What determines the height of the railing of the home stairs. The standard height of the railing for stairs, handrails and railings in a private house - GOST standard What should be the height of railings

Have you ever noticed that while climbing or descending stairs, out of habit, we try to grab our hands on the railing. On a subconscious level, we feel more secure when we hold on to a handrail. Therefore, it is important to follow all the rules for installing railings, they must be of the correct height and have the correct design.

Some novice craftsmen who design flights of stairs do not think about it, but in vain. In this article, we will reveal all the important points that you need to pay attention to when planning a railing, as well as consider the types of stair railings. Remember: the most important thing is to lay down the initially correct dimensions of the railing at the planning stage.

Requirements for various elements of the stairs

The design of the stair railing

Starting to design a staircase, it is important to take into account not only aspects such as design and usability, but also regulatory documents that establish standards for different types of stairs.

The design of the railing is described by:

SNiP IV–14–84, sec. "Stair structures" and "Stairs of residential buildings";
GOST 23120-78, "Stairs, marching platforms and steel railings".

There are cases when specialists rely on other norms, but for now we will limit ourselves to this basic list. Of course, this applies to those who renovate or build a house for themselves. If the work is done to order, in this case you will have to coordinate the dimensions of all elements with the customer and with the relevant authorities.

So, what is said in the regulatory documents about the fences of steps?

The first thing to know is that your staircase must have railings if it is has more than 3 steps. By the way, this requirement does not apply to external capital structures within the same household. Although, even in this case, it is worth installing at least parapets on the sides that will not let you fall.

The installation of railings also depends on the size of the flight of stairs. If the width of the march is not more than 125 cm, then it will be enough for you to install one handrail, but this is only if the span, on the other hand, is limited by a main partition or wall.

For spans with a width of 125 to 250 cm, it is imperative to install a railing on the sides of the stairs. If the march is even wider, then experts recommend placing an additional handrail in the center.

If we are talking about curved stairs, then they have railings mounted on both sides. But screw structures are usually fenced on only one side, and all because the second stair edge is attached to the axial column.

Fences and railings can be made in a variety of designs:

The safest are solid, which are prefabricated or monolithic panels that are installed on the sides of the flight of stairs. As a rule, these protections are applied in public buildings. In private buildings, a monolithic barrier is rare, only when building an external stepped lift.
The most common designs are lattice. These are handrails that are mounted on supporting vertical poles. The space between the supporting posts can be filled with vertical balusters or inclined rods. Such elements not only serve as support for the handrail, but also as fall protection.
Combined handrails - they combine some of the features of the two above types. Here, the handrails are fixed to the posts, and panels made of glass, plastic, wood, metal, etc. are mounted between them.

Guardrail height

The height of the stair railings is one of the most important parameters and you definitely need to adhere to the dimensions according to GOST. If violated, you may not only fine, but it will be simply inconvenient for you to go down or climb stairs with very low railings. Add to this the risk of falling from a height. Let's look at the requirements that are put forward to the railing in the current regulatory documents:

The railing of a wooden staircase in a residential building should not be lower than 90 cm.
The size of the fence of the landing and the platform for entering the stairs leading to the attic should not be less than 90 cm.
The height of the railings on the outer stairs should not be less than 120 cm.
In rooms where children are constantly present, for example, in educational institutions, the railing should not be lower than 118 cm.

In addition to railings, you can also install wall handrails, which are designed to facilitate movement on the stairs. They are also must be installed according to the rules:

The height of the wall handrail must be equal to the height of the handrail on the free edge of the stairs.
The distance from the wall to the handrail should not be less than 4 cm. The standard design provides a setback of 7.5 cm from the center of the handrail bar.

If you are building a house for yourself, and there are children in your house, then you can install an additional handrail on the existing railing a little lower than the main one. At what height you install an additional handrail, the height of the railing and the height of the stair railings depends on how old the child is.

Other elements

Not only the dimensions of handrails and railings are defined by standards.

The maximum slope is 1:1.25. In some situations, it is allowed to build staircases at an angle of 20 to 450 inside the building.

Within the same span, the steps must be made in the same size. The offset can be up to +/- 5 mm horizontally and vertically. This rule does not apply to the first stage, because. it can be partially recessed into the floor covering.

There should not be more than 18 steps in one march.

The dimensions of the steps are also very strictly defined:

step height from 125 to 210 mm;
width from 210 to 355 mm.

If the staircase is made in a curved shape, then in the narrowest part of the step should not be less than 15cm wide, and in the center - at least 20 cm.

The platforms between marches should not be narrower than the stairs adjacent to them.

Methods for manufacturing different types of fences

Wooden

Wooden railings are the easiest to manufacture, they are assembled from 3 basic elements:

supporting pillars (pedestals);
handrails;
balusters.

For the manufacture of hardwood and coniferous wood is used. Perfect fit oak, cedar, and larch. Birch, alder, birch and pine will become more affordable. You can make wooden railings with your own hands only if you have a woodworking machine. And even in this case, the whole process will take you a lot of time. An interesting fact: the well-known expression "to sharpen balusters" refers to the process of working on balusters on a lathe. The phrase itself hints to you that the work is tedious and lengthy.

Blanks should always be treated with an antiseptic, and then varnished. In some cases, it is allowed to varnish after mounting the railing. By the way, the installation of wooden railings is carried out upon completion of the installation of other elements of the staircase structure.

metal

metal fences are durable and reliable. However, they are expensive and difficult to manufacture. If you are limited in budget or time, then this can serve as an obstacle for you.

A profile pipe is used as a material, because. metal railings from a profile pipe are most often installed on external staircases.

The staircase can also be made of metal, or it can be made of brick, concrete or stone. If your staircase is made of stone or brick, then in this case it is important to think about installing metal embedded plates in the places where the handrail is attached.

Prefabricated with glass filling

Today, glass is used very often in interior design. That is why no one is surprised to see glass panel railings.

In order to make such a fence, you need to order panels made of heat-resistant glass or triplex. Ordinary glass, even very dense, should not be used, because. the fence will be fragile and unreliable.

Conclusion

When designing and building internal staircase structures, do not lose sight of a single detail, check each step with regulatory documents. This applies to such parameters as the height of the railings on the stairs, the dimensions of the steps, the design of the railing. Remember that fulfilling the requirements of GOSTs and SNiPs will not lead you to a staircase that brings you comfort, but also to the safety of your entire family.

Railings should be not only beautiful, but also as comfortable as possible.

Sometimes, looking at a steep staircase, one gets the impression that if it were not for the railing, climbing it would be impossible. Many magazines advertising incredible interiors show staircases of the most bizarre shapes, where, at first glance, one cannot be sure of either functionality or safety. But this is an erroneous idea, since in the staircase design all the details are clearly calculated, in compliance with the basic requirements of state standards that can ensure safe operation for life. An important element of the stairs, regardless of its purpose and size, are railings, the height of which plays a big role.

Railings - the basis of a safe staircase

Railings located along the edge of the stairs are called railings. They ensure the safety of movement, they are a kind of handrails that help when descending or climbing stairs. The height of the railing is important for safety and comfortable ascent / descent, and if it is selected incorrectly, functionality is lost.

A great example of how visual appeal is combined with convenience and safety

Handrails, racks (or balusters), handrails, fasteners, balustered slats - all of these parts consist of stair railings. It is important that the components are made of high quality material, and the assembly is perfectly accurate. The main purpose of the railing is the safety of climbing and descending the stairs. But not all staircases need double railing. For example, on narrow stairs, the width of the steps is not more than 125 cm, they are installed only on one side. On wide steps, where simultaneous descent and ascent is possible, it is advisable to install fences on both sides.

Staircase with railing on one side

Staircase with double-sided railing installation

Sometimes double-sided installation of railings is used for decorative purposes.

If the staircase is gentle and consists of no more than five steps, then there is no need to install a railing. Although the state standard GOST 23120-78, "Stairs, marching platforms and steel fences," says something else. What exactly - we will consider in the next section.

In this case, the staircase has more than 5 steps and is not equipped with a railing, which indicates a violation of GOST

Here, the number of steps allows you to not install fences.

Requirements according to GOST

According to the letter of the law, stair railings must be designed only in accordance with generally accepted standards. Otherwise, the owner of the structure may have problems, especially when it comes to public places.

When are railings installed?

In order to avoid problems with supervisory authorities in the field of construction, when designing staircase structures, it is imperative to comply with the requirements of current legislation. GOST 23120–78 states that any ladder structure, the height of which is more than three steps, must have a side rail. But there is a small caveat, this requirement does not apply to external capital structures (meaning the porch of the building), although in this case parapets are installed on both sides.

In this case, the railing plays, rather, a purely decorative role.

Regulatory documents state that the need to install a railing depends on the size of the flight of stairs. If its width is not more than 125 cm, then fences are installed only on one side, but provided that there is a main partition or wall on the other side.

The presence of a main wall allows you not to install a second railing

Although, for convenience, a handrail is often mounted on the wall

Curvilinear stair structures are fenced with railings on both sides, and screw ones - only on one side, since the opposite edge of the step is attached to the axial block.

Purely visually, turning stairs only benefit from double-sided railings

Even single-sided handrails are sufficient to ensure safety on a spiral staircase

Important! Spiral staircases on bowstrings or stringers may not have an axial block, so they need railings on both sides.

Staircase on stringer with double-sided railing

Spiral staircase on bowstrings with double-sided railings

But such stairs are good only in the project. In fact, they are quite dangerous.

Officially recognized types of stair railings

Railings of increased reliability are enclosing structures that are made of monolithic or other prefabricated panels and are installed along the edges of flights of stairs. Most often, such structures are used in public places. The height of the stair railing is strictly regulated by regulatory documents.

Recently, I have been increasingly using solid glass railings, due to their excellent appearance and the same characteristics.

The most common are lattice, which are installed on vertical support pillars. The distance between them is filled with crossbars or inclined rods. This design serves as protection and supports the handrail.

An example of a simple and stylish railing found in many office buildings.

Railing Height Options

When designing a staircase, special attention must be paid to the height of the building envelope. GOST and SNiP recommends using the following parameters:

the height of the railing for sports stands must be at least 60 cm.

Railings in the stadium
The material affects the level of height
It is clear that enclosing structures cannot be made of fragile material, because they will not fully ensure the safety of movement on the stairs. The material for the railing is selected in accordance with the type of stairs, its dimensions and design features. The stronger the material, the wider the scope of its application. Wooden railings are relevant today. Environmental friendliness, natural texture, natural shades, and most importantly, sufficient strength and relatively low price are the main principles for choosing. Wood is a technological material that is malleable to processing. For example, artistically designed handmade porch railings will look very original and interesting.

Artistic carving allows you to create real masterpieces
But wood is not at all the type of railing material where an increased load is possible. If this is a porch, then the entire staircase structure must be treated with a special compound that will help withstand high humidity, the sun, wind and other weather conditions.

Wooden railings are not recommended for use in regions with a harsh climate.
Wood is a fairly durable material, but, of course, it is inferior to metal. Wooden railings are mainly made for stairs installed in private houses, public places, where the width and height of the stairs cannot pose a great danger to people. In this case, the height of the railing according to GOST should not be less than 90 cm.

Wood goes well with other materials such as glass

In addition, the malleability of wood allows you to create incredible compositions.
Stainless steel is a popular and modern material used in the manufacture of railings for stair structures of any purpose. It is durable, reliable, interesting in combination with other elements. The surface of the metal can be either glossy or matte. The assembly takes place by welding the railings and crossbeams into a single whole, followed by polishing the seam. The most common type of stainless metal fencing is vertical balusters, between which tempered glass, PVC or polycarbonate inserts are fixed. Stainless steel railings are more of an office material, so the height is determined by the standards set for the use of ladders in public areas.

The combination of stainless steel and glass has become perhaps the most popular

Often stainless steel railings have a fairly simple design.

But there are curly options
Forged railing parts are often used for outdoor structures, that is, for the porch. They give a feeling of airiness, sophistication, sophistication and strength at the same time. Forging allows you to organically fit into a wide variety of design staircases. Needless to say, this is the most durable of the possible materials for the manufacture of enclosing structures for the porch of various types of buildings.

Wrought iron railings can be quite simple

And they can become the main decoration of the whole structure.
Advice! The material for the railing should also be chosen based on the style of the interior. For example, forged railings are more suitable for baroque, while stainless steel and glass elements fit better in high-tech.

