Handrails are an important part of any building that has stairs or slopes that those with injuries or health conditions might find difficult to navigate. Indoor handrails are just as important as outdoor hand rails, so any contractor working on a commercial building should consider where safety handrails should be installed.

All buildings will need stair handrails, but other types of buildings, like nursing homes and hospitals, will need additional sets of handrails in targeted areas. Hand railings options vary widely. To get the best deal when looking at the pricing and costs of handrails, consider your options:

1. The length of the handrails needed.

2. The material the handrails are made from, usually either stainless steel or wood.

3. Whether you need a special piece, such as a handrail that rounds a corner.

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Choose steel handrails for durability and traction

Stainless steel handrails can stand up to the harshest outdoor elements, and inside steel handrails will last for many years. And because they are strong and durable, they are one of the top products used to make safety railings. Prices for steel handrails can be as low as $25 for grip bars, and up to $2,000 and up for larger staircases and handrail systems.

I recommend: If you are looking for steel handrails with extra safety features, steel handrails from SlipNOT provide additional gripping traction. Virginia Railing and Gates offers steel handrails for indoor and outdoor use that are not only functional, but can be very decorative as well.

Consider wooden handrails for a cost saving, customizable option

Wooden handrails are often considered the most decorative handrails on the market. This is because you can easily put together your own handrails system with different types of wood and different shapes. Since wood is so customizable, most companies sell wooden handrails by the foot, charging $9 to $44 per foot.

I recommend: Custom Hardwoods provides many types of wood to make custom wooden handrails, including those that can bend for corners or stairs. Stair Service offers all the parts you need to build any type of wooden handrail for staircases and other applications.

Find the handrails for your building's staircases

If you need to put together a handrail system for a flight of stairs, choosing the right parts is essential to installing a functional handrail. Handrails for stairs come in a variety of types and sizes, so you could spend anywhere from $500 to $2,500 on a complete handrail depending on the type of material you use, as well as the style.

I recommend: RK Stairs offers all the fittings and supplies needed to build any type of staircase, from small residential stairs to those in large commercial buildings. Stair Supplies offers many types of wooden handrails for stairs, and also offers free shipping if you spend over $1,650.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Most of the time, commercial handrails are installed for safety purposes. But with the strength and durability of many handrail materials, you can create handrails that are not only safe, but beautiful as well.

Safety in the workplace is paramount, and handrails are an important component to ensuring the safety of employees and patrons of your business. Wood handrails, steel handrails, iron handrails, aluminum handrails - whichever type of handrails you choose, these permanent fixtures can also add an aesthetic quality to businesses and complement décor. From a simple piece of pipe mounted on the wall next to a stair or ramp to complex wrought iron handrails preventing falls from a balcony, the choice for handrails can be very diverse.

When choosing stair handrails and other handrails, consider regulatory requirements, maintenance and upkeep, design and cost. Inside this guide, you’ll find:

1. Information on how to meet important government and industry requirements regarding safety handrails.
2. Advice on choosing durable handrails that provide low maintenance.
3. Tips on choosing custom stair handrails that complement business operations.

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Know government regulations and industry requirements before choosing handrails

Codes established on the government and industry level currently define handrail dimensions as either a circular cross section with an outside diameter of 1-1/4' (32 mm) minimum and 2' (51 mm) maximum or a non-circular cross section with a perimeter dimension of 4' (100 mm) minimum and 6-1/4' (160 mm) maximum and a cross section dimension of 2-1/4' (57 mm) maximum. Handrails are located at a height between 34' (864 mm) and 38' (965 mm).

I recommend: Become familiar with codes established by The International Code Council (ICC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as well as the accesibility standards set out by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) for ramps and stair handrails. A quick look at ADA guidelines in 'Plain English' can be found through the National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also provides handrail regulations to support certain industries.

Learn about the different types of handrails available on the market

From balustrades and banisters to wood handrails, steel handrails, brass handrails or even glass handrails, many options are available on the market.

I recommend: Metal handrails are typically made from metal pipes or tubes that are either round, square or rectangular in section. Other product materials can be more varied and ornate such as glass, wood handrails and wrought iron handrails. Balustrades typically refer to ornate handrail systems made from concrete or cut stone. With new materials and technology, balustrades can also be made from modern, more lightweight materials.

Consider metal handrails or aluminum handrails for durability and low maintenance

Glass and wood handrails will not hold up as well as metal handrails or aluminum handrails. Specialty materials, as well as wrought iron handrails, will also cost more upfront.

I recommend: For budget conscious businesses looking for attractive handrail systems, consider companies like The Wagner Companies that specialize in stainless steel handrails and brass railing systems and use decorative components such as brackets and rail fittings to dress up their offerings. Strongwell fiberglass architectural handrail systems are strong and well-suited to corrosive environments like those found in commercial structures with urban and salt air corrosion. Companies that specialize in aluminum handrails are also a good choice as the material is lightweight and requires little maintenance.

Consider unique, custom handrail designs

If cost and upkeep are not a major consideration for your business, opt for handrails that will complement and add to your office décor.

I recommend: Consider custom iron baluster looks for stair handrails, especially to complement entryways. Ornate exterior balustrade looks can also complement the first impression of your business. Create modern, open appeal through custom glass looks, and create custom period and contemporary looks through a variety of iron, steel and wood handrails.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make safety the first rule of thumb when choosing handrails to avoid accidents and liability down the road.
• •  For outdoor and heavy traffic areas, choose stainless steel handrails and other metallic materials.
• •  Custom iron handrails, wood handrails and glass handrails can create unique and attractive upscale business looks.

Handrails come in handy for a variety of applications. Hand rails are great for staircases, both indoors and outdoors. You can also find specialized uses for handrails, such as handrailing down hallways of hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities. Using handrails in these types of situations requires not only functionality, but proper installation to keep all users safe from injury.

Many times the handrail manufacturer will be able to provide guidelines on how handrails should be installed depending on the type of material its made from, but the style is usually up to the contractor or architect. To keep safety a priority, consider the following:

1. How far apart rails should be placed on stair handrails.

2. The proper type of equipment for fastening the rail to the floor or wall.

3. Safety codes for the specific type of facility where the handrails will be installed.

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Know local safety codes for installing residential and commercial handrails

Before you even begin to choose the materials and the types of handrails needed for stairs or other areas in the building, make sure you know the safety guidelines provided by the local government for the type of rails you plan to install. This will save you time fixing handrails that do not meet code later on.

I recommend: The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) provides regulations for the height and structure of hand rails for a variety of construction projects. It also interprets many of its regulations into everyday language. Kee Safety provides guidelines for many types of handrails in the aerospace and airline industries.

Use videos for instructions on how to install stair hand railing

It is one thing to have written instructions to guide your through an installation process, but videos can give you a much better perspective on how to install something like handrails for stairs.

I recommend: The Wagner Companies provides installation instruction and videos for many types of staircases, including instructions on how to install the handrails. The Iron Shop provides videos on how to install its spiral staircases and handrails. Clips can be viewed online, or you can purchase the whