A Guide to Commercial Railing Systems and Materials

Commercial handrails and railings are essential for the safety and comfort of those that use the commercial space. Handrails are a functional design feature that must meet local building codes, but it doesn’t mean they can’t be a design element in their own right. Today’s commercial railing and handrail systems provide modern style in addition to the safety that’s expected from them.

Commercial Handrail Materials

Commercial projects can incorporate a number of different commercial handrail systems along with commercial guardrails that enhance the aesthetic and use modern materials. Glass and metal provide for an endless range of styles in commercial handrail design.

Glass Railing Systems

Glass commercial hand railings allow for unobstructed views while enhancing safety in a space. They can be used as guards provided they meet the local code requirements and where a commercial handrail is needed, it can be integrated seamlessly into the design or stand out for better visibility and style.

VIVA Railings glass commercial railings are prefabricated, but they also offer a variety of options to fully customize the design. Each handrail system may offer a choice of colored, tinted, frosted, or stain etched glass infill, stainless steel or wood handrails and top rails, LED lights for added safety, and powder coating for stainless steel elements.

BLADE® Glass Railing System

This design uses the BLADE® Glass Railing System with tinted glass infill panels and wood handrail to complement the wood stair treads and provide a muted view of the staircase as it climbs to the second floor. The system is also used as a guard for the upper landings.

CIRCA® Glass Railing System

The CIRCA® Glass Railing System provides safety on an upper walkway while maintaining a clean, contemporary look. Its slim stainless steel posts support clear or tinted glass panels that preserve open sightlines, making it ideal for entertainment venues, retail environments, offices, and hospitality spaces. The system balances structural performance with refined design, helping architects create secure elevated walkways without sacrificing visibility or natural light.

SHOE™ Glass Railing System

The SHOE™ Glass Railing System offers a cost-effective solution for commercial spaces that need modern glass railings without complex installation requirements. Its aluminum shoe base provides a sturdy foundation for glass panels, giving designers the flexibility to use clear, tinted, or frosted glass that enhances light flow and visual openness. This system works especially well in high-traffic corridors, lobbies, and mezzanines, delivering the safety and durability expected in commercial installations while keeping material and labor costs manageable.

SOLO™ Glass Railing System

The SOLO™ Glass Railing System is designed to let natural light shine through while providing reliable safety and visual continuity. Its lightly tinted glass panels reduce glare and soften sunlight, making it a great choice for spaces with expansive windows or bright interiors. The minimalist design pairs easily with both modern and traditional architectural elements, and the system can be customized with different glass tints and handrail options to match the project’s style. SOLO’s blend of function and refined aesthetics makes it well suited for lobbies, galleries, offices, and other commercial environments seeking an open, luminous feel.

FIN™ Glass Railing System

The FIN™ Glass Railing System combines versatile performance with sleek, contemporary design. Its robust glass panels and minimal supporting elements make it ideal for stairways, landings, and open walkways in commercial environments. The system’s clean lines help maintain visual flow and open sightlines without distracting from surrounding architecture or interior features. FIN’s adaptability allows it to turn corners, follow changes in elevation, and integrate smoothly with various handrail finishes, giving designers flexibility without compromising on safety or durability. This makes it a fitting choice for offices, public buildings, retail spaces, and hospitality projects where both aesthetics and code-compliant performance matter.

WINDWALL™ Glass Screen System

The WINDWALL™ Glass Screen System is engineered to provide protection in exposed outdoor environments without blocking views. Designed to withstand wind loads while maintaining a sleek, transparent appearance, it enhances rooftop terraces, balconies, and elevated decks. Custom engineering allows the system to meet project specific structural requirements while preserving a light, modern aesthetic. WINDWALL delivers both comfort and safety, helping create outdoor commercial spaces that feel open, secure, and visually striking.

Metal Railing Systems

VIVA’s commercial metal railing systems capture a modern industrial feel with countless options for customization. Commercial metal railings feature the choice of stainless steel or wood top rails and handrails and the option of perforated metal or cable wire infills. Stainless steel elements can be powder coated to achieve a custom color look that fits with the overall aesthetic.

BLADE® Perf Metal Panel Railing System

The BLADE® Perf Metal Panel Railing System offers the choice of rounded, slotted, or square perforations within a solid metal frame. This installation uses powder coated posts and a wood top rail for a customized look. The perforated infill adds visual texture while still allowing airflow and partial visibility, making it a practical option for both interior and exterior commercial applications. Its durable construction and customizable finishes make it well suited for high traffic environments that require both strength and design flexibility.

CIRCA® Cable Railing System

The simple yet stunning CIRCA® Cable Railing System features a low maintenance stainless steel cable infill that is perfectly suited for a long stretch of stairway. The slim cable profile maintains open sightlines while delivering the strength required for commercial applications. Its clean lines and durable stainless steel components make it a reliable choice for interior and exterior spaces that call for a modern, streamlined look.

