Gate and fence 

Simple railing for stairs. Do-it-yourself wooden staircase railing installation instructions. Making a do-it-yourself handrail from wood

Cast business card a private house often has a beautiful staircase, an integral part of which is the railing. It should be noted that the main functional purpose of this design is the ability to conveniently move between floors. But for the reliability and safety of the stairs are responsible handrails and railings. From them, among other things, to a greater extent depends on the overall attractiveness of the staircase structure. In the article we will tell you how to make a railing for stairs with your own hands from wood and metal.

In the process of making railings, you must observe high precision, because the components for them are located at different levels.

You will have to make different attractive elements, maybe make patterns, etc. But do not be afraid of making railings, because most often "the eyes are afraid, but the hands are doing." Get to work!

How to choose source material

Before proceeding with the assembly of the railing, it is necessary to decide what type of material will be most suitable for the interior of the house.

  • Many generations use natural wood for the production of stairs and railings for them. Today railings are made from different types of wood. And each type of wood saturates the interior with a special aroma. Wooden railings will fit even the most cutting-edge interior design.
  • Metal railings are also very popular. Bent and forged railings look noble and elegant. They are very versatile and will fit into any interior. One has only to responsibly approach the choice of a patterned railing pattern.
  • Railings made of plastic and glass. Glass panels replace balusters, and handrails in this case are made of plastic. However, in this case, the railing can only be used with a certain interior solution. In combination with retro and classic styles, such railings will look out of place.

Important points to consider when making railings

Here you should pay special attention to the form. If you have children, chances are good that railings can be put to the test. The child is likely to repeatedly test the strength of the railing, for example, loosening on them or simply sliding down them. It is also worth noting that the bottom of the railing should be made so that your little one cannot slip between the elements. As for the height, then this is worth considering separately. The minimum railing height is 900 mm. The most successful height for a person with a height of 1.80 m is 1200 mm.

As for the surface of the railing, it must be perfectly smooth. If a staircase design narrow, it is allowed to install the railing on one side only. However, if its width exceeds 1250 mm, then both sides should be equipped with railings. Please also note that the distance between the balusters in the case of small residents cannot exceed 150 mm.

The tool is an important part of the preparatory process

Before you make the railing, prepare all the tools. Here, of course, everything depends on the source material you have chosen for the manufacture of the railing. If the railings are metal, then you will need welding machine with the necessary additional materials. If you are equipping stairs with wooden railings, then first prepare the following tool:

  • two hammers - light and medium weight,
  • chisels,
  • wood saw,
  • screwdrivers,
  • bit,
  • electric drill,
  • skin,
  • jigsaw,
  • construction square made of metal, plumb or level,
  • screwdriver

The work of the master is afraid! Making stair railings

First of all, collect all the elements necessary to complete the work. The railing kit includes:

  1. Handrails are that part of the railing that a person holds on to with his hand.
  2. Balusters - are vertical posts on which handrails are held.
  3. Swivel and end pedestals are more durable than balusters, racks installed vertically. They are placed at the beginning and at the end, as well as at the turning points of the staircase structure.

When making railing elements with your own hands, keep in mind that some of the finished parts will end up in waste during the assembly process. This may be due to errors in the execution of work. Experts say that 10% of the elements will be defective. Therefore, make more elements than is actually required.

The assembly process depends on the source material. If we are talking about assembling metal railings, then the main action is to connect the parts into one whole using a welding machine. If you do not know how to handle it, then it is better to call a specialist at home. You can connect metal parts with rivets, however, such a connection is not very reliable.

For the manufacture of wooden handrails, balusters and turntables, you will need wooden blocks different section. To process them, you need a jigsaw. With it, you give the details a shape. After that, you should carefully sand the surface of all elements for the railing. And at the next stage, you can start the installation process.

Wooden railing installation. Learning to do it right!

The installation of railings should begin with the installation of end bollards. These are the points from which you need to build on in the process of performing work. They should be installed at the beginning and end of the stairs, and also at its turns.

