Stair railings are critical to ensuring safety and compliance with strict commercial standards. They also offer a significant opportunity to enhance the visual aesthetically of your facility.
Industrial-inspired design focuses on exposed metal and raw materials. Using these elements in your staircase railings offers a perfect combination of form and function. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Industrial Staircase Railings.
Industrial design is a strategic problem-solving process that creates new value and competitive advantage in products, systems, services, and experiences. It is about imagining the future, reframing challenges as opportunities, and empowering people to co-create solutions that make the world better.
For every product you own, there is an industrial designer to thank. Industrial designers use their artistic creativity and technical knowledge to develop functional, user-friendly designs. They need effective problem-solving skills and proficiency with computer-aided drafting (CAD) software to bring their ideas to life.
Western’s top-ranked Industrial Design program is NASAD accredited and graduates are in high demand. 97% of graduates are working as professional industrial designers or in related fields. The program offers access to state-of-the-art wood and metal machinery, a walk-in paint booth, and supporting courses in CNC machining, rapid prototyping, FDM 3D printing, injection molding, and electronics. Western’s faculty members have professional experience as industrial designers and bring their expertise to the classroom.
Exposed Hardware
Whether it’s sleek black iron railings or classic wrought-iron accents, exposed hardware gives industrial staircases an iconic look. It can be a beautiful complement to other elements in the room, too, like wood, glass, or concrete. The key is to keep the design balanced so that it doesn’t become overwhelming. For example, chunky newel posts and square balusters can ground the stairway visually and add a sense of weight. They can also be detailed with trim, carving, or boxed framing to add a decorative touch and bring in contrasting color or texture.
Another way to keep the look balanced is to mirror the style of the wall treatment in the staircase. This can be a great choice for homes that have intricate wall treatments like wainscoting or board-and-batten. The stairway can even be covered with the same material to create a seamless transition between floors.
Minimalist industrial stair railing ideas often focus on stripping the design down to what’s essential. They often use steel or iron and feature straight lines to create that raw yet refined feel. For a modern take on this style, try adding sleek handrails that follow the shape of the stairs for an organic feel.
Some homeowners go for a completely open look with their stairway by opting for no balusters and just using a continuous handrail. This keeps the look clean and allows you to maximize light in your stairwell. It can be an especially good option if your stairs are located near living or dining areas where you want to keep the flow of the room intact.
When it comes to staircase railings, there are endless possibilities for visual appeal and practicality. Choose the style that best reflects your home’s personality and fits in with your overall interior design plan. And don’t forget that safety regulations are an important consideration when selecting a staircase design. For the best results, work with a professional fabricator who understands these regulations and can help you develop an industrial staircase that’s safe for all your guests. This will ensure your new stairway meets all necessary standards and can be approved by your local building department once it’s completed.
Glass
Industrial-style staircase railings feature clean lines that add a modern look to your home. They can be crafted from a variety of materials, including metal, wood, and glass. Some styles incorporate geometric shapes, such as square or rectangular metal balusters arranged in a uniform pattern. Others are made from metals like steel or iron that are left in their natural state for a more rugged aesthetic.
The most popular choice for modern staircases is glass. Glass railings allow natural light to flow freely, making your home feel bright and open. They can also be framed in metal or wood for a traditional look, or left frameless to maintain a minimalist aesthetic. Glass railings can be frosted or tinted to offer privacy and shade, but it’s important to choose the right type for your space. Laminated glass, for example, is a good choice for staircases because it’s durable and safe. This type of glass consists of two or more glass layers bonded together with an interlayer, typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB). If the glass breaks, the PVB interlayer holds the fragments together, reducing the risk of injury.
Tempered glass is another good option for stairway railings. It is heat-treated to increase strength and durability, making it a better choice for high-traffic areas. It also reduces the risk of injuries by breaking into small, granular chunks rather than jagged shards. Glass stair railings can be customized with engravings or self-selected images to create a unique style for your home.
Glass railings are a great option for homeowners and business owners looking to add a contemporary style to their spaces. They can enhance the clarity of your home’s architecture and provide a clear, unobstructed view of your outdoor space. Whether they’re glazed with low-iron glass for unparalleled transparency or laminated and tempered for safety, these railings can complement your home or office perfectly.
Metal
Industrial design has gained popularity in recent years, with its focus on exposed metal and raw materials. These elements are especially effective in stair railings, where they can elevate a staircase to new levels of style and functionality. Exposed metal can provide a sleek and modern look, or it can create a more rustic and authentic aesthetic. Incorporating exposed metal into your industrial staircase is easy, as there are many options available to suit your facility and design style.
Staircase handrails are a necessary safety feature in any facility, as they prevent people or items from falling off the stairs. Industrial staircase handrails are designed to meet OSHA regulations and keep your employees, customers, or visitors safe.
One of the most popular options for industrial staircases is a steel pan railing. This is a durable and versatile option that can be used in both residential and commercial spaces. It can be crafted to have a modern or industrial aesthetic, and it can also be combined with other materials, such as wood and glass.
Another option for industrial staircases is a cable railing. This is a minimalist design that features metal posts with horizontal or vertical cables stretched between them. It is ideal for spaces that require safety without obstructing views, and it is often used on outdoor decks and balconies.
Whatever type of industrial staircase you choose for your facility, it is important to work with a subcontractor that understands the specific requirements and nuances of this type of structure. A company with experience fabricating metal stairs will be able to help you select the right design and materials for your project. They will also be able to guide you through the process of meeting all required regulatory standards.