Types of Stair Railings: A Complete Guide to Handrails and Materials

In commercial building design, there is a huge range of design styles and materials to choose from. This means that you need a handrail system that can complement the overall design of the space while providing the necessary support and code compliance required to provide safety for those traveling on the stairs or ramp. 

At VIVA Railings, we strive to offer a range of commercial building design ideas and inspiration to show you what’s possible while also encouraging you to put your own mark on the space. 

Handrail Materials

VIVA Railings handrails are available in a range of materials with customization options to ensure you get the best railing for your space. Whether you want to warm the space with wood or choose our standard SS satin finish or custom powder coating, we will work with you to find the perfect stair railing materials.

Wood

Wood handrails add a touch of nature and nostalgia to a design. Clients often choose to pair wood handrails with metal systems to create a juxtaposition between the traditional and modern. Our wood handrails are available in Red Oak, Cherry, or Maple.  

Stainless Steel 

Our stainless steel handrails offer a sleek and modern look when paired with our railing systems. Whether you choose a glass or metal railing system, a stainless steel handrail complements the design while offering the support necessary to meet all building code requirements.  

Powder Coated (Custom Option)

We offer a range of powder coat color options that include Standard Colors, Metallic Colors, and Primary Colors. This allows you to customize the look of the handrail to create different types of handrails that will meet your design needs. Powder coating is also available for our perforated metal panels, so you can create a handrail design that matches the color scheme and decor of your space. 

LED Lights

Our iRAILTM Lighted Rail Systems add illumination to the handrails to increase safety and security where you need it most. You can include iRAILTM illuminated railings to both indoor and outdoor applications, and we offer three lighted rail options — iRAILTM Linear and iRAILTM Pods — to achieve the types of stair railings you need. 

Profile Options

Many of our clients opt for a circular railing profile that complies with the building code and ADA Standards for Accessibility as seen at Publix #0621. Circular handrails provide an easily grippable surface to offer support as people move up and down the stairs or ramp.

For some designs, clients opt for a rectangular profile. For example, the staircase at the Savannah College of Art & Design Spring Street combines the STRUCTM Metal Panel Railing System with rectangular primary and intermediate handrails. The rectangular profile meets building code requirements for noncircular handrails to provide adequate and code compliant support for people using the stairs. 

You also have the option to combine different types of handrails for stairs as well as top rail profiles to create the ideal design. The exterior staircase at the PGA Headquarters uses a rectangular profile for the top rails on the stairs and balconies and a round handrail on the stairs.

Infill Options

VIVA Railings offers a range of infill options that meet code requirements for guards while enhancing the design with a variety of materials and styles.

Multiline

Multiline railings feature ½ inch stainless steel tubing tods that run the length of the railing system to create a continuous look. This system, as with all of our systems, can be curved to follow the design and layout of the space. 

Glass

Our glass railing infill provides unobstructed views, making them perfect for event centers, hotels, and restaurants. Available in a variety of styles, our Glass Systems, as well as our other systems, can be mounted in a variety of ways and are compatible with our iRailTM Systems. The glass can also be patterned, frosted, or tinted to meet your design specifications.

Perforated and Laser Cut Metal

In our Metal Systems line, we offer different types of stair railings with a large selection of prefabricated perforated metal panels. The panels can be powder coated to match your color scheme and aesthetic. 

Wire Mesh and CableNet

Another Metal Systems option is wire mesh panels that offer an industrial look with an organic, interwoven fabric. CableNet is another type of handrail system that offers a versatile and strong infill that will exceed code requirements. 

Picket Panel

A picket panel metal type of railing features a vertical infill that is often preferred where ladder effect is a concern. The clean lines of the vertical pickets offer a modern look with a touch of nostalgia.

Choose VIVA Railings for Versatility and Customization

At VIVA Railings, we strive to offer a wide range of different types of handrails. We achieve this through a selection of handrail styles, powder coating color options, a variety of infills, and different types of railings. When you choose VIVA Railings, you’re choosing versatility and the ability to customize your railing system to the needs of your design.

Contact the experts at VIVA Railings today to see the different types of stair railings we offer and discuss how we can customize them for your project.