Fasten a cord to one of the cabinets and pull it between all the cabinets. So, you will determine the location of the handrail, which will allow you to properly and securely fasten it.

Then mark the places for attaching the balusters. The distance between them is determined individually, however, it is not recommended to place them further than 20 cm from each other. Their continuous installation is only welcome. You can fix these elements both to the steps and to the bowstrings on which the steps are fixed. If you decide to fasten the balusters to the bowstrings, then you need to first cut them at a given angle. Accordingly, balusters are mounted horizontally to the steps.

Fastening balusters with nails is not very effective. Practice shows that during operation, fastening from nails quickly loosens. It is better to use self-tapping screws and glue specially designed for this.

Now the balusters should be attached to the handrail. If you make special grooves in the handrail for the entry of balusters, then the process of installing the railing for the stairs will be simplified. In those places where the staircase turns, to mount the balusters to the handrail, you need to make a special transition element, which is sawn at a certain angle.

After the balusters are installed, putty all the gaps. Clean the surface of the finished railing from dirt and dust. Sand all defects. Now leave the design so that it can dry completely. Then proceed to finishing, which includes coating the surface of the railing with varnish or paint.

If you want the wooden surface of the railing to retain the beauty of the natural pattern, then you can use parquet varnish to process them.

This completes the installation of wooden railings.

We buy material for wrought iron railings

Handrails for forged stairs are much more difficult to make than their wooden counterparts. However, the effort is worth it! Initially, you should purchase the source material and assemble the tool:

  • Level, grinder with nozzles, cleaning circle.
  • Welding machine with electrodes, mask.
  • Rolled metal and metal profiles of different sections. It is better to use a profile with a small section, because it is easier to cut and shape it.

Before starting work, it is very important to think over the sketch of the railing. It is important to consider that the finished railings must match all the features of the interior in the house.

You are unlikely to be able to implement a very complex project at home. Because for this you need a bugle and a pneumatic hammer. Choose a more modest, but no less attractive design.

Prepare the place for assembly in advance. There should be a special surface on the site, on which you can draw steps on a scale of 1: 1. To do this, take measurements. Measure the height and depth of all steps. Now draw the silhouette of the stairs on the prepared site. Then outline the outline of the railing.

The pillars should be located with an indent of 10 cm from the first and last steps. This is necessary for reliable and durable fastening of the railing posts.

We come up with a pattern and embody the idea

After you have drawn the frame, consider the pattern. For example, it can be balusters that resemble a vine. It can be decorated with metal sheets sold in specialized stores. For drawing, use easily erasable chalk.

When you have made the pattern, take the rope and use it to determine the length of each individual curl. To do this, attach a string and measure the length. Cut the profile according to the measurements. Moreover, the profile should have a slightly longer length. This margin will help you make fewer mistakes. If it's too much, you can always cut it off.

Let's start forging and welding a frame with a pattern

You need to give each prepared segment a shape that is conceived according to the pattern. Using a forge at home is impossible, so you will have to bend the profile cold. For this, of course, you need to be patient.

Use a hammer and vise for this. Insert a section of the profile into them and try to bend it with a gas wrench. A few tries and you'll get the hang of it! Then, if necessary, you should cut off all extra centimeters from the elements of the pattern. The resulting forged elements must match the pattern with maximum accuracy.

Now you need a welding machine. First, connect the frame of the fence. Lay out the required shape from the profiles and grab them by welding. It is better to make the seam temporary, so that in case of an error, it can be corrected without unnecessary labor. Now fill the frame with forging elements that create a pattern. Adjust piece by piece, fixing them. Apply spot sutures that can be disconnected if necessary. If no errors are found at the end of the work, turn the railing over to the other side and weld all the seams properly. Return the structure to its original position and weld from the opposite side. Now weld forged decorations that will enrich the design. The finished section should be installed without deviations.

Clean all seams so that they are aesthetically pleasing. This process is carried out by a grinder with a cleaning circle. Protect your eyes from sparks first by wearing goggles. Then fix the metal brush in the unit and carefully treat the surface of the railing. So you remove defects, rust and bumps.

