Staircase - a functional element that provides vertical connections. The design consists of horizontal platforms and marches in which the number of steps should not exceed eighteen units. Fences, although they are secondary structures, but play an important role. It is the railings for the stairs that provide safe movement, give a foothold for the hands.
There are many classifications of stairs.By purpose, the following structures can be distinguished: basic, auxiliary (spare, service). By location: external, internal, intra-apartment. In shape: straight, swivel, curved, combined. They also differ in the material of manufacture, the main bearing components, the presence of risers, the method of construction, and other characteristics.
Regardless of the configuration of the stairs, if it consists of 3 or more steps, it must be equipped with enclosing devices. There are two main types of fences: standard, special purpose. The first include typical structures installed in buildings. The second - supporting elements for children, as well as for citizens with disabilities. The main purpose of the railing:
preventing a person from falling outside the fence;
providing comfortable movement along a flight of stairs;
decoration of the interior or exterior of the structure.
Railing - a low fence installed along the edge of the stairs, balcony, terrace, bridge. It consists of the following components:
Handrail - the upper horizontal element of the fence, fixed to the wall or balusters, on which are supported by hand. It should have a smooth surface without burrs and sharp corners. In the form there are round, oval, rectangular options.
Balusters - vertical support pillars. They are securely attached to the staircase, serve as a backup for the handrail.
Aggregate - elements fixed between supporting posts. Perform not only a decorative function, but also barrage.
In turn, depending on the embodiment, it has the following classification:
classic - represented by straight or curly racks, mounted vertically or obliquely;
art - the space between the supports is filled with decorative components;
crossbar - horizontal strips are attached to vertical posts;
solid - the space between the steps and the handrail is closed by solid panels.
To create stylish, original screw and other staircases, various types of fences can be combined.
Standards for railings and fences
The design of the stairs is carried out at the stage of creating the master project. In multi-story buildings, this is the main connecting link between the rooms, which not only provides movement, but also must be safe, comfortable. According to SNiP 2.08.01-89, paragraph 1.17 and SNiP 2.08.02-89, paragraph 1.91, staircases must have fences with handrails.
In the manufacture of railings, the existing rules established by regulatory documents must be observed:
GOST 23120-78 "Marching stairs, steel platforms and barriers."
SP 118.13330.2012 p. 6.16 and SNiP 2.01.07-85 p. 3.11 the normative values of horizontal loads on the handrail of the railing should be: 0.3 kN / m for residential buildings, pre-schools, hospitals, sanatoriums; 0.8 kN / m for other buildings and premises without special requirements; 1,5 kN / m for stands and gyms.
GOST 30247.0-94 “Building constructions. Fire test methods. "
SNiP 2.03.11-85 p. 5; SNiP 3.04.03-85 p. 2.1-2.8, 3 "Protection of building structures and structures from corrosion."
GOST 25772-83 “Enclosures for stairs, balconies and roofs” in paragraph 1.3 contains the basic requirements.
Providing escape routes. Mandatory compliance with SNiP 2.08.02-89 p. 1.96 and later, for example, SP 118.13330.2012 p. 6.9. Minimum widths are shown here.
For children and people with disabilities, designs are used that are subject to special requirements. They are regulated by the following documents: SNiP 2.08.02-89 p.1.92, GOST 25772-83 p. 1.3, SNiP 35-01-2001 p. 3.29.
Height
The height of the railing is of great importance when moving up the stairs. However, this parameter, like many others, is regulated by regulatory documents, in particular, according to SNiP 31-01-2003 p. 8.3, the height of the fences for stairs in places of dangerous changes should be at least 1.2 m. It is also worth paying attention to GOST 25772 -83.Based on these and other materials, the following requirements can be distinguished:
For flights of stairs, m:
internal - 0.9;
external - 1.2;
in preschool facilities - 1.2.
For balcony blocks, m:
buildings less than 28 m - 1;
more than 28 m - 1.1;
in preschool facilities - 1.2.
When designing private houses, you should adhere to SP 55.13330.2016, where the height of the fencing is determined in paragraph 8.3 - more than 0.9 m. The rules are advisory in nature, but they should not be neglected, even for the sake of the interior. Their observance will allow you to protect yourself, family, friends from unforeseen situations and injuries.
