Crafting Impressions: Railing Design Trends Transforming Commercial Buildings

Commercial buildings typically serve many people throughout the day. In order to do this safely, they are required to meet certain building code requirements and ADA standards for function, safety, and accessibility to ensure that anyone who needs to use the space can do so safely, regardless of age or ability level.

In addition to safety standards, today’s designs are held up to high standards when it comes to aesthetics. This blend of aesthetics and function means that buildings can’t incorporate just any commercial handrail design. They need the best railing designs for commercial buildings. Regardless of whether you’re designing a creative stair railing or an outdoor stair railing, the railing system needs to be durable, aesthetically pleasing, meet building codes and ADA standards, and fit into the actual space available.

Glass Railing Systems

VIVA Railings glass railing systems offer a range of benefits for both safety and visibility. Glass panels create the necessary barricade to ensure people can travel stairs, balconies, and walkways safely without obscuring the view of surrounding areas.

Customization Options

Depending on the system you choose, customization options include:

• Laminated SGP or PVB interlayer
• Fascia, top, or core mount
• ECM or powder coated finish
• Stainless steel tube or wood handrail
• 4 top rail profile options
• Illuminated railing
• Curved configuration
• Clear, tinted, satin etched, ceramic frit, or colored laminate infill

Pros of Glass Railing Systems

Glass railing systems allow for unparalleled visibility and achieve a modern aesthetic. They can pair with metal handrails for an ultra modern look or incorporate wood handrails to blend modern and traditional design elements. They can be used indoors or outdoors and are perfect for interior stairways and ramps as well as exterior pool decks and balconies.

Cons of Glass Railing Systems

Though glass railing systems are incredibly durable, they might appear to be thin. They can also show fingerprints more than other materials and may need to be cleaned more frequently as a result.

Wire Mesh Railing Systems

The wire mesh infill of VIVA wire mesh railing systems can be tightly woven or allow more space in between the weave. The interwoven wires are timeless, easy to maintain and can create a traditional look or a more modern look depending on the specific line.

Customization Options

Wire mesh railing systems come with a range of options that allow you to customize the system to your design specifications.

• 10 different weave options
• Fascia, top, or core mount
• ECM or powder coated finish
• Stainless steel tube or wood handrail
• 4 top rail profile options
• Illuminated railing
• Curved configuration

Pros of Wire Mesh Railing Systems

Wire mesh provides a highly durable, low maintenance, and safe infill for a stainless steel railing system. Its modern look is the ideal fit for a more industrial aesthetic, and paired with a metal handrail, it exudes modern beauty. They can also be paired with wood handrails for an interesting contrast and unexpected design element. The wire mesh is weather resistant and can be used in both interior and exterior applications.

Cons of Wire Mesh Railing Systems

The modern appearance of wire mesh railing systems may not work aesthetically with all design styles. This means that the design goals should be carefully considered before choosing a wire mesh system.

Cable Railing Systems

VIVA cable railing systems feature stainless steel cable infill that is low maintenance and durable. This high visibility system can include powder coated posts and either metal or wood handrails and top rails for a highly customized look that is especially popular in exterior applications, though cable railing systems can also be used indoors.

Customization Options

• Fascia, top, or core mount
• ECM or powder coated finish
• Stainless steel tube or wood handrail
• 4 top rail profile options
• Illuminated railing
• Curved configuration

Pros of Cable Railings

Cable railings create a beautiful modern aesthetic that complements both modern and traditional designs. It is a highly durable and low maintenance system which makes it perfect for exterior applications, but it can also be used indoors to provide the necessary safety and to meet building codes and ADA standards.

Cons of Cable Railings

While our railings meet all ADA standards and International Residential Building Code (IRBC) and International Building Code (IBC) standards, some municipalities may have stricter code requirements that don’t allow for horizontal cable railings. It’s best to check with your specific municipality’s building code before choosing these railings. Horizontal railings may also tempt people, especially small children, to climb them, so if this is a concern, it’s best to opt for another style.

Picket Panel Railing Systems

Our picket panel railing systems feature a uniquely designed picket infill that is ideal for contemporary and modern designs that require safety, but want to maintain visibility. It is ideal along walkways and on balconies with a pleasing view.

Customization Options

Picket panel railing systems offer a number of customization options that allow designers to create the ideal system for each specific application.

• Fascia, top, or core mount
• ECM or powder coated finish
• Stainless steel tube or wood handrail
• 4 top rail profile options
• Illuminated railing
• Curved configuration

Pros of Picket Panel Railing Systems

Picket panel railing systems are a versatile commercial stair railing design solution with streamlined vertical lines that fit well with a modern design aesthetic. The stainless steel infill pickets are low maintenance and durable enough to be used in both exterior and interior applications. The vertical pickets are also an ideal solution where the “ladder effect” — the idea that if something looks like a ladder, people will try to climb it — is a concern.

Cons of Picket Panel Railing Systems

Even where building code and ADA requirements are met, people, likely children, may still try to reach through the pickets and have the potential to become stuck, though this is unlikely.

Perforated and Laser Cut Metal Railing Systems

Laser cut and perforated metal panel railing systems are a unique and highly aesthetic option for a commercial railing design and are typically used in commercial spaces.

VIVA offers perforated metal panel systems and laser cut systems to provide as many options as possible. Laser cut panels are manufactured with CNC laser cut patterns that can be pre-configured or a custom design. Perforated metal panels feature a pattern that is punched into the sheet metal to create a pattern that is smooth on the inside of the railing. These can also be pre-configured or feature a custom design.

Customization Options

• 61 laser cut options and 6 perforated metal options
• Fascia, top, or core mount
• ECM or powder coated finish
• Stainless steel tube or wood handrail
• 4 top rail profile options
• Illuminated railing
• Curved configuration

Pros of Metal Panel Railing Systems

Metal panel railing systems, whether laser cut or perforated, can be pre-configured or customized to feature a brand or design specific pattern. Metal panel systems are effective in blocking UV light which can save on energy. They also reduce noise without completely obscuring the view. The system can be powder coated to customize it even further.

Cons of Metal Panel Railing Systems

This system doesn’t allow for an unobstructed view of surrounding areas. It also may create a more closed-in feel than other systems with a cable or glass infill.

VIVA - The Best Railing Designs for Commercial Buildings

Commercial buildings must meet the needs of all of their users as well as meet building codes and ADA standards for accessibility. That’s why the best commercial railing designs feature a blend of safety and aesthetics. VIVA Railings commercial railing designs offer many different infill and railing options as well as lots of opportunities for customization.

Contact the experts at VIVA today to discuss how our railing systems will fit with your commercial stair railing design!