The final stage of production - painting

You can paint the railing with a brush or spray gun. Don't forget to prime the metal first. Interestingly, only white primer will hide small bumps, which will make the paintwork smoother. When choosing a paint and primer, pay attention to the composition, because they must be compatible. Each layer should dry well.

If you want your wrought iron railing to look chic, you should apply a wrought iron patina. So, you can decorate some forging elements. Now the manufacturing process is complete. All you need is to install the fence in a permanent place.

Do you already have experience in the manufacture and installation of railings? Then write us comments. We need your experience!

Railings for stairs made of metal are often made by home craftsmen on their own. You can make such designs with your own hands with a minimum level of skills, using a standard set of tools.

The fences for stair structures that interest us are very common at the present time. There are many reasons for this. And the main advantages of metal railings include the following facts:

  1. High wear resistance and strength. These characteristics provide the required level of safety when moving up the stairs. Due to the increased strength properties, metal products can be manufactured with compact dimensions, which distinguishes them favorably from more bulky stone and wooden fences.
  2. Ease of processing on various machines. Metal blanks are subjected to even very complex plastic deformations without destroying their structure. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to create sophisticated decorative elements for stair structures.
  3. Excellent technology. Metal building envelopes are made by hand at home. It is allowed to connect their individual parts into a single structure by means of electric arc manual welding, clamps, threaded connections.

Metal railings for stair structures

Metal stair railings, moreover, do not need expensive constant maintenance, and their surfaces can be given a very original look using their own finish. Most often, for such purposes, the following methods are used: polishing with abrasive materials; powder coating and conventional oil formulations; galvanic anodizing to obtain nickel or chrome surfaces; matting (otherwise called satin) on special sandblasting units.

If desired, all options for finishing metal products can really be done by hand. The disadvantage of metal fences is only their susceptibility to rust. But this problem is easy to deal with. Now there are several effective technologies that can reliably protect the described railing for stairs from corrosion.

For the production of metal structures, stainless and carbon steels, brass and bronze alloys, aluminum, and cast iron are used. With your own hands, you can make a railing for or in front of the entrance to a residential building from all of the indicated materials, with the exception of cast iron. There are several reasons. Cast iron is difficult to weld, it has a lot of weight, which necessitates the construction of stairs with massive spans. And in private houses, such designs look rather ridiculous, unless, of course, you are the happy owner of a huge mansion.

With aluminum structures, these problems do not arise. Alloys of this light metal are easily processed by hand. They are characterized by low weight and quite attractive appearance. True, not everyone likes the dull glow of aluminum products. Correcting such a situation is almost impossible. The method of anodizing aluminum structures is expensive and impossible to do at home, and such railings cannot be painted.

aluminum structure for stairs

Stainless steel stair railings are recommended for installation outside the home. They are not subject to rust. On the street they will look great. But inside residential buildings, stainless steel structures do not look very nice, as they give the house some formality. This does not contribute to creating a comfortable environment. Do-it-yourself stainless steel processing is possible. But you will have to put a lot of effort into welding such products and drilling holes in them for installing fasteners. These operations are time-consuming, require the home craftsman to have special equipment and tools, as well as quite serious practical skills.

Easiest to make on your own metal railings made of ordinary carbon steel. This material can be forged and bent with a simple manual pipe bender. Steel railings for interiors or can be easily designed to fit any exterior or interior using the appropriate technology for their surface treatment (usually nickel plating, modern polymer coating or chrome plating are used).

Handrails made of copper-based alloys are rarely used in everyday life. There is only one reason for this - the high cost of brass and bronze products. In most cases, these designs are made to order.

Metal railings are made different technologies. We briefly describe them below:

  • Stamped railings. Their production is carried out in molds and on stamps. Dignity finished products– the possibility of selection for any style of architecture.
  • Forged railings. Outwardly beautiful and elegant designs that can be done independently, provided that the home master has a machine to perform the cold forging operation.
  • Prefabricated products for stairs. They are made of stainless and ordinary steel, as well as aluminum alloys, using flanges, angles, tubes and other parts prepared in advance for this purpose. Such work is done by hand. Ready-made structures are easy to install and dismantle if necessary, since their weight is minimal.
  • Cast fences. Usually they are ordered in special workshops. They are made of bronze and cast iron. Cast structures are ideal for decorating large front stairs.
  • Welded railings. The most popular among home craftsmen. They are made from alloyed and carbon steels, they are connected into a single structure by welding in an atmosphere of carbon dioxide or argon, as well as electric welding.

Manufacture of metal railings

Also, for the manufacture of homemade railings for stairs, it is allowed to use several at once. different materials. The originals can make railings with wood handrails, a metal frame and glass infill. Such designs are distinguished by aesthetics.

Structurally, railings consist of handrails, balusters and filling parts. Each of these elements has its own purpose. Balusters are inclined or strictly vertical racks. They are supports for other elements of the railing. Between themselves, the balusters are connected by handrails, which also serve as a support for the hands of a person moving up the stairs.

Infill elements are solid, vertical, and horizontal. They are placed between the balusters. The tasks of filling parts are to make the staircase more attractive in terms of unusual decor and ensure the safety of using the stairs. If you plan to make metal fences with your own hands, be sure to study the requirements for their key geometric parameters. They are:

  • the optimal cross section of the handrails is 50 mm;
  • recommended railing height - 90-100 cm;
  • the gap between the wall and the wall handrail - 10–20 cm;
  • the distance between individual balusters is 10–15 cm.

Staircase balusters

Important point! Railings are required to withstand a load of at least 100 kg per meter of railing without any problems. Only if this rule is observed, the complete safety of their operation is guaranteed. There are other requirements for railings. Their handrails must be solid, without potentially dangerous burrs and sharp corners. It is desirable to make these railing elements for stairs with rounded shapes. Experts say that such handrails are the most convenient for a person.

At the design stage of the railing, the recommendations given should be taken into account, as well as the materials used and their quantity should be determined. It is imperative to prepare a drawing of the fence and perform competent detailing of all its parts. Work on the construction of metal railings with your own hands can begin after you stock up on everything essential tool and additional accessories. These include screwdrivers building level, a welding unit and electrodes, a screwdriver, a pipe bender, a grinder saw, a tape measure, a drilling desktop machine or an electric drill.

First you need to make balusters. Take pipes of the required sizes and in the right quantity, focusing on the drawing, which indicates the total number of balusters, and weld metal flanges to their ends. The latter are made from 4-5 mm sheet steel. Several holes must be made in each flange (3-4). They are designed to attach balusters to stairs. Drill holes on a tabletop machine or with an electric drill.

Attaching balusters to stairs

In the first case, it is allowed to process flanges as a set - put all the parts in one pile, mark the upper workpiece and start the desktop drilling unit. The supporting elements of the structure are easy to manufacture from a 6-cm pipe in the outer section. It should be carefully cut off and marked (strictly according to the drawing) of the lower parts of the resulting products. A lot depends on the quality of the markup. If you do it incorrectly, during installation you will not be able to give the support a vertical position. It is optimal to trim the pipe on a turning unit, and then remove the chamfers on the supporting elements to ensure high-quality penetration of the racks.

Then weld flanges to the racks (at two points). Analyze the product for a gap (it should not be) and weld the rack in a circle. Now you can do the steps of the stairs. Mark them with a tape measure. At the same time, adhere to the following mandatory requirements: the supporting element must be in the middle of the step; the distance between the racks is kept the same, its specific value depends on the total number of steps. Then you can proceed with the installation work.

First you need to place the extreme balusters. From the end of the flight of stairs they should be an equal distance apart. At this stage, be sure to check the vertical installation of the balusters with a level. Then pull two cords between the mounted supports. They should be placed 2-3 cm from the top and bottom ends of the balusters. Important! Cords should be located on one side of the supporting products. Now feel free to install the rest of the supports. The cords will be your reliable guide. And control the distance between the individual elements with a tape measure.

