Standard stair handrail height today is 34-38 inches. The railings are measured vertically from the edge of the stair tread nosing to the top of rail.
Stair Railing Height Requirements By Code
Residential handrails are required to be 34-38 inches, as mentioned above. Commercial railings have the same height requirements, but also need to be at least 42 inches high.
Acessibility (ADA) handrails need to be 34-38 inches. Workplace (OSHA) railings are required to be 30-38 inches. Top rails are typically around 42 inches.
How To Measure For Stair Railing Installation
If you wish to measure your stair railing for installation purposes, follow these few steps:
- Put a tape measure on the front edge or nosing of a stair tread.
- Measure straight up to the handrail’s top surface.
- Make sure to always keep the height the same across the entire length of the stairs.
Types Of Stair Railings By Victory Metal Works
Let’s take a look at the types of stair railing installations provided by Victory Metal Works in Scottsdale, AZ below.
Stainless Steel Stair Railing
If you are trying for a more modern look that looks amazing, a stainless-steel metal stair railing may be the best approach. You will get a clean and polished meta stair railing, which is corrosion and rust resistant. These are factors that make it a great option for both interior and exterior railings. These types of railings are created from chromium and steel, using cables, pipes, and tubes to create a dependable stainless-steel stair railing that fits your interior.
When finished, they can be one of a kind to be a focal point of your property. Stainless steel railings will match other stainless-steel appliances within your home, making the installation compliment your overall style and design. Also, stainless steel stair railings provide the option of finishes that best fit your needs. If you prefer a muted satin, or a polished mirror finish that’s very reflective, the choice is yours.
Aluminum Stair Railing
If you are searching for affordable metal stair railing for a Phoenix property, you may prefer an aluminum option. These types of metal stair railings are corrosion and rust resistant, and less expensive compared to stainless steel and wrought iron options. Aluminum can be used indoors or outdoors, and they provide a good weight to strength ratio, meaning they will be strong and dependable, but a lighter weight installation.
Aluminum stair railings can be customized, with various finishes available, from muted satin, painted or polished appearances. If you desire a reflective polish finish, you should be aware there is a little more maintenance required to maintain it’s vibrant appearance. Whereas, painted aluminum stair railings offer homeowners the ability to perfectly match any interior design theme. Muted satin finishes assist in hiding fingerprints on your metal stair railing.
Brass Stair Railing
Made from copper and zinc, brass stair railings are another option available in a range of colors. Color options range from yellow or golden to red or brown shades, depending how the metal is created. For many years, brass has been used on some of the nicest buildings around Scottsdale, AZ.
This is because not only is it a timeless metal, it offers unique elegance and a classic look. However, a brass stair railing will require some maintenance care to ensure it does not tarnish and continues to look brilliant. It also offers a natural anti-microbial property.
Copper Stair Railing
Cooper stair railings offer a warm and rich appearance which are often used for bringing the interior of a home to life. Although, they can be used outdoors as well. When choosing copper, the overall cost will be more, but many business and home owners enjoy the look of copper stair railings, which start with a reddish or golden-brown hue.
However, due to exposure to the environment over time, copper naturally develops a green patina that acts as a layer of protection against corrosion. Like with a brass stair railing, copper also provides anti-microbial properties to assist in health.
Wrought Iron Stair Railing
Wrought Iron is a metal that many have preferred using for centuries, including home owners, craftsmen, builders, and commercial property owners. Wrought iron stair railings provide a wonderful finish while providing the ability to incorporate rather intricate designs for a custom appearance. Wrought iron is a very strong and durable metal, meaning it will provide the supported needed and last a long time.
Usually a wrought iron railing has a black finish, but they can have other finishes to match your needs, including shimmery silver or golden hues. If you prefer you can go with a minimal and clean design, or a more complex custom scroll work to make your new wrought iron stair railing your very own one of a kind masterpiece. Although wrought iron can be installed indoors or outdoors, keep in mind that iron can easily rust from weather conditions and require more care than other metals.
Contact the experts in metal at Victory Metal Works. Give us a call at 480-584-6220 or use our contact form.
SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY!
Victory Metal Works is Arizona’s leading manufacturer of custom wrought iron Entry Doors, Gates, Railings, Fences, Hardware and much more in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and the Greater Phoenix area. Our experience in the construction industry allows us to make your dreams become a reality. Call us at 480-584-6220 to get your next project started today!



