Handrails and railings are the compulsory elements of any staircase, whose primary function is ensuring the safety. Despite their purpose, these elements must also meet the aesthetic requirements. What stair railings meet both demands?

Metal railings: aesthetics and safety

Railings can be found in any premises with the stairs, and most city residents face them daily. You can see the stairs at work, in the shops, in the offices of different organizations, and even in some houses. From a constructive standpoint, the main thing about the staircase is comfort: this applies to the steps and handrails.
However, the main function of railings is to protect the person from falling down the stairs, which means that they must meet the following requirements:

  • Handrails must be made of quality and strong materials that can withstand heavy loads.
  • Materials for the manufacture of railings and handrails must comply with the certain GOSTs.
  • Installation of such staircase elements must be performed by specialists.

Advantages of metal handrails

Metal handrails and railings for the stairs also perform a decorative function, which is why they are available in different forms, options and color solutions. This allows you to successfully integrate such structures into any interior– from classic to modern.

During the manufacture, you can use pipes and railings of different diameters. However, when choosing the material, you shouldn’t limit yourself to its appearance. Thus, for all their beauty, chrome plated articles are not always practical, while too thin structures can’t perform their function and ensure the security of persons using the stairs.

With the right choice, such handrails and railings have a number of advantages, including resistance to mechanical damage, ability to withstand the necessary loads and decorate the interior. In this, chrome plated elements can be painted any colors and shades. As for the price, they are much cheaper than PVC or wooden models.

Regardless of the finishing, color and diameter of pipes, stair railings are primarily responsible for safety: you must not only choose the quality materials, but also fix them properly on the staircase to prevent loosening.

Design characteristics of metal handrails

As a rule, metal stair railings are rarely used in private houses. Chrome plated and metal handrails are intended for the buildings with high passability, as they are more resistant to wear and tear and can withstand heavy loads.
You can use different metals, each of which fits for specific purposes and operating conditions:

  • Steel (for the premises with high passability).
  • Aluminum (mostly for small offices).
  • Forged and metal handrails (despite its unpresentable appearance, such structures are resistant to any mechanical and weather-related impacts, as well as temperature changes).
  • Chrome plated.

Prefabricated and welded structures of the railings

Depending on their purpose, metal railings can be welded or prefabricated. The former are intended for the installation in the buildings where, the aesthetic component is more important than the durability of structure. Of course, prefabricated structures are also reliable and able to withstand heavy loads: however, due to some features, their fastenings are not strong enough for the operation in especially difficult circumstances. For example, they will not fit for the installation in factories.

Welded structures are characterized by high strength: these are the fundamental structures, able to withstand almost any impacts. Such railings don’t look as attractive as prefabricated models; however, they are characterized by comparatively low cost.

Chrome plated handrails and railings

The main advantage of chrome plated structures and articles is their bright, noticeable and attractive appearance. Nevertheless, such elements have one significant weakness: over time, chrome plated coating fades as a result of external factors.

Besides, in contrast to the steel coating, chromium is sensible to the temperature changes, while any mechanical damage can lead to the breach of external layer, dents and scratches.

Therefore, it is not recommended to use this type of handrails inside the buildings, where not many people use the stairs. However, chrome plated models are cheaper than the stainless steel ones. Therefore, it is easy to replace such handrails.

Generally speaking, we can’t give clear advice on the choice of material: everything depends on the conditions in which these elements will be exploited. If you have any tips or additional information about the metal handrails for the staircase, you can share them with the other readers.