Installation of balusters of the enclosing structure

From the pipe used to make the racks, make handrails. In cases where there are several spans on the stairs, the edges of the tubular products must be connected to each other. Then the whole structure will receive a good level of rigidity. If the structure consists of one span, the handrails from the edges can simply be bent down. The next step has great importance for safe use railings. You will need to qualitatively fit the supports (their upper parts) to the handrails. The easiest way to perform this operation is with a grinder saw. After fitting, there should be no gaps between the handrails and balusters.

Horizontal filling of the structure is carried out with half-inch pipe products. They are usually welded between the supports or placed on the side of the balusters. It is preferable to use the second method. It guarantees obtaining the required parallelism between the horizontal filling parts. You made the railing with your own hands. It remains only to sand them with sandpaper, and then carefully polish them.

The second floor in the house involves the presence of stairs. 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 will be. This enclosing structure defines appearance and style, which is very important for creating a harmonious interior.

Design, distances, dimensions

Railings are necessary for safer use, as they are a protective structure that prevents injuries. There are models of stairs that do not provide for the presence of any fences. They look, perhaps interesting, but using such a ladder is scary. Typically, stair railings consist of several elements:

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

materials

The main structural elements of the railing for stairs - racks - are made of wood of different 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, railings for stairs are combined - combining two or three materials in one product.

Wooden stair railings

Wood for the manufacture of railings 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 a classic style. You can use simple geometric shapes - for interiors more strict style. There is still the possibility of decorating / painting / varnishing in different ways.

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

What is even better is that you can make wooden railings for stairs with your own hands. If there is little experience in carpentry, you can find a simple decor. Wood itself - due to 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 fit into the concept of interior design. Concise styles - minimalism, modern, loft - fit better with a simple design Figured balusters and decorations of supporting pillars - traditional forms of decorating stair railings

If we talk about what types of wood it is better to make railings for stairs, then harder varieties are preferable, with a pronounced structure: beech, oak, cherry. From conifers - cedar, larch. They make stair railings from pine and spruce, but pine products are too soft, you have to be careful, and spruce is hard to process. The rest of the breeds listed above, in principle, are also not a dream in processing, but they are very beautiful, so they usually turn a blind eye to complexity.

Metal railings for stairs

Metal railings are perhaps even more diverse. There are three ways to make metal railings for stairs: welding, forging, assembling from pipes and fittings.

Metal railings made of pipes and fittings and forged… style and… price difference

Moreover, “forging” is not necessarily a hot process. There are, which 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 rolled products:

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

In this case, the metal can be: ordinary black or structural steel, followed by 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 motifs - not only flowers and leaves Geometry, which is emphasized by color ... Metal railings for stairs can be different style Complex, simple, geometric...

Since the metal is more ductile, they don’t make anything from 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. Similar material is used for cars. Even if at strong blow it will break, 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, quickly brought to normal temperature. After such processing, it becomes many times stronger, withstands shock loads well, breaking, crumbling into fragments with smooth, not sharp edges.

In general, both types of glass are safe. In addition, they look good, since such structures do not look massive and heavy. Glass can be transparent, tinted, colored. If desired, you can make a drawing according to the type of stained-glass window. Since the filling is solid, this type of fencing 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 wooden or metal support posts, and there are also handrails. These models can rather be called combined. For the most part, glass is placed between the pillars, and a handrail is made from the same material on top. Such railings turn out to be almost weightless, they do not block 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 cheaper tempered glass can be installed.

Plastic in stair railings

In stair railings, plastic can be used as handrails. Round, oval, rectangular plastic handrails are a budget and practical option. Budget - because such railings are inexpensive, practical - because smooth plastic is easy to wipe, and it does not wipe, does not require replacement of the paintwork. The only thing that can damage it is a significant shock load. But it is critical for all kinds 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). It will carry the load, and plastic is just a decorative element. Ladders 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 railings for stairs: 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 advantages of the "neighbors"

Scope of use

According to the location of the stairs are internal and external. Both those and others are equipped with railings. Typically, railings for indoor stairs have a more refined infill than outdoor ones, but this is not always the case. There are very beautiful forged or wooden railings for stairs to the second floor.