Vinyl railings made of PVC are a kind of know-how of our time. Ready-made railings are sold as a set, so all you have to do is choose the type of ladder you need and the railing size will be adjusted to the standard. PVC stair railings are strong enough because they have an internal frame made of galvanized iron. A layer of plastic allows you to protect the structure from corrosion, is insensitive to the effects of aggressive environments, chemicals and other things. The biggest plus is the fact that their advantage among their peers is the variety of colors that are resistant to fading, as well as the ability to imitate any material.

Vinyl railings are very practical, but you can't call them luxurious A variety of metal handrails and their installation

Railings are railings along the edges of the stairs that are installed for safe movement along it. The height of the stair railing is a very important indicator, and it must be taken into account when designing. Such structures can be used not only to protect steps, but also in the construction of balconies, terraces, etc.

In addition, the railing of the stairs can act as handrails and help when climbing or descending stairs. Their length should be commensurate with the length of the steps.

What are railings made of?

In order to properly assemble the stairs, you need to know well all the elements that are necessary for construction. In addition to steps, there are many more components. Railings, for example, consist of:

racks (in other words - balusters);
handrails;
handrail;
underbalusters;
fasteners.

When choosing materials for the construction, one should not forget about the main function of the railing - protective. This means that they must be of high quality. Particular attention should be paid to the railings on the balcony, because their instability may well cost lives. Falling from several steps is one thing, but from a height of at least the 2nd floor is quite another. Therefore, maximum measures must be taken.

How many fences do you need

For narrow stairs, the width of which is not more than 125 cm, the railing is usually installed on one side only. For wider steps, it is better to put a railing on both sides, so you can pass up and down at the same time.

Another option is to install an additional handrail along the center of the stairs so that traffic flows are separated. This method will be functional on stairs with high traffic of people.

Which stairs need railings

Do not forget that any staircase that is not equipped with a railing is dangerous to operate. However, in some cases, you can do without them. So, length is very important, and handrails are usually neglected when building short stairs (less than 5 steps).

For fencing higher structures, it is recommended to make stable supports that will not allow them to fall from the structure. In addition, it is very important to calculate their height.

Railing height

In any residential premises, the height of the railing should be at least 90 cm. At the same time, the distance from the wall to the railing should be at least 40 cm. On the landing, the height of the fence should also be 90 cm.

Note:

Such parameters do not exist by chance, because it is this size that is ideal for the growth of an average person.

How to be with children? For them, they often put additional railings about 65 cm high.

Supports on the terrace

Of course, various decorative features in the design of the porch or the original design of the railing can make adjustments to their height. However, it is highly undesirable to violate the values recommended by the builders.

The main reasons why you should consider the advice of experts:

If the railing is lower than recommended, then it will be inconvenient to use and dangerous.
If the railing is higher than recommended, then it will be less comfortable, but safer.

Compliance with the State Standard

According to GOST 25772-83, the presence of handrails on the stairs of public buildings and residential buildings is a prerequisite. The height is also specified, and in order to comply with the standard, it must be equal to or greater than 900 mm.

Railings for balconies are regulated by GOST as follows:

In preschool institutions, they must be at least 1200 mm.
On smoke-free staircases - at least 1200 mm.
In buildings whose height is up to 30 m - 1000 mm.
In buildings with a height of more than 30 m - 1100 mm.

Among other requirements of the standard, it can be found that sharp protrusions are not allowed on fence elements. Railings must also be fire resistant, for this you should use stainless steel or glass. The step length is built from taking into account the set

All handrails must be smooth, that is, without burrs. And the joints should be well fitted. The posts should be installed with the greatest possible rigidity, because the reliability of the fence depends on this.

So, we talked about how important it is to install strong railings for stairs, terraces, on the balcony and how to calculate their height. Did you learn something new from our article? What advice was the most helpful? We will be grateful if you share your personal experience in making stair railings or how you yourself tried to calculate their height!

6137 10/06/2019 6 min.

If a private house has two or more floors, there will definitely be a question about the need for stairs between these floors. The requirements for the staircase design come down to two main points: mandatory security for all family members and external presentability and compliance with the style of the house. We will talk about the first point - security in the article. When going up and down stairs, the possibility of injury must be excluded, and the main role in protecting against bodily harm is played by the railing. They must be high enough (therefore, height is taken into account as one of the first factors) to suit all households, strong and reliable to withstand many years of operation without failure. In the article, we will take a closer look at the issue of the railing on the stairs in a private house: we will find out what size they should be and how to calculate this size correctly.

