To ensure the safety of movement, porch and indoor stairs are equipped with metal railings. Railings made of stainless steel, ferrous metal or light aluminum is one of the most popular and surest ways to restrict the space of staircase. They can have various prices. Combining the aesthetics of original decor item and functionality of auxiliary structure, staircases made of stainless steel, cast iron or aluminum enjoy the deserved popularity among the customers and masters.

Can you make such railings with your own hands?

Even the beginners can manufacture simple metal structures. Provided with simple tools, you can create an original and reliable structure. If you have a domestic or professional welding machine, profiled round or square pipes from stainless steel, you can easily build the laconic metal railings for the staircase (pictured above) with your own hands. Such steel products are good for minimalist interior or front porch.

To decorate the house or porch, you should choose more refined metal details, made by means of forging or casting. So what’s stopping you from creating a masterpiece with your own hands? So, what types of structures are available now?

Types and forms of railings

The range of metal railings for the stairs pleases the customers with its variety. Following types of railings can be purchased on the market and made to order:

  • Forged. Elegance and beauty of these metal railings is impressive. Modern equipment and skills of professionals make it possible to create complex ornate patterns, natural ornaments, which will look excellent on the porch and in the house. Look what masterpieces talented masters can make! The price of such solutions is high.
  • Molded. Such railings are made of brass, bronze and cast iron by casting the elements and their further grinding. Creation of this type of stair railings takes a lot of time and energy, which is why they have a high price.
  • Reinforcing profile or welded. Perhaps, everyone can the most affordable metal stair railings, with their own hands. For their manufacture, you will need tubes from steel or aluminum, welding machine or metal fasteners and grinder.
  • Prefabricated. Such railings are made of prefabricated structures-block, which (when interconnected) form a single surface of the stair railings. Original railings from stainless steel are notable.

The price of iron or cast iron stair railings largely depends on the complexity of pattern and amount of works. However, they will be a perfect complement to the front porch or main staircase in the house!

 

We should note that combined variations have become widespread. These railings combine not only various technologies and materials – wood, stainless metal, glass and plastic. They are actively used in street construction and for arrangement of the staircases in administrative buildings. This is largely due to their universality and affordable price.

What are the main elements of railings?

Any metal railings have a standard structure, consisting of basic elements in different variations. The photo shows classic metal railings. They are based on:

  • These are transversal racks, fixed on the steps or special retainers and support handrails. They are made of stainless steel, iron or cast iron according to the sketch. Simple solutions can be made of pipes with your own hands.
  • These are the smooth details, located along the descent from the stairs. They are made of metal, wood or plastic.
  • Various cross and longitudinal beams, ornate forging patterns, glass or plastic inserts. In the presented photos, you can see the effective elements. Metal cable is laconic and accessible; you can stretch it between the balusters to give the staircase finished look.

All details perform their functions, creating safe and reliable stair railings. You can make the handrails for the stairs with your own hands or order them from the masters. However, you should remember that their sizes and device are regulated by safety requirements. No matter how beautiful the proposed staircase and railings look at the photo or in the catalog, you should always consider practical concerns – fall protection and ease of use.