Selecting the type of design

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

If there is a need to make a stationary lift, you can beat it, make it spiral or with turntables, arrange beautiful railings. The second option is to make a simple vertical staircase by welding small handrails on the sides. How this option fits into the design of the house is a question of architecture, but it is definitely cheaper.

Plastic and glass for street railings

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

With glass it is even easier - it does not react to temperature or ultraviolet light. The only thing that can stop is its fragility. But, if you use tempered or laminated glass, this fragility is apparent. 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 railings for stairs made of stainless, galvanized or nickel-plated pipes, you must first ask if they are intended for outdoor use. Yes, there is such a "stainless steel", which is only for internal use.

If the railing for the stairs is made of ferrous metal, they will have to be painted. And you need to use paint for outdoor work. Each element must be carefully, to bare metal, cleaned of rust or scale, primed and only then painted. So there will be a guarantee that for several years the street railing for the stairs will look normal. The bad news is that the paint will sooner or later give up its positions, you will have to clean it up, prime it again and paint it. But this is inevitable and not news to anyone.

Treatment of wooden railings for outdoor use

With wood, everything is both simpler and more complicated. As you know, she feels good on the street, but also like ferrous metal, requires careful processing. Before installation / installation, the elements of wooden railings for stairs are impregnated with protective compounds for outdoor use. Please note that some of them stain the wood in an uncharacteristic color (red, greenish, grayish). If you plan to paint the railing with a covering paint, this is not so important. But if you are only going to change the tone, make it darker or lighter, such “highlighting” greatly interferes, especially for light tones.

After the protective coating dries, paint/varnish/wood oil can be applied. There are few questions with paints and varnishes: it is necessary that they be suitable for outdoor work. Tone, degree of gloss choose according to your own taste.

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

Metal railings can be quite sophisticated

In every house, even one-story, there is a staircase, and often more than one. Stairs can be both an indispensable element and a highlight of the interior. good designer knows how to play with, emphasize and fit this element into the surrounding space. Railings are an integral part of the stairs. Their main function is to provide security. But besides this, it is the stylistic solution of the railing that allows the staircase to become a dominant in the design solution of a particular interior. This seemingly extremely functional design can be a bright and memorable accent in the interior decoration of the house. Metal ones allow you to embody almost any stylistic decision, regardless of whether you plan to decorate the interior in a classic style, vintage, hi-tech or Provence.

First, let's deal with the terminology. A railing is a protective system of stairs that ensures the safety of the ascent by protecting it from falling. It consists of several elements. Balusters - supporting vertical posts, with their help, the fence is attached to the stairs.


Filling the fence - closes the space between the balusters, that is, it performs the main function of ensuring security. Also, it is precisely by filling the space between the balusters that you can create a completely different design for the stairs.

Important! If there are children in the house, partitions are necessary. It is safest to use solid partitions.

Filling can be done:

  • vertical or inclined elements;
  • horizontal crossbars running parallel to the handrails;
  • solid sheets.


Vertical filling of the fence


Horizontal filling of the fence


Complete filling of the fence

Handrails - this is the part of the railing that lies on the balusters, and people hold on to it with their hands, leaning on it when ascending or descending.


1. The handrail is installed in the wall. 2. The handrail is installed on the railing

Design and selection of materials for railings

Even if the stairs are not bright decorative element interior, it is important to pay attention to how it looks so that it fits stylistically into the surrounding space. And this largely depends on the choice of material. Minimalist or high-tech metal construction can negate all efforts to create classic interior, and vice versa - too elegant, it will look awkward in a simple, unpretentious retro.


An example of a harmonious combination of metal fencing with the overall interior of the room

So, consider the most popular materials:



…to exclusive hand-carved versions



PVC handrails and glass panels are also advantageously combined.



Or maybe the embodiment of luxury and wealth


Separately, it is worth noting the railings of artistic casting, which are not inferior in luxury to their “brothers” from ancient palaces

Important! If you plan to install metal railings on the street, the structure must be treated with a special anti-corrosion compound. Otherwise, weather events will quickly spoil their appearance.

