As one of the most prominent structural features in your home, the way your staircase looks is important.
Your handrail and stair rails are just two of the key elements that make up a set of stairs, not just for decorative reasons, but for safety, too.
These two important parts often get confused though, and when renovating their staircases, many people believe that they're the same thing. But this couldn't be further from the truth.
In this post, our staircase specialists clarify the differences between handrails and stair rails, and why they're both vital when it comes to ensuring the safety of your apples and pears.
What are handrails?
A handrail is a rail designed to be held whilst walking up and down a staircase.
Mounted on walls or on top of balusters, handrails are typically found on one or both sides of staircases, running along the entire length and following all its angles and outlines, providing continuous stability and support, and preventing falls.
Handrails are available in an array of different materials, including various timbers and metals, so there's something to suit every interior. Be it cozy and traditional or more contemporary.
What are stair rails?
Also known as spindles or balusters, stair rails, act as a barrier to prevent people from falling off the side of the staircase.
Stair rails are a series of vertical posts that connect the hand and base rails, and whilst their primary function is to prevent falls – and potentially nasty injuries – they are an excellent opportunity to express your personal style.
From wood, metal and even glass, there are many different materials you can use to complete your apples and pears and create a striking design.
However, when designing stair rails, it's incredibly important to ensure that you're compliant with local building regulations , making sure to follow height and spacing requirements.
What are the differences between handrails and stair rails?
Knowing the differences between handrails and stair rails and understanding their unique purposes is incredibly important when designing a safe and functional staircase.
Luckily, there are several things to help set them apart, including:
- Positioning and installation – As we've mentioned, handrails run along the side of the staircase, offering support and guidance for your ascent/descent. Stair rails, on the other hand, outline the edge of your staircase; a decorative detail there not only to enhance aesthetics but also to stop you from falling off the side of the stairs.
- Functionality – Handrails provide a reliable grip for going up and down, whilst stair rails act as an additional layer of protection, preventing missteps from turning into more dramatic falls.
- Design and material options – Both handrails and stair rails offer an excellent opportunity for personal expression with your interior design. Whether you go for wrought iron for a rustic feel, or glass for an airy modern look, both these elements are guaranteed to add the perfect finishing touches to your staircase.
Design a safe, stylish staircase with Pear Stairs!
Here at Pear Stairs, we've been helping our clients design safe and functional, yet incredibly stylish, staircases for decades.
Whether you're installing a completely new staircase or just replacing odd parts, we'd be more than happy to help you with your renovation.
To find out more about designing a staircase with us, or for additional advice about handrails get in touch with our team by calling 01938 553 311 or email us at webenquiries@pearstairs.co.uk and we'll be in touch to answer your questions .
