There are many things to consider when you choose the best railing, including the material, finish, infill, handrail profile, and railing post. The type of railing post you choose can enhance the overall design and aesthetic of the railing system. Posts come in different materials and profiles and have different cap styles to give each railing system its own style.
Let’s take a look at these 8 types of railing posts to give you inspiration for your next project.
1. Go Totally Tubular
The round tubular posts of the CIRCATM Cable Railing System features a tapered top that connects to the top rail. The posts support the cable railing infill which is mounted via fixed point holders. In this design, the tubular posts mirror the round handrail profile and enhance the soft curve of the railing.
2. Create Warmth with Wood
Wood adds natural warmth to a space, and the Shawnee Mission Birth Center took advantage of this quality with our FINTM Glass Railing System featuring slender wood posts that pair beautifully with the glass infill and wood top rail. Our wood posts are available in red oak, cherry, or maple.
3. Depart from the Traditional with Cubes
To create a structured look, the CUBETM Metal Railing System features cube-shaped railing posts with either a round top cap or a U-channel top cap. This style of post pairs well with rectangular top railings but looks equally as elegant with a round profile.
4. Mix Materials for a Custom Look
The railing system at the Toyota U.S. Headquarters features a mix of materials to create a multi-faceted aesthetic. The SHOETM Glass Railing System doesn’t use posts, but instead uses a shoe mounting system where the glass panels are inset into the base. To add the proper amount of support and safety, the design also features a FSRTM Free Standing Rail System with stainless steel posts and a wooden handrail.
5. Support Where You Need It
Our FSRTM Free Standing Rail System offers lots of flexibility when it comes to configuration and placement. The round tubular posts can be core mounted, top flange, mounted, welded to steel, or welded to concrete embed. At the Jesuit Natatorium, the system offers support for people waking up the steps to get to their seats and has minimal visual obstruction.
6. Add Structure and Support
While some of our glass systems are mounted without posts, the CIRCA Glass Railing System uses round tubular posts to mount the infill between them via fixed point holders. The tapered top of the post meets the round top rail to form an eye-catching design. This mounting system gives the handrail a structured look without blocking the view from behind the railing.
7. Narrow Your Options
The SOLOTM Glass Railing System offers a departure from traditional round posts and offers a streamlined look with narrow fin-like posts. These posts can be top, fascia, or core mounted and support the glass infill that allows for an optimal line of sight. This type of railing post is perfect for minimal and modern designs.
8. The No-Post Look
If you’re looking for a “no-post” look, the STRUCTM Metal Panel Railing System offers stunning metal panels with CNC laser cut panels that are fixed together to eliminate the need for posts. The visual impact of these panels is made possible by the preconfigured or custom patterns and the option to choose between aluminum or steel and anodized or powder coated finishes.
Guide the Design with the Right Type of Railing Post
The days of standard, sterile handrails are gone. At VIVA Railings, we seek to give you the ultimate customization experience, down to the type of posts you choose. You can go traditional with round tubular posts, give it more edge with cube posts, or lean minimal with narrow posts. You can even choose a system that forgoes posts altogether in favor of a shoe mounting system.
Contact an expert at VIVA Railings today to discuss our range of post options and decide which will best fit your vision and design.