Benefits of metal railings

  • Durability - unlike wood, metal parts will not require updating.
  • Price. Lower compared to wood (everything, however, depends on the complexity of the design)
  • Variety of materials aluminum profiles, steel, wrought iron, pipes, etc.
  • A variety of shapes - metal railings can give the most a large number of design options.


Metal railings can withstand hail, rain, snow, heat and other weather conditions for many years without losing their beauty.

Methods for making metal railings

According to the method of manufacture, metal railings can be different. And each method has its pros and cons. Prefabricated are made of aluminum or steel parts. After assembling the parts, the steel railings will need to be painted, and the aluminum railings will need to be coated with a protective coating. Another advantage of this option is the low weight. This is the easiest and most economical option that you can assemble with your own hands, and, if necessary, dismantle. Fabrication and installation of prefabricated railings

Cast railings. For casting, a sketch is first drawn, then a mold is made in which the necessary parts are cast. A laborious process, but the resulting result has two undeniable advantages:
  • durability
  • an almost endless variety of shapes


The wear resistance of cast railings makes them great option for outdoor installation


Indoors, such railings can also look chic.

Combined railing - the most versatile and very interesting option. The combination with glass and wood allows you to implement a wide variety of design ideas that will fit into almost any interior.


Most often, metal railings are complemented by wooden railings.


Recently, more and more metal railings are combined with glass panels.

Forged are most often used in classic styles such as baroque, or rococo. Elegant and sophisticated, they look sophisticated and rich, creating an openwork light pattern. They will add charm and a sense of luxury to any room. Wrought iron railings can be made in a very diverse color palette - bronze, gold, silver, copper, etc. Perhaps the only drawback of this option is the high price.


Forged railings are suitable, as for internal stairs ...


Same for the porch


White wrought iron railings look especially elegant.

Stainless steel railings (welded) are quite strong, reliable and durable. The principle of their manufacture is simple: segments of steel or cast iron rods are welded in the form of a lattice, which is coated with paint. Stainless steel railings are commonly used in modern high-tech or minimalist styles. In fact, when processed, they can make very beautiful fences with geometric patterns that will look great in classic versions. Welded iron railings can be prone to corrosion and need occasional painting. Steel products are devoid of these shortcomings. Stainless Steel Railing Welding

Design requirements

When designing and creating metal fences, it is important to remember not only the design, but also the safety of the structure. In order for fences to fulfill their protective function, several requirements must be observed during design:

  • The height of the fences ranges from 90 cm to 1 m.
  • The distance between the racks is no more than 60 cm.
  • If there are small children in the house, or fences are designed for children's institution(kindergarten, hospital), the distance between the posts is reduced to 10cm so that the baby cannot stick his head between them.
  • The distance from the handrail attached to the wall to the wall is 7-10 cm.
  • The fence can withstand a load of 100 kg per m.
  • The handrails, for which a person holds his hand during the descent, are made smooth and continuous, the cross-sectional area is not less than 5 cm.
  • The handrails protrude 30 cm beyond the line of steps, their end is made rounded.


An example of the calculation of the railing for the stairs

A staircase in a house usually occupies a large space and is used many times every day for many years, so its design, convenience and safety must be taken very carefully at the design stage. In order for you to get beautiful, easy-to-use, high-quality fences that will serve you for many years, all stages are equally important: material selection, design, manufacture and installation. Therefore, the most the best choice- entrust this process to experienced professionals who will produce high-quality fences for you, taking into account all your wishes and the conditions in which the structure will be used.

Railings are an important part of the stairs. They strengthen the structure and serve as a support for people. Properly made railings will decorate the stairs and the interior of the house. They are made from different materials and, in accordance with its design, have all sorts of shapes and sizes.

Instruments

When installing the railing, prepare the tools in advance:

  • chisels;
  • hacksaw and chisel;
  • a hammer;
  • screwdrivers;
  • screwdriver;
  • drill;
  • drill;
  • jigsaw;
  • level;
  • marking tools - tape measure, pencil, marker.