CUBE™ Cable Metal Railing System

The CUBE Metal Railing System features monolithic pyramid top caps and continuous clean lines for a high visibility infill that works great in outdoor applications. Its bold geometric detailing adds architectural interest while maintaining open sightlines. Designed for strength and durability, the system performs well in commercial environments that demand both structural reliability and a contemporary aesthetic.

FOLD™ Metal Panel Railing System

With 60 CNC laser cut pattern options, the FOLD™ Metal Panel Railing System can achieve nearly anything you can imagine and it can be finished with anodized or powder coating for even more customization options. The precision cut panels add depth and visual interest while still providing the strength required for commercial settings. This system is ideal for projects that want to make a bold design statement without compromising durability or code compliance.

STRUC™ Metal Panel Railing System

The STRUC Metal Panel Railing System offers 61 CNC laser cut patterns. You can choose from a pre-configured pattern or create a custom design to fully customize your project. Its structured panel design provides both visual impact and dependable performance in commercial environments. With durable finishes and precision fabrication, STRUC is well suited for projects that require a balance of creativity, strength, and long term reliability.

TEE™ Cable Metal Railing System

The structural “T” posts that create the TEE™ Cable Metal Railing System offer strong post stability and make it an ideal solution for high traffic areas. The stainless steel cable infill maintains open views while delivering dependable performance in demanding commercial settings. Its clean, linear appearance pairs well with modern architecture and works effectively in both interior and exterior applications.

FRAME™ Metal Panel Railing System

The wide frame of the FRAME Metal Panel Railing System allows the supporting base to nearly disappear, which creates the illusion that the metal panels are floating above the walkway. Its bold perimeter framing adds definition and architectural structure while keeping the overall look streamlined. Designed for strength and durability, FRAME performs well in commercial environments that require a balance of visual impact and long term performance.

Commercial Handrails and Railing Code Compliance

Commercial handrails follow local building codes that are largely modeled on the International Building Code (IBC) commercial handrail code. The following is a partial list of commercial handrail requirements:

• Handrails are required on both sides of most stairways and on ramps with a rise greater than 6”. 
• The handrail must be continuous for the run of the stairs or ramp.
• Handrails must be between 34” and 38” as measured from the stair nosing or walking surface of the ramp or walkway.
• Handrails cannot rotate within their fittings.
• Clearance between the handrail and adjacent surface must be at least 1 ½” and free of sharp or abrasive elements.
• Extensions of at least 12” beyond the top stair riser and for the depth of one tread beyond the bottom rise are required.
• A handrail extension must return to itself, a wall, guard, or walking surface or be continuous to another handrail run. 

Glass handrails come with additional requirements, including, but not limited, to:

• The use of laminated glass constructed of fully tempered or heat-strengthened glass.
• Minimum thickness of ¼”
• Installed with a top rail or handrail supported by at least three glass balusters or supports that allow the handrails to remain in place if one glass baluster fails.

Elevated walking surfaces, including aisles, stairs, ramps, and landings more than 30” above the floor are required to have guards that measure at least 42” high, measured vertically from the walking surface. 

In addition to local building codes, commercial handrails must also adhere to the ADA standards for accessibility as the minimum accessibility standard.

Infill Options

Within metal railings systems, there are a number of infill options that allow you to customize the railing to meet the design specs. These include:

• Cable railings
• Glass
• Perforated metal panels
• Laser cut panels
• Post laser cut panels
• Picket panels
• Multiline
• Wire mesh
• CableNet

Finish Options

Commercial metal railings and glass railing systems offer a range of finishing options to fit the design. Finish options include:

• Stainless steel satin
• Stainless steel mirror
• Powder coated finish 
• PVDF finish
• CeraShield

Whether you choose a commercial aluminum railing or stainless steel railing, these options allow you to customize the look to meet the needs of the space.  

Performance Expectations and Architectural Trends

Commercial spaces are often high traffic areas, so the materials chosen must be able to stand up to constant use and the wear and tear that comes with it. Choosing high-quality railing materials, like stainless steel, aluminum, and glass, help to create an environment that can stand the test of time.

Modern architectural trends are focused on the use of high-quality materials to create adaptable human-centric spaces. There is also a focus on materials that are low-maintenance such as antimicrobial metals to reduce upkeep while looking great. This fits in perfectly with railing design trends that lean towards sustainability, low-maintenance materials, and modern aesthetics. 

Explore VIVA Railings’ Extensive Range of Commercial Railing and Handrail Options

The days of boring, standard commercial railings and handrails are long gone, and VIVA’s extensive range of commercial glass, perforated metal, and cable metal railings systems are all the proof you need!

Contact the experts at VIVA today to discover our wide selection of products and customization options.