Standards according to GOST railings for stairs in private homes

The dimensions of the railings in private houses, although they are not regulated by GOSTs, however, it does not hurt to listen to generally accepted standards: they are designed taking into account many factors that an ordinary person does not even suspect. Let's find out what the state standards say about the railings on the stairs in private houses.

The fixed height of the railing in a residential building.

First, the rules adopted at the state level state that any staircase with more than three steps must have side rails. This rule does not affect external staircases made thoroughly: in this case, they often manage with a low parapet on one side, or even without it at all.

Read also about how the spiral staircase is calculated.

If the flight of stairs has a width of no more than 125 cm, then one handrail can also be installed, but only if on the other side there is a wall or a reliable capital structure-partition.

If the march has a width of 125 to 250 cm, it requires the mandatory presence of railings on both sides. If the width of the march is even more impressive, experts recommend dividing it in the middle with another additional handrail.

If the staircase is not straight, but curved, it should also have handrails on both sides. And the screw structure is supplied with one handrail, but only because the second edge of the steps goes to the axial column and is attached to it.

You may also be interested in information about convenient.

Set the height of the railings in the house, guided by common sense, and not forgetting about GOSTs. Compliance with these established regulations will ensure safe stair climbing, and you will not be at fault if an accident occurs.

Design

We will find out which device of the railing on the stairs in private houses is considered the most preferable.

A solid staircase railing is the most reliable and capital option that provides complete safety. However, such railings are not used in private houses: this option is intended more for stairs located in public buildings. In private construction, a solid version of the railing can be used to enclose an external staircase, and have a purely symbolic height.

You probably also want to know about metal stair railings, which you can read about.

Latticed railings are the most common option. Outwardly, they are vertical columns - of any shape, design, and made of different materials.

In addition, you may need existing .

Combined railing - a combination of the two above types. Handrails here are usually attached to posts, between which solid panels of glass, plastic, wood or metal are installed.

Dimensions

We will find out what are the standard sizes of the railings on the stairs in a private house.

State standards place special emphasis on the height of the railing - as their most important indicator. If the fences are too low, it is unsafe and inconvenient, but if they are too high, it will again be inconvenient, and not very aesthetically pleasing.

How to attach balusters to steps and railings is described in detail.

Size Requirements

The minimum height of this most important element of the stairs must be at least 90 cm. The same applies not only to the internal staircase, but also to the structure that opens onto the attic or attic. This parameter (90 cm) was not dreamed of by the compilers of regulations and state standards: it clearly corresponds to the growth of an average person (namely, the segment between the end of a freely hanging arm and the floor).

It is impossible to underestimate the established 90 cm of the height of the handrails, but it is possible to make it higher. For example, high handrails are mandatory for those houses where people with mental disabilities live.

Important parameters of the home stairs.

An external staircase in a private house must have a railing height of at least 120 cm. At the same time, all railings should be on the same level: this facilitates ease of movement, and looks harmonious.

There must be at least 40 cm of free distance from the handrail to the wall.

He will tell you how to make a spiral staircase.

If there are small children, then it is advisable to install an additional handrail for them, running parallel to the main one, but having a lower height. This will greatly facilitate the movement of the kids up the stairs, save them from possible falls and bruises. The optimal railing height for children is 65 cm.

For safe movement on the stairs, not only the height, but also the angle of the railing is important. This angle should be between 20 and 45 degrees, and should not go beyond the marked limits.

It is possible that information about valid .

Other important requirements

In addition to the height of the railing, it is important to take into account some other nuances, which are also very important. Let's talk more about them.

The load on the railing should be no more than 30 kg per meter.
The thickness of the handrail must be at least 5 cm in cross section.
There should be at least 5-7 cm of free distance from the handrail to the wall.
If the flight of stairs is straight, it must be provided with handrails on both sides. But if the staircase is less than 80 cm wide, the rule may not be observed.
If a person with disabilities lives in the house, then the height of the handrails can be adapted to him: this is quite acceptable, and even necessary.

Structure: balusters, handrails, planks

Find out what elements railings are made of. This information will make it easier to cope with the finishing work at home, and provide the stairs with reliable and strong protection elements.

