A stair railing must be designed based on the risk of falling, the stairway’s intended use, and who will be using it. The regulations specify when fall protection and handrail are required, while the railing’s height, openings, materials, and fixing must be adapted to the stairway’s specific conditions.
Conditions may vary between indoor and outdoor stairs and between, for example, a private residence, an apartment building, and a public facility. A “staircase balustrade” must therefore be evaluated as a part of the entire staircase, not just based on a single standard measurement.
In this guide, we’ll go over when a staircase needs a railing or handrail, how to assess height and child-safe openings, which materials are suitable for different environments, and what’s important when measuring and fixing.
When does a staircase need a balustrade or handrail?
A handrail ( handrail ) provides support and balance when walking up or down stairs, while a guardrail or other safety barrier ( fall protection ) protects against falls on open sides where there is a risk of falling. The need for each feature depends on the staircase’s design, height of fall, use, and the people who use it.
When planning balustrades and handrails for stairs, it is important to consider the overall design of the staircase. For some staircases, handrails on both sides can provide better support, while other solutions may be appropriate depending on the staircase’s width, location, and use. Where there is an open side, the risk of falling must also be assessed.
| Situation | Things to keep in mind |
|---|---|
| Stairs in or next to a building | Handrails provide support and balance when using the stairs. Keep in mind that they should be easy to reach and grip. On many staircases, handrails ( handrails ) on both sides can improve safety and ease of movement. |
| A few steps or a special design | Even a small difference in level can pose a risk of tripping or losing your balance. Assess the need for handrail based on the design of the steps, their placement, and how the staircase is used. |
| Open side or specific risk of falling | Where someone could fall from the open side of the staircase, a suitable fall protection must be planned. This could be, for example, a railing, a wall, or another protective structure. The height and design must be adapted to drop height, and the use of the space. |
| Public space or staircase in a block of flats | Choose handrails that are easy to grip and clearly positioned handrails that are easy to see and use. Continuous support and good accessibility are especially important on staircases used by many people. |
| Staircase in an emergency exit corridor | Balustrades and handrails must be designed so that they do not impede movement or evacuation. Check the staircase’s intended use, available width, and the fire safety requirements that apply to the building. |
How tall should a "staircase balustrade" be?
The height of the railing must be adjusted based on the height of fall, the use of the staircase, and who is expected to use it. A single standard measurement is not sufficient to determine whether staircase balustrade provides an appropriate fall protection.
This means that the correct balustrade height may vary between a low entrance steps, an indoor staircase in a residence, and a staircase where drop height is significantly larger. The staircase’s design and the balustrade’s fixing must also be included in the assessment.
- Height of the railing
- Must be adapted to drop height and how the staircase is used. Where a fall could have serious consequences, the balustrade must provide a particularly well-designed and reliable fall protection .
- Indoors and outdoors
- Both indoor and outdoor stairs require a safe fall protection. Outdoors, you also need to take into account factors such as slippery surfaces, wet conditions, frost, and the nature of the surrounding ground or different levels.
- Common reference heights
- Standard balustrade heights can be used as a starting point for planning, but they must always be evaluated in relation to the staircase’s design, fall risk, and intended use. Verify that the chosen balustrade height is suitable for the entire structure.
- Handrail placement
- The handrail must be positioned so that it is easy to grip and provides natural balance support throughout the entire staircase. The placement must be adapted to the users and the staircase's slope.
- Length of the handrail
- The handrail should provide continuous support along the stairs, with a design that makes it easy to maintain balance both when the movement begins and when it ends.
What material is suitable for a staircase balustrade?
The right material depends primarily on whether the staircase is indoors or outdoors, how much maintenance you’re willing to put in, and the feel you want for the handrail and handrail. Aluminium and stainless steel steel typically require less ongoing maintenance than wood, while wood provides a warmer feel to the touch and glass can preserve light and visibility.
| Materials | Sensation in the hand | Maintenance | Often a good fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | Cool and steady | Clean as needed | Entrance, outdoor staircase, and modern houses |
| Glass with a handrail | Determined by the handrail material | Glass cleaning and checking fittings | Indoors and in areas where light or views need to be preserved |
| Wood | Warm and comfortable | Oiling, wood staining or painting, depending on the surface | Older homes, indoor staircases, and warm material choices |
| Wrought iron railing made of aluminium | Cool, with a grip determined by the top rail | Clean as needed | Classic houses, " entrance steps," and traditional style |
| stainless steel | Cool and steady | Cleaning and inspection of surfaces and fittings | Indoors, outdoors, and modern settings |
| Wire with a handrail | Determined by the handrail material | Checking the wire tension and fixings | The railing should feel open, and visibility should be maintained |
In an indoor staircase, the handrail is often used several times a day. A comfortable material that provides a good grip is therefore very important. Wood or a wood-clad handrail often feels warmer than metal, especially in a staircase where the temperature fluctuates.
When used outdoors, the material must be able to withstand rain, frost, and temperature fluctuations. Powder-coated aluminium and stainless steel steel typically require less ongoing maintenance than wood, but even metal railings need to be cleaned and inspected. Wood requires periodic surface treatment to maintain its protection.
Why does a " staircase balustrade " often need to be customised?