Width
A handrail is an important component of the railing design, which is held on when moving up or down. It can be rectangular, round, oval. And if the height of the fences, the distance between the balusters is regulated, then the width parameter for this element is not standardized, in fact, it can be any. The main thing when choosing dimensions is a comfortable girth for the hand. Therefore, the cross-sectional size can vary between 3 - 7 cm.
However, in GOST R 51261-99 in paragraph 5.1.6, handrails located in residential buildings must be round or rectangular. In the first case, their diameter is at least 3 cm for children, but not more than 5 cm for adults. In the second run from 2.5 to 3 cm is allowed.
Distances of supports under the railing
Considering the above standards, only for some institutions are the distances between balusters. One of these is pre-school organizations, where the clearance between the vertical supports should not exceed 0.1 m. For stairwells in public and residential buildings - 0.12 m. In private homes, this value can be anything, but experts recommend that the distance not exceeding 0.5 m in length.
Railing material
Stair railings are made from various raw materials. The choice of the most suitable substance depends on the type of building (private house, public institution or institution), installation location (on the street, in the garden, indoors), general interior, exterior, personal preferences of the owner.The main materials used are: metal, wood, plastic, glass, concrete. Combined options are also found. Each of the listed species is characterized by its own characteristics, has advantages and disadvantages.
Metal
For the production of metal profile railings, aluminum, stainless steel, steel, cast iron, and brass can be used. The first two options are the most common, so we will dwell on them in more detail:
Aluminum construction. When choosing this material, one should take into account its softness. Under the action of heavy loads, it can deform and even break, so such fences should not have additional decorative elements. Among the advantages of aluminum are:
Stainless steel. This is a durable raw material that allows you to make a reliable, comfortable fence that can withstand heavy loads. Among the advantages are:
long term of operation;
moisture resistance;
safety and practicality in use;
easy care;
aesthetics, suitable for many modern styles, for example, high-tech, modern, minimalism;
environmental friendliness and hygiene;
the ability to combine with glass, wood, plastic.
In principle, stainless steel railings have the same characteristics as aluminum. However, they are distinguished by a large weight, are much more expensive, over time, numerous scratches and chips appear on their surface. Aluminum is devoid of these shortcomings, but it loses aesthetically.
Natural wood
Wood is a natural material that does not lose its relevance. The staircase structure, partially or completely consisting of wooden elements, will fill the house with warmth and bring comfort to it.This is ideal for those who want to add naturalness to their housing, care about environmental friendliness. For the production of fences, oak, larch, ash, beech, pine are used.
Each breed has its own characteristics. Oak is the most durable lumber. It looks very expensive, its service life is more than 10 years. The choice of one or another type of wood depends on its price, the required quality. Among the main advantages of natural wood can be distinguished:
versatility, wood is compatible with almost all interior styles;
the substance is warm and pleasant to the touch;
reliability and durability;
environmental safety;
attractive appearance;
the ability to create the most unusual forms, use carved elements;
the presence of a natural pattern;
simple installation activities.
Disadvantages:
high cost, especially carved products;
wooden structures are subject to decay, even the use of special antiseptics and varnishes allows for a short time to solve this problem;
poor quality wood is not durable, with careless handling on the surface may appear chips and cracks.
Glass
Glass railings look unusual. They are quite rare, in comparison with wooden and metal fences. And although at first glance the products may not seem reliable enough, this is not so. They are made of impact resistant material that can withstand significant loads. Such designs can be installed even for families with children, without fear for their safety.
In the manufacture of fencing, tempered glass or triplex is used, which can be transparent, frosted, tinted, stained-glass, corrugated, with a print, and have LED backlighting. The quality of the material guarantees a long life of the product, moreover, with time, cracks or chips will not appear on its surface.Despite the fact that the substance is self-sufficient, the railing is often supplemented with wooden, metal, chrome, plastic elements.
Benefits:
attractive, unusual appearance;
visual increase in space;
durability;
complete neutrality to moisture;
resistance to temperature extremes;
a large selection of different design options;
simple installation.
