Handrails are one of the features that many homes have and in this article we will discuss the terminology you need to learn to communicate with your architect or interior designer. Handrails have three main parts:
- The handrail
- Publications
- Railing
The handrail is the part you physically hold on to. Handrails come in a variety of materials such as wood, metal, stone, or even glass. There are a few main rules that you need to follow when designing handrails for your home. First of all, the height for most residential applications is no less than 36 inches and no more than 37 inches. In general, I stick with 36 inches at the top for most residential projects. The second is that you want at least 1 1/2 inches of space between the handrail and the wall so that your hand can comfortably wrap around it without getting caught between the two. Your design options for your handrail are endless combinations that can give your home the feel you want.
The posts are what secure the handrail to the stairs. That’s where the strength of the handrails comes from. Posts come in many types of materials and styles. The most common types of posts are wood and metal, but stone, glass, and other materials can also be used. As a general rule of thumb, you want your posts to be able to withstand at least 200 pounds of lateral force to meet building codes. Please note that poles are sold that are decorative and do not meet the minimum weight requirements.
Balusters are what fill the space between the handrail, the posts and the stairs. They also receive the names of spindles and pickets depending on the type of railing and its use. There are many styles and options available depending on the style of home you want to create. Some material options are wood, metal, and glass on most stairs. Balusters typically run vertically with posts, but modern designs have them run horizontally and in many directions in the case of architectural iron balusters. As a general rule of thumb, you want the spacing between the balusters to be narrow enough that a 4 3/8-inch ball can’t fit through the gaps so a small child can’t slip through.
We hope this article has given you an idea of the terminology your designer or contractor will use. Now that you know how the parts are named, you should easily communicate your ideas.