A "staircase balustrade" often needs to be custom-fitted because the staircase’s slope, steps, landings, and connections rarely conform exactly to standard dimensions. Otherwise, even small deviations can cause the " posts," handrail sections, and handrails to end up at the wrong height or angle.
Custom-sized sections may cost more per metre, but they can also simplify installation and reduce the need to cut, splice, or compensate for deviations in the staircase on site.
Landings and changes in level
The railing often needs to be divided into sections that meet at the correct height and angle where the staircase connects to a landing or another level.
Uneven steps
Differences in riser height or tread depth can affect both the positioning of the posts and the angle of the handrail along the staircase.
Standard lengths
Pre-cut lengths may need to be cut, spliced, or adjusted if the actual dimensions of the staircase do not match the standard sections of the railing.
How should a staircase balustrade be attached?
A "staircase balustrade" must be anchored to a load-bearing substrate capable of supporting both the railing's own weight and the forces that arise when someone leans on or falls against the railing. Drywall, thin panels, and other surface layers should therefore not be used as the sole support for fixing.
The appropriate screw, anchor, and placement depend on the surface and the railing's construction. Therefore, check the supporting structure before installing posts or wall mounts.
- Timber joists or floor joists
- Fixing must extend into the load-bearing timber structure. Check the location of the studs, cross-members, or joists before determining the placement.
- Concrete
- Use screws or anchors designed for concrete and rated for the railing's load. The distance to edges and corners must also be taken into account.
- Bricks and masonry
- The choice of fixing depends on whether the substrate consists of solid brick, hollow brick, lightweight concrete, or natural stone. The same anchor does not fit in all masonry materials.
- Stair tread or stringer
- Installation directly on the staircase may be possible if the component is load-bearing and sufficiently dimensioned. A thin step, a covering, or a surface layer, on the other hand, is not automatically a suitable substrate.
What should you check before choosing a staircase balustrade?
Before you choose or order a staircase balustrade, you need to check what features are required, the fall risk associated with the staircase, handrails, balustrade height, child-safe openings, fixing, and dimensions. This will make it easier to choose a solution that suits both the staircase and how it is used.
Seven things to check
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Decide whether the staircase needs a handrail, a handrail, or both
Check whether the staircase needs a guardrail to prevent falls, a handrail with a good grip, or a design that combines both functions.
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Check open pages and the height of fall
Measure the height difference where someone could fall, and note whether the stairs lead to, for example, a landing, a floor, a deck, or another open area.
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Plan handrails
Plan where handrails are needed to provide safe and consistent support along the staircase. Handrails on both sides may be particularly suitable for wide staircases or where many people use the staircase. Adjust the placement and number based on the staircase’s design and use.
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Determine the height and design of the railing
Adjust the height and protective design of the railing based on drop height, the intended use of the staircase, and who is expected to use it.
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Check for child-safe openings
In areas where young children may be present, you need to check for openings, the distance to the steps, and ensure that the lower part of the railing cannot be used as a climbing aid.
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Check the substrate for the fixings
Locate studs, joists, stringers, concrete, or masonry, and verify that the fixing can be anchored to a load-bearing element.
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Measure and document the entire staircase
Measure several steps, the staircase’s slope, and any landings. Take photos from multiple angles so that differences in level, joints, and obstacles are clearly visible.
In a nutshell
Start by considering the staircase’s safety and design before choosing a material or model. Once you’ve assessed the risk of falling, height, openings, fixing and dimensions, you’ll have a better basis for choosing the right staircase balustrade.
Which balustrade is right for your staircase?
Consider the staircase’s dimensions, fall risk, fixing , and which design best suits the environment. View our selection of balustrades or contact customer service if you have any questions before making your selection.
What is important to know about balustrades and handrails on stairs?
Here are brief answers to frequently asked questions about handrails, balustrade height, child-safe openings, wire balustrades, and fixing by staircase balustrades.
Is a handrail needed on both sides of the stairs?
Handrails on both sides can provide more secure support, especially on wide staircases and where many people use the stairs. The number of handrails needed depends on the staircase’s design, its use, and who will be using it.
Where should the "handrail" be placed on a staircase?
The handrail should be positioned so that it is easy to grasp and provides natural support throughout the entire staircase. The height and placement must be adapted to the staircase’s slope, its intended use, and the people who will be using it.
How tall should a "staircase balustrade" be?
The height of the balustrade must be adjusted based on drop height, the design of the staircase, and how it is used. A standard measurement alone is not sufficient to determine whether the balustrade provides adequate fall protection.
What is important to consider regarding the openings in a "staircase balustrade" where children spend time?
Check the gaps between the balusters, at the steps, and at landings or the floor. The railing must be designed so that children cannot squeeze through, get stuck, or use its lower part as a climbing aid.
Can you use wire balustrade on a staircase where children are present?
Horizontal wires are not automatically suitable for areas where young children are present. Wires and struts can provide opportunities for climbing, and the openings in the railing must be designed so that children cannot squeeze through or get stuck.
What is the difference between a staircase balustrade and a handrail?
A staircase balustrade is a barrier designed to prevent someone from falling from the open side of the staircase. A handrail is the part you hold onto for support and balance. These features may be integrated into the same structure.
Can a staircase balustrade be mounted on a plasterboard wall?
Not just in the drywall. The fixing must be anchored to a load-bearing structure—such as wooden studs, reinforcement, or masonry—and be dimensioned to support the load of the railing.