Disadvantages:
high price;
difficult care, stains remain on the surface.
Plastic
Designs must withstand significant loads, so hard plastic is used in their production. This material allows you to create railings of almost any shape that have a wide color gamut. Finished products can be installed both indoors and outdoors. The cost of such fences is low, but they are not popular. The main advantages include:
resistance to aggressive environments, alkalis, detergents;
a wide variety of forms;
light weight;
the material does not conduct current;
warm to the touch;
does not require additional coloring, treatment with impregnation.
Disadvantages:
low strength, with a strong impact breaks, cracks;
low-quality raw materials are environmentally unsafe, emits toxins;
low frost resistance;
at temperatures below 15 ° it becomes brittle;
under the action of direct sunlight fades.
Forged railing
Forged structures are one of the most attractive metal products. They are able to emphasize the original interior of a country house or apartment. They can be installed not only in private homes, but also in public institutions, for example, in restaurants, hotels, cafes. The cost of the fence depends on the total weight of the structure, the number of decorative elements, the type of decoration.
Another important factor is the type of forging, which can be done hot or cold.The first production method is more time-consuming, but allows you to get original, unique products, the price of which is very high. Elements obtained in the second way are made according to the template, using special devices, do not differ in exclusivity.
Benefits:
long term of operation;
the ability to create a unique design;
resistance to various influences;
strength and reliability;
ergonomics.
Disadvantages:
high cost, since manual labor is used;
long production times;
installation complexity;
increased risk of injury due to the presence of sharp parts;
a lot of weight.
Concrete and stone
Concrete and stone railings due to the large weight are practically not used indoors, they are intended for outdoor installation. If we talk about natural stone, then such designs are extremely rare. And although marble or granite look luxurious, their cost is simply prohibitive. In addition, it takes a lot of time to process the material, so in most cases artificial analogues are used.
Concrete fencing is easier to manufacture, obtained by pouring concrete mixture into molds. They are characterized by durability, tolerate high and low temperatures, have a low price. But the material has its drawbacks: relatively high weight, unattractive appearance, high porosity. Without periodic coloring under the influence of moisture fences begin to collapse.
Combined
Combined fencing are products that combine different materials. They are filled with glass, wooden crossbars, forged elements, etc. Due to the combination of different substances, the structures have a unique appearance, are compatible with any style, and are suitable for decorating both classic and modern interiors.
For the production of racks, stainless steel is most often used, which goes well with any raw material. Handrails in the kit can be made of hardwood or high quality plastic. Plexiglass or triplex closes the space between steps and handrails. Also, it is appropriate to use the usual black metal, decorative elements made of brass, copper or bronze.
How railings and railings blend with style
In a private house, a staircase performs not only the functions of an interior item that allows you to move between floors, but is also a significant decorative element. Protective staircases can be represented by balusters, railings, racks, handrails and other structures installed along the wall. In order for the design to fit harmoniously into the general situation, it is important to choose the type of railing and the materials for their manufacture. They can be made in the following stylistic directions:
Classic. Massive forged railing with wooden handrails will do. It is possible to use any natural materials and their combinations. The main thing is that they emphasize the richness of the interior.
Loft. Stairs and railings should be consistent with the concept of decoration of old plants. Racks and handrails are often made of metal pipes or profiles, trying to emphasize the strength of the span. They are covered with paint in accordance with the style, the decor is practically not used.
Modern. The railing should be concise. Only geometric lines are allowed in the decoration. The main decoration will be their form. Forged elements with interwoven patterns look good. In modern modern glass inserts are possible.
High tech. Protective fences are made of plastic, glass, metal. The peculiarity of the style is the display of all the connecting elements, supporting structures and fasteners.
Provence.In interiors, close to everyday life and nature, the railing is made as light and elegant as possible. If a tree is chosen, it is better to use its light species. The unique effect of antiquity will create an artificial patina.
How to make a railing with your own hands
Stair railings can be made from a wide variety of materials. For small two-story houses, wooden structures are more often used. They will include the following details - handrails, balusters, supporting posts, decorative elements in the form of carved inserts. Do-it-yourself railing manufacturing should take place according to a pre-planned scheme.
