How to Choose the Right Railing for Your Home

Your Guide to buying the best Railings

Overview

Railings serve an important purpose in both residential and commercial properties. They are an integral part of a building's safety and aesthetic appeal. Purchasing a railing can be a daunting task due to the sheer number of options available. This buying guide provides an overview of the different types of railings and what to consider when selecting the right railing for your needs. It will cover the advantages and disadvantages of different railing materials, the different styles available, and the factors to consider when choosing a railing.

Key features

  1. Style: What is the desired aesthetic of the railing? Different styles include picket, glass, rope, and cable.
  2. Dimensions: Measure the railing area to ensure the railings will fit.
  3. Material: Common materials for railings are aluminum, steel, wrought iron, and wood. Consider ease of maintenance, durability, and price.
  4. Installation: If purchasing prefabricated railings, consider the type of installation needed and the tools required.
  5. Spacing: Be sure to check local building codes and determine the spacing needed between the railings.
  6. Safety: Safety should be the priority when installing railings. Check for sharp edges on the railings and proper anchor points for metal railings.

See the most popular Railings on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Styles: Railings come in a variety of styles to fit any home's decor, from classic to modern designs.
  • Durability: Railings are sturdy and reliable, and many are designed to last for years without rusting or needing maintenance.
  • Safety: Installing railings can help provide safety for a home, by providing extra support for those using stairs or balconies.
  • Visual Appeal: Railings can add a beautiful touch to any home, and can be customized to fit any design style.
  • Easy Installation: Most railings are easy to install, with many featuring a do-it-yourself approach.

Cons

  • Safety concerns - Railings should be installed securely and regularly inspected for any signs of wear or damage to ensure they are safe for use by children and adults.
  • Maintenance - Railings may require regular maintenance such as painting, cleaning, and repair of loose screws or fasteners.
  • Cost - Railings can be an expensive purchase, especially when compared to other home improvement projects.
  • Building codes and regulations - Railings must adhere to local building codes and regulations, which can be difficult to navigate.
  • Height and width restrictions - Railings must be of a certain height and width in order to be compliant with local building codes.

Best alternatives

  1. Trellises - Wooden structures with latticework panels typically used for climbing plants.
  2. Arbors - Tall, arch-shaped structures with lattice sides and a trellis top, often used for climbing plants.
  3. Gates - Entryways that are usually made of metal or wood and are used to secure an area.
  4. Fences - Barriers made of wood, metal, or vinyl that are used to define boundaries.
  5. Balustrades - Railings or balusters used to form a barrier around a stairwell or balcony.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Handrail brackets – Brackets used to securely attach the handrail to the wall.
  • Post anchors – Hardware used to attach a post to a concrete floor.
  • Gates – Security gates that are mounted within the railing, typically for safety.
  • Spindles – Vertical members used to fill in between the balusters.
  • Balusters/balustrades – Horizontal members used to fill in between the posts.
  • Cable railing system – Railing systems that use cables rather than traditional pickets.
  • Stair railing – Rails used to keep people from falling off the edge of stairs.
  • Glass railing – A clear, frameless barrier that provides an open view.
  • Shoe rail – A rail attached to the base of a handrail to keep it from wobbling.
  • Deck railing – Railing used around decks to keep people from slipping off.
  • Custom railings – Railings that are made specifically to fit a certain area or space.

Common questions

  1. What types of railings are available? Railing systems come in a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, wrought iron, and PVC plastic. They can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications, and they can be used in a wide range of applications, including decks, porches, balconies, and stairways.
  2. Are railings weather resistant? Yes, most railings are weather resistant. Railings made of metal and wrought iron are especially good at resisting corrosion from outdoor elements, while wood railings are typically treated to withstand rain and humidity. PVC railings are also very durable and are designed to last for many years.
  3. What do I need to consider when buying a railing? When buying a railing, you should consider factors such as the material, design, style, size, and installation requirements. You should also consider whether the railing is OSHA compliant, as well as any local codes or restrictions that may apply. Additionally, you should consider the cost of the railing and any additional accessories or hardware that may be needed.
  4. What safety features should I look for in a railing? When looking for a railing, you should look for features such as strong posts, joints that are secured and reinforced, and handrails that are easy to grip and have a smooth finish. You should also look for railings that have been tested to meet safety standards.
  5. How do I install a railing? The installation process for railings will vary depending on the type of railing, the size of the installation area, and the complexity of the design. In most cases, railings should be installed by a professional contractor, but some railings can be installed by the homeowner with the help of installation instructions.

Trivia

In the early 2000s, a company called TubbyRail developed a product that allowed people to attach a cup holder to their stair railings. The product was designed to make it easier for people to carry and enjoy their favorite beverage while walking up and down the stairs. Unfortunately, the product failed to take off, but it still stands as an example of the innovative uses for railings. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.