Standard railings consist of:

balusters (or - racks);
handrails, to which handrails are also attached;
underbalusters;
and, of course, the fasteners that connect all of the above elements.

In addition, it will help to choose the option of a two-flight staircase.

materials

When choosing a railing material, think first of all not about style and external effect, but about the safety of those living in the house. Therefore, if the question is - beauty or reliable protection, it is better to still choose the latter option. And ideally - to combine them. From what materials stair railings and railings can be made, we will find out.

First of all, it must be said that, according to fire safety requirements, the railing of the stairs should not ignite easily: after all, the stairs are one of the main escape routes. In order for, say, wooden railings to have such a property, they are treated with special compounds that ensure incombustibility.

Usually, the following types of materials are used for the manufacture of railings for the stairs of a private house:

tree (most often);
metal;
plastic;
glass;
concrete;
combination of different materials.

You will learn in detail about how steps for stairs made of porcelain stoneware look like.

If the style of the house is maintained in a classic or fashionable now ecological style, wooden railings will fit into the interior in the best possible way.

From metal, openwork forged railings are obtained, suitable for sophisticated interiors. Very often, metal railings are attached to spiral staircases. Metal protective elements, forged with a fancy pattern, create the impression of weightlessness and lightness, and expand the space.

The chosen metal should not rust, so stainless steel is the most preferred option: both durable and corrosion-free.

Glass railings are best for those homes where there are no small children. Transparent material is not safe for kids, who, having played too much, may not notice the fence at all. But if there are no small children in the house, you can install stylish fences made of tempered, reinforced or laminated glass, which has increased strength.

A few additional tips for a more competent approach to arranging stairs in a private house.

Between the pillars (balusters) of the railing, it is very important to maintain the correct distance: it should not be more than 1-1.2 m. Compliance with this rule prevents babies from falling down the stairs, and in general increases the overall safety of the structure.

All handrails that family members and guests will hold onto must be well polished: they must not have roughness, protruding pieces of material, or other dangerous defects.

Vertical posts should be attached to the steps as rigidly as possible. This will ensure the reliability of the entire structure, and the safety of movement of people.

Video about installing railings for stairs

On the video - installing the railing for the stairs:

We examined the design features of the railing on the stairs in a private house. As you can see, there are certain requirements for these important protective elements that are best observed in order to ensure the safety of your household. Guided by our advice, you will accurately set the required railing height, suitable for your home.

April 7, 2014

When designing a staircase for a public space, an apartment building or an individual house, you should be guided not only by your taste preferences, but also by the requirements of various state standards and building codes and standards. First of all, this is necessary for reasons of your own safety. In addition, compliance with certain criteria is necessary for the object to be accepted by representatives of the fire, sanitary and hygienic and other services. Regardless of the purpose of the building, the height of the fences and railings is set based on our biomechanics.

Recommendations for the height of fences for objects of various purposes

Fencing and, in particular, the height of railings for apartment buildings are devoted to several sections of SNiP 31-01-2003. Since flights of stairs pose a potential hazard, they must be equipped with a railing at least 1.2 meters high. The balusters supporting them must be continuous - for this they are fixed to each other by horizontal connecting elements.

Any outdoor areas are also equipped with railings. This applies to sports fields, operated roofs, external transitional balconies and other areas. The height of the fences in this case is not less than 0.9 meters. If children have access to them - at least 1.2 meters.

Special requirements are put forward for the height of the railings in children's institutions - at least 1.18 meters. The value is taken as the distance from the lower point of the step plane. It is also recommended to install double railings with a height of 0.6 meters.

When choosing a staircase for a private house, one should be guided by the recommendations of SNiP 31-02. The height of the railing in this case should not be less than 0.9 meters. In addition, the design of the fence should not have openings already 100 millimeters. This requirement is based on the need to run a fire hose between flights in the event of an emergency.

These standards are advisory in nature. However, they should not be neglected for the sake of the design of the stairs or for other reasons. By following all the instructions, you will protect yourself and your loved ones from possible injuries as much as possible. Moreover, compliance with the described rules will in no way increase the cost of the structure. The cost of a high-quality and safe staircase is comparable to the price of a glass partition in the middle segment.