Project drafting
Making modern railings to a simple staircase is very easy. First of all, you need to make a detailed drawing. It should reflect the height of the structure, the number, width, length of each element. At the same stage, they are determined with the configuration of the elements. They can be forged, monolithic, in the form of a bowstring, be a continuation of the main crossbars.
The width of the handrails is selected individually based on personal preferences. The recommended parameter is 100 mm. The average height of the parts is 900 mm. A deviation from the average parameters is possible, which is affected by the method of fastening the elements.
Choose wood
According to construction safety standards, the stair railing for any project must be able to withstand a load of 100 kg. Therefore, it is very important to choose a durable material for the manufacture of elements and securely fasten. For handrails, hardwoods of hardwood, for example, oak, ash, beech, are suitable. So that subsequently the railing does not deform, the moisture content of the workpieces should not exceed 18%.
If you decide to apply a budget soft tree, you should take into account its properties at the design stage. Such material will give great shrinkage and is guaranteed to wear out quickly. If the railing will be created with your own hands, you need to think in advance about the possibility of manufacturing curly products.The tree should work well.
Making and fixing balusters
One of the main parts of the construction are balusters. Strong identical racks are fixed on the running steps at an equal distance from each other. They are made on a lathe or manually, if there is a suitable tool and woodworking skills. Fastening to a curbstone and a handrail can be made in several ways:
On the bolts. A hole of a suitable size is drilled in the step, a baluster is applied and a fastener is screwed in from below.
Chopiki. Wooden billets are inserted into pre-drilled holes, pre-treated with a wood adhesive. If the staircase is mounted on the street and there are no strict requirements for its appearance, stainless steel corners are used as an additional fixation.
Through the bar. This type of mount is suitable for flat balusters. They are attached through the bar directly to the step. This will make the whole structure very durable. Installation is carried out using self-tapping screws and a screwdriver.
Handrail Production
Such elements can be made from a solid board or join several blanks. To increase the rigidity of the structure, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules during installation. For the manufacture of railings, a bar with a cross section of at least 60 mm is suitable. It must be processed - the lower part can be of any shape, and the upper should be rounded.
The wide railing for the stairs in the classical style is made of several components. You will need to make a central block and side rails. Then all the parts are glued together and squeezed with clamps. They shape the resulting box with a planer.
Conclusion
Stairs have long, in addition to the practical function, play the role of a beautiful element of decor. In the interior of the house, their design is of great importance. Their design is selected to furniture, and the color scheme to the general palette of finishes, focusing previously on the photo.Correctly selected railings will become the pride of the owners, their design talents will be emphasized.
Staircase - a functional element that provides vertical connections. The design consists of horizontal platforms and marches in which the number of steps should not exceed eighteen units. Fences, although they are secondary structures, but play an important role. It is the railings for the stairs that provide safe movement, give a foothold for the hands.
Content
Design Features
There are many classifications of stairs.By purpose, the following structures can be distinguished: basic, auxiliary (spare, service). By location: external, internal, intra-apartment. In shape: straight, swivel, curved, combined. They also differ in the material of manufacture, the main bearing components, the presence of risers, the method of construction, and other characteristics.
Regardless of the configuration of the stairs, if it consists of 3 or more steps, it must be equipped with enclosing devices. There are two main types of fences: standard, special purpose. The first include typical structures installed in buildings. The second - supporting elements for children, as well as for citizens with disabilities. The main purpose of the railing:
Railing - a low fence installed along the edge of the stairs, balcony, terrace, bridge. It consists of the following components:
In turn, depending on the embodiment, it has the following classification:
Standards for railings and fences
The design of the stairs is carried out at the stage of creating the master project. In multi-story buildings, this is the main connecting link between the rooms, which not only provides movement, but also must be safe, comfortable. According to SNiP 2.08.01-89, paragraph 1.17 and SNiP 2.08.02-89, paragraph 1.91, staircases must have fences with handrails.
In the manufacture of railings, the existing rules established by regulatory documents must be observed:
Height
The height of the railing is of great importance when moving up the stairs. However, this parameter, like many others, is regulated by regulatory documents, in particular, according to SNiP 31-01-2003 p. 8.3, the height of the fences for stairs in places of dangerous changes should be at least 1.2 m. It is also worth paying attention to GOST 25772 -83.Based on these and other materials, the following requirements can be distinguished:
For flights of stairs, m:
For balcony blocks, m:
When designing private houses, you should adhere to SP 55.13330.2016, where the height of the fencing is determined in paragraph 8.3 - more than 0.9 m. The rules are advisory in nature, but they should not be neglected, even for the sake of the interior. Their observance will allow you to protect yourself, family, friends from unforeseen situations and injuries.
Width
A handrail is an important component of the railing design, which is held on when moving up or down. It can be rectangular, round, oval. And if the height of the fences, the distance between the balusters is regulated, then the width parameter for this element is not standardized, in fact, it can be any. The main thing when choosing dimensions is a comfortable girth for the hand. Therefore, the cross-sectional size can vary between 3 - 7 cm.
However, in GOST R 51261-99 in paragraph 5.1.6, handrails located in residential buildings must be round or rectangular. In the first case, their diameter is at least 3 cm for children, but not more than 5 cm for adults. In the second run from 2.5 to 3 cm is allowed.
Distances of supports under the railing
Considering the above standards, only for some institutions are the distances between balusters. One of these is pre-school organizations, where the clearance between the vertical supports should not exceed 0.1 m. For stairwells in public and residential buildings - 0.12 m. In private homes, this value can be anything, but experts recommend that the distance not exceeding 0.5 m in length.
Railing material
Stair railings are made from various raw materials. The choice of the most suitable substance depends on the type of building (private house, public institution or institution), installation location (on the street, in the garden, indoors), general interior, exterior, personal preferences of the owner.The main materials used are: metal, wood, plastic, glass, concrete. Combined options are also found. Each of the listed species is characterized by its own characteristics, has advantages and disadvantages.
Metal
For the production of metal profile railings, aluminum, stainless steel, steel, cast iron, and brass can be used. The first two options are the most common, so we will dwell on them in more detail:
In principle, stainless steel railings have the same characteristics as aluminum. However, they are distinguished by a large weight, are much more expensive, over time, numerous scratches and chips appear on their surface. Aluminum is devoid of these shortcomings, but it loses aesthetically.
Natural wood
Wood is a natural material that does not lose its relevance. The staircase structure, partially or completely consisting of wooden elements, will fill the house with warmth and bring comfort to it.This is ideal for those who want to add naturalness to their housing, care about environmental friendliness. For the production of fences, oak, larch, ash, beech, pine are used.
Each breed has its own characteristics. Oak is the most durable lumber. It looks very expensive, its service life is more than 10 years. The choice of one or another type of wood depends on its price, the required quality. Among the main advantages of natural wood can be distinguished:
Disadvantages:
Glass
Glass railings look unusual. They are quite rare, in comparison with wooden and metal fences. And although at first glance the products may not seem reliable enough, this is not so. They are made of impact resistant material that can withstand significant loads. Such designs can be installed even for families with children, without fear for their safety.
In the manufacture of fencing, tempered glass or triplex is used, which can be transparent, frosted, tinted, stained-glass, corrugated, with a print, and have LED backlighting. The quality of the material guarantees a long life of the product, moreover, with time, cracks or chips will not appear on its surface.Despite the fact that the substance is self-sufficient, the railing is often supplemented with wooden, metal, chrome, plastic elements.
Benefits:
Disadvantages:
Plastic
Designs must withstand significant loads, so hard plastic is used in their production. This material allows you to create railings of almost any shape that have a wide color gamut. Finished products can be installed both indoors and outdoors. The cost of such fences is low, but they are not popular. The main advantages include:
Disadvantages:
Forged railing
Forged structures are one of the most attractive metal products. They are able to emphasize the original interior of a country house or apartment. They can be installed not only in private homes, but also in public institutions, for example, in restaurants, hotels, cafes. The cost of the fence depends on the total weight of the structure, the number of decorative elements, the type of decoration.
