Simona is an interior design and décor writer for Homedit. Since 2011, she has been writing about interior design, DIY solutions, and the latest trends in home architecture.
Something as simple as a stair railing shouldn’t really give anyone a headache, design-wise. Still, if you stop to actually do some research and you find out just how many different options there are, things can get complicated and suddenly that basic design you originally had in mind doesn’t seem like the best idea. That’s actually true not just for stair handrails but for pretty much everything else. With that in mind, we hope to make the whole subject seem less intimating and chaotic by sharing with you some of the outdoor stair railing designs that we find most realistic and well balanced when it comes to aesthetics and most importantly functionality.
If you want a staircase railing design that stands out but not in a very striking way you don’t have to look too far from the basics. One of the best examples we can give here is a residence designed bynaturehumaineback in 2013 inSaint-Adolphe-d’Howard, Canada.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a classic design either. Check out this residence designed byDow Jones Architectsin England. It has this rather steep concrete staircase which forms a nook underneath and a dark steel railing which matches the exterior of the building.
If there are nice views to be enjoyed, clear glass railings are definitely your best option. We love the use of glass in the design of this residence completed byCentric Design Groupin the Netherlands. The outdoor stair railing doubles as a see-through divider and matches the railings that frame the upstairs terrace.
Glass is a surprisingly tough and durable material in spite of its fragile appearance. That makes it a valid choice for outdoor stair railings. This way the views remain unobstructed and it’s the stairs themselves that stand out, not the railings. This particular design is the work ofGus Wüstemann Architects.
Concrete is obviously another suitable material for outdoor stair railings. After all, it’s highly durable, strong, extremely versatile and can take any form. Here’s a design that might inspire you, something thatRockefeller Partners Architectscame up with for a house in Hollywood Hills, L.A.
This sort of suspended staircase railing design is usually used indoors but studioo2 Architecture found a way to adapt it for a stylish outdoor staircase with floating steps which they designed for a house which they build in Palm Springs, US.
If you prefer a minimalist and graphical railing design, perhaps something like this would suit your style. This is the outdoor staircase designed byNha4 Architectsfor a house which they built inPhú Sơn,Vietnam in 2015.
For an industrial aesthetic consider a steel staircase. There are actually plenty of variations in this case but one that we’re particularly attracted to is incorporated in the design of a house whichUnostudio Architetti Associatibuilt inMantua, Italy. It uses weathered steel and it looks surprisingly sleek.
Spiral staircases are space-efficient as well as aesthetically-pleasing and that makes them a good fit for both indoor and outdoor areas. check out this one by the pool designed by studioNico Van Der Meulen Architectsfor the Glass House project inJohannesburg, South Africa. The floating stairs are spiraling around a big and solid column offering access to the platform above the poolside lounge area.
When the overall architecture of a building is already eye-catching enough, there’s no point in overthinking the designs of smaller elements such as the outdoor stair railing. A good enough to use as a reference in this case is the Gorki House located near Moscow which is a project by studio Atrium.
Rather than featuring a single, continuous set of outdoor stairs, this residence designed byGriffin Enright Architectsin Santa Monica, California has several separate sets of stairs which go down the slope. They’re very simple, with railings made of a single continuous stainless steel tube.
Wood and metal make a great combo and a lot of staircase railings take advantage of that. Outdoor staircases can be a bit more problematic because they require special treatments and care. You can get a visually similar effect by replacing the wood with corrugated metal. In any case, this house remodel done by Richard Wodehouse seems to be on the right track.
What about treehouses? They don’t have regular staircases but use ladders instead. So how do you put railings on that? Well, modfrugal can answer that question. These industrial-style pipe railings frame the ladder offering extra safety and giving the treehouse a rather refined look. Such a look is not exactly common and most treehouses don’t even bother with this feature when safety should actually be a top concern.
Aluminum railing with a powder coat finish requires the least maintenance and resists rust for many years. Outdoor handrails need to withstand the elements and abuse from scrapes and dents, and metal is usually the best option for this. Metal railings for outdoor steps are versatile.
Ans: A staircase railing design of steel offers exceptional durability and a sleek, modern aesthetic, making it a popular choice for contemporary homes.
Classic White: White is a timeless and elegant choice for stair banisters. It creates a clean and crisp look, making your staircase stand out. Black or Dark Gray: Dark colors like black or charcoal gray can add a touch of drama and sophistication to your staircase.
Lightweight and durable, aluminum is the best porch railing material for avoiding rust and corrosion. It is highly versatile with a sleek and stylish feel like no other deck railing material offers. At Freedom Fence, we have aluminum railing available color options like Satin Black, Clay, Bronze, Silver, and much more.
Metal railings can be made from steel or iron. It is the most expensive type for outdoor railings, but it is the winner for durability and strength. There are a variety of styles and options. Steel and iron can be painted in a series of coats, but require additional maintenance as they are more prone to rust.
Bringing the outdoors in is a timeless trend that continues to flourish in 2024. Staircase Trends adorned with nature-inspired elements such as botanical patterns on risers, vine-like balustrades, or even incorporating natural materials like reclaimed wood, showcase a harmonious blend of design and nature.
Iron spindles (or balusters) are a great way to add some luxury to your otherwise basic staircase. There are many styles available. A quick search of “metal stair spindles” on amazon.com gives you a lot of options. Embellish your stair risers at the same time for an extra upgrade.
It is not so much important for your staircase and flooring to match as they should coordinate. Coordinating the two has many options. Using like materials and finishes will give you a seamlessly blended design, but there are also other ways to get a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look.
Silvers, whites, and stainless steel can look more nautical or modern. Browns and greens can feel more rustic and blend in better with a backyard garden space. Did you know light conditions can greatly affect the appearance of railing color? It is important to look at color samples in the area where they will be used.
Stairs can be both functional and beautiful, and for maximum design punch, they should match the overall design of your home. Older homes generally look better with stained stairs, while updated or modern homes can usually support paint in a variety of colors.
EZ Rail's steel handrails are one of the easiest, strongest and best solutions out there for homeowners, contractors, and DIYers alike. Take the guess work out of ordering the right sized handrail for your stairs!
Today, iron stair parts and accessories are available in a wide range of styles and designs, from the Classical and the Victorian to the Modern and the Contemporary. Besides their great aesthetics, iron balusters also come with a host of other benefits such as better longevity, high durability and superb strength.
Installing glass panels instead of spindles is a nice way to update your home to incorporate a more modern design and they can add a lot of light to a space. Glass panels can lend a spacious look to a staircase and are great for contemporary open plan rooms, for example.
There are two types of wood, which are commonly considered to be the best choice for outdoor wooden stairs: Cedar;Redwood. However, once you find a proper sealant and are ready to invest some time and effort into maintenance, you can choose from a much more comprehensive range of woods.
Western Cedar is a great outdoor use wood that has been the standard throughout the US for many decades. Usually when people say simply “cedar”, this is the wood they are referring to. It is an ideal material from which to make Wood Porch Railing and traditional turned balusters.
A balustrade is a railing supported by a series of balusters. Balustrades are sometimes short and ornamental parapets (low, protective walls) found on balconies and terraces. Their balusters are evenly spaced and supported by posts.
Are you wondering which side does handrail goes on the stairs? Experts agree that you should install handrails on all unprotected sides of your steps. That means you'll need the handrails on both sides in most cases. An exception might be when there is a wall on the other side.
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Introduction: My name is Msgr. Benton Quitzon, I am a comfortable, charming, thankful, happy, adventurous, handsome, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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