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Demystifying Staircase Terminology: Banister vs. Railing While often used interchangeably, banisters and railings serve distinct purposes in staircase construction. A banister is a complete system that includes a handrail supported by vertical balusters. On the other hand, a railing is a simpler structure consisting of a handrail mounted directly to a wall or other supporting […]
Handrail Strength Requirements: How Much Force Must They Withstand? In the United States, building codes mandate that handrails and top rails must be capable of withstanding a minimum force of 200 pounds applied in any downward or outward direction. This requirement ensures that handrails provide adequate support and safety for individuals using staircases, particularly in […]
Demystifying Staircase Terminology: What Are the Vertical Supports for the Handrail Called? When it comes to staircases, the vertical members that provide support to the handrail on open stairs are known as balusters. These essential components serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, ensuring safety and adding visual appeal to the staircase design. They work in […]
Guardrails vs. Handrails: Can They Be Interchangeable? Brief Summary In general, a guardrail cannot be used as a handrail. While both guardrails and handrails serve crucial safety functions on stairs and platforms, they have distinct purposes and design requirements. Guardrails primarily prevent falls, while handrails offer support and stability to users. Building codes typically enforce […]
When is a Guardrail Required for Stairs? Brief Summary No, not all stairs require guardrails. Building codes typically mandate guardrails for stairs with a total rise of 3 feet or more, or when there is an open side where a fall could occur. The primary function of a guardrail is to prevent falls from the […]
Stair Safety At Home – Do I Need a Handrail For 3 Steps? Brief Summary Yes, in most cases, you will need a handrail for a set of stairs with 3 steps. Building codes typically require handrails when there are two or more risers. A riser is the vertical part of a step, so three […]
What’s the Difference Between a Handrail and a Guard Rail? While both contribute to safety on stairs and elevated platforms, handrails and guardrails serve distinct purposes and often have different design specifications. Understanding these differences is crucial for ensuring proper safety measures are in place and adhering to building codes. Summary Handrails primarily provide support […]
Guardrail vs. Handrail: Understanding the Difference What is the difference between a guardrail and a handrail? While both guardrails and handrails are safety features often found on staircases and elevated platforms, their primary purposes and design specifications differ. Guardrails serve as protective barriers to prevent falls from heights, acting as a crucial safety component in […]
What is a Stair Guardrail System? A stair guardrail is a protective barrier system designed to prevent falls from stairways and landings. They are crucial safety features in both residential and commercial buildings, serving as a physical barrier to prevent accidental falls from elevated areas. While often used interchangeably with handrails, guardrails have a distinct […]
How to Build a Deck Railing on an Existing Deck: A Step-by-Step Guide Building a deck railing on an existing deck involves careful planning, accurate measurements, and adherence to local building codes. The general process includes measuring and marking post locations, attaching posts to the deck frame, installing top and bottom rails, and adding balusters […]