Material

When choosing a material for a railing, several factors should be considered:

  • design features;
  • interior style;
  • the complexity of installation - this moment is especially important when working independently.

Materials from which the railing for the stairs is made:

  • wood;

  • metal: steel, aluminum, chrome-plated metal;

  • wrought iron;

  • glass;

  • plastic.

Construction details

The elements that make up any stair railing:

  • Pedestals-supports - are installed at the beginning and end of the flight of stairs. They carry the main load, so they must be very stable. For reliability, cabinets are often installed on an additional platform. Its height is 80-90 cm. This is an average parameter at which it is convenient for a person to climb stairs, but if desired, it can be changed.

  • Balusters - posts that are installed along the flight of stairs and support the railing. They come in any shape: round, square, flat or curly.


Wooden balusters are often hand carved.

The distance between the posts is different, but it should not exceed 20 cm. One option is a solid baluster.

  • Handrail - top part railing, the size of which corresponds to the length of the flight of stairs. It can be round, rectangular and even carved, but the main purpose of this detail is the convenience of users. It is he who is the support when moving up the stairs.

How to make a railing for stairs

Wooden railing for stairs

Material selection

For the manufacture of railings, various types of wood are used: spruce, fir, poplar, walnut, etc. But the most reliable are products made of oak, ash or teak. Hardwoods allow for subtle but safe details, and the railings made of them have a light, graceful look.

Installation of stair railing

  1. Pedestals are installed at the end and beginning of the march. To check the selected height, a cord is pulled between them and a trial ascent and descent is carried out. The pedestals are fastened and checked for stability - their "reeling" is unacceptable.
  2. The bowstring (lower support) is fastened with screws to flight of stairs and pedestals.
  3. The frequency of the balusters is calculated, and holes are drilled in the handrail under them.
  4. The end edges of the balusters are sawn off at an angle equal to the slope of the stairs. When attaching the racks to the steps, their lower part is left straight.
  5. Balusters are installed using studs that are screwed into their base and inserted into the prepared hole in the stairs. They are tightened with nuts from the underside of the structure. Another mounting option is the use of spikes and notches in the bowstring and handrail.
  6. Railings are installed and fixed on the balusters.
  7. Finished fences are cleaned of dust, all visible flaws on the surface are puttied and varnished.

Fastening railings with nails is the easiest way to assemble them. But he is also the most unreliable, because later a short time the structure becomes unstable. Special studs, spikes or self-tapping screws, planted on the adhesive, will provide a more durable fastening of parts.

Metal railings for stairs

Material

Metal railings are purchased ready-made or ordered in a workshop - it is very difficult to make them on your own. These structures are made from different material which has its pros and cons.

  • Aluminum is lightweight and affordable. Railings made of this material are varied in shape and configuration, but not very durable.
  • Stainless steel is beautiful, durable and resistant to moisture. It has one drawback - high cost.

  • Painted pipes are reliable and affordable, but require regular renewal of the coating.
  • Nickel-plated pipes are beautiful and not very expensive compared to "stainless steel", but they are prone to corrosion.

Railing installation

  1. On the steps of the stairs, in the places where the balusters are installed, markings are made.
  2. Holes are drilled in the marked places.
  3. The resulting dust is blown out with an industrial vacuum cleaner.
  4. Two-component glue is poured into the resulting hole, and studs are inserted.
  5. With the help of a screw or welding, racks are attached to the studs. With the help of the level, their vertical position is controlled.
  6. A handrail is attached to the supports with bolts. Welding is rarely used because it requires certain skills.
  7. Welded seams are cleaned and polished.

Forged railings for stairs

Forged railings are mounted by welding. Elements for them are sold in stores or workshops. But the best option- order a railing from a blacksmith. According to the proposed drawing, the craftsmen will forge a unique product that will be a unique decoration of the house.

Welding work on the installation of railings does not require special professionalism - it is enough to have small skills in them. But it is very important to carefully approach the finish finished construction. With the right materials for priming and painting railings, they will last for many years without changing their appearance.

Railing for stairs, photo: