep slope.
Aluminum
The great thing about metal is that it can withstand just about anything Mother Nature throws its way. Unlike wood, which has a tendency to warp and crack under pressure and fluctuating temperatures, aluminum remains sturdy, functional, and durable without the need for extensive maintenance or repair.
As a bonus, it is also recyclable, so you can feel good about supporting eco-conscious building initiatives with your choice of railing material. And unlike steel, which may become more fragile in cold climates due to structural changes at the molecular level (a condition known as ductility-to-brittleness transition point), aluminum resists this change and is unlikely to fracture or crack, making it a solid choice for any environment.
If you live near the coast, it’s likely that your home is exposed to harsh elements like saltwater and humidity. While wrought iron and stainless steel provide the classic aesthetic that many homeowners prefer, these options can be expensive and susceptible to corrosion. On the other hand, aluminum provides a more cost-effective alternative that’s still sturdy and durable. As an added benefit, aluminum doesn’t rust and requires minimal maintenance to keep it looking its best.
With an extensive selection of colors and finishes, aluminum is easy to coordinate with your existing architectural style. You can choose from a variety of different designs, so you’re sure to find one that complements your property’s aesthetic.
Aside from their durability, the greatest advantage of aluminum railings is their resistance to corrosion. Unlike steel, which can corrode in humid, salty environments, aluminum is naturally resistant to these conditions. It also doesn’t require regular treatments and repainting like other railing materials.
For these reasons, aluminum is a solid choice for coastal areas and rainy climates. And if you live in a high-rise, the light weight of aluminum railings will make it easier to transport and install, saving you time and money on installation fees. In addition, you can opt for ADA-compliant aluminum ramps, which meet American with Disabilities Act requirements and other safety regulations. These safe and convenient features ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy your home’s outdoor spaces.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel has become one of the more popular metals for home staircase railings. This is due to their elegance, strength, and durability. They are the perfect blend of safety and beauty, making them a favorite choice for homeowners and commercial builders alike.
Whether it’s for a staircase at your modern home or in a new business, stainless steel railings will enhance the style of any room. They come in a range of finishes, so you can choose the design that best suits your home or business. In addition, they can be combined with a variety of safety features to ensure the protection of your guests. For instance, they can be equipped with non-slip grips or textured surfaces to minimize accidents. They are also designed to withstand heavy loads, making them a good choice for high-traffic areas.
While they are often incorporated into commercial buildings, stainless steel stairway railings are becoming increasingly popular for residential homes. This is because they offer a sleek appearance that fits seamlessly into contemporary design styles. They can be paired with glass panels or wood accents to create a customized look. They also match well with a wide range of architectural styles, from minimalist to more intricate designs.
Like wrought iron, stainless steel is durable and resists corrosion. It can withstand extreme weather conditions without damage, making it the perfect material for a staircase railing in any environment. It is also easy to maintain and requires minimal care, making it a great option for busy households. Unlike other materials, such as wood or iron, stainless steel does not require frequent painting or staining. It is also resistant to rust and physical damage, making it an ideal option for staircases that face a lot of foot traffic.
Besides their durability and aesthetic appeal, stainless steel stair railings can be engraved or etched to personalize them. This makes them an excellent choice for staircases in lofts or condos, as they can be used to complement a modern, industrial-style décor. In addition, they can be fabricated into various shapes and sizes, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your staircase.
Glass
For those who want a sleek, modern look for their stairs, glass railing systems offer an uncluttered aesthetic. They also make the staircase look more spacious and are easy to clean. However, they can be expensive and require extra reinforcement for long spans. This can be done by placing a brace or blocking underneath the rail spans. Nevertheless, the investment is worth it since they don’t break easily and are able to withstand years of use.
When it comes to glass railings, you have a wide range of options for your home or office. Frameless glass systems are a popular choice because they allow you to enjoy an unobstructed view with minimal hardware visible. On the other hand, framed glass railings can provide you with more structural support by using frames around each panel. You can also choose from different types of glass to customize your system, including tinted or frosted panels.
Stainless steel is another great material to use for railings because it offers a modern look and durability. It can be used with glass, cable, or metal plate infills to create a unique design for your staircase. However, it is important to note that any type of glass infill should be safety tempered. This process involves repeatedly heating and cooling the glass, making it stronger and harder to break. Moreover, when it does break, it shatters into smaller pieces instead of sharp shards, which helps minimize injuries.
Glass railings are becoming increasingly popular for residential and commercial spaces because they offer a safe alternative to traditional wooden or metal banisters. They are also a perfect fit for the new trends in biophilic design, which emphasize open spaces and interpersonal connection. They are particularly ideal for open areas such as atriums and along elevated walkways. They can also be used for stairways and balconies to enhance the appearance of your space. Additionally, they are a good option for outdoor spaces because they can withstand adverse weather conditions and high temperatures. However, they should be installed by a professional to ensure their strength and durability.