Another important factor is the type of forging, which can be done hot or cold.The first production method is more time-consuming, but allows you to get original, unique products, the price of which is very high. Elements obtained in the second way are made according to the template, using special devices, do not differ in exclusivity.
Benefits:
Disadvantages:
Concrete and stone
Concrete and stone railings due to the large weight are practically not used indoors, they are intended for outdoor installation. If we talk about natural stone, then such designs are extremely rare. And although marble or granite look luxurious, their cost is simply prohibitive. In addition, it takes a lot of time to process the material, so in most cases artificial analogues are used.
Concrete fencing is easier to manufacture, obtained by pouring concrete mixture into molds. They are characterized by durability, tolerate high and low temperatures, have a low price. But the material has its drawbacks: relatively high weight, unattractive appearance, high porosity. Without periodic coloring under the influence of moisture fences begin to collapse.
Combined
Combined fencing are products that combine different materials. They are filled with glass, wooden crossbars, forged elements, etc. Due to the combination of different substances, the structures have a unique appearance, are compatible with any style, and are suitable for decorating both classic and modern interiors.
For the production of racks, stainless steel is most often used, which goes well with any raw material. Handrails in the kit can be made of hardwood or high quality plastic. Plexiglass or triplex closes the space between steps and handrails. Also, it is appropriate to use the usual black metal, decorative elements made of brass, copper or bronze.
How railings and railings blend with style
In a private house, a staircase performs not only the functions of an interior item that allows you to move between floors, but is also a significant decorative element. Protective staircases can be represented by balusters, railings, racks, handrails and other structures installed along the wall. In order for the design to fit harmoniously into the general situation, it is important to choose the type of railing and the materials for their manufacture. They can be made in the following stylistic directions:
How to make a railing with your own hands
Stair railings can be made from a wide variety of materials. For small two-story houses, wooden structures are more often used. They will include the following details - handrails, balusters, supporting posts, decorative elements in the form of carved inserts. Do-it-yourself railing manufacturing should take place according to a pre-planned scheme.
Project drafting
Making modern railings to a simple staircase is very easy. First of all, you need to make a detailed drawing. It should reflect the height of the structure, the number, width, length of each element. At the same stage, they are determined with the configuration of the elements. They can be forged, monolithic, in the form of a bowstring, be a continuation of the main crossbars.
The width of the handrails is selected individually based on personal preferences. The recommended parameter is 100 mm. The average height of the parts is 900 mm. A deviation from the average parameters is possible, which is affected by the method of fastening the elements.
Choose wood
According to construction safety standards, the stair railing for any project must be able to withstand a load of 100 kg. Therefore, it is very important to choose a durable material for the manufacture of elements and securely fasten. For handrails, hardwoods of hardwood, for example, oak, ash, beech, are suitable. So that subsequently the railing does not deform, the moisture content of the workpieces should not exceed 18%.
If you decide to apply a budget soft tree, you should take into account its properties at the design stage. Such material will give great shrinkage and is guaranteed to wear out quickly. If the railing will be created with your own hands, you need to think in advance about the possibility of manufacturing curly products.The tree should work well.
Making and fixing balusters
One of the main parts of the construction are balusters. Strong identical racks are fixed on the running steps at an equal distance from each other. They are made on a lathe or manually, if there is a suitable tool and woodworking skills. Fastening to a curbstone and a handrail can be made in several ways:
Handrail Production
Such elements can be made from a solid board or join several blanks. To increase the rigidity of the structure, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules during installation. For the manufacture of railings, a bar with a cross section of at least 60 mm is suitable. It must be processed - the lower part can be of any shape, and the upper should be rounded.
The wide railing for the stairs in the classical style is made of several components. You will need to make a central block and side rails. Then all the parts are glued together and squeezed with clamps. They shape the resulting box with a planer.
Conclusion
Stairs have long, in addition to the practical function, play the role of a beautiful element of decor. In the interior of the house, their design is of great importance. Their design is selected to furniture, and the color scheme to the general palette of finishes, focusing previously on the photo.Correctly selected railings will become the pride of the owners, their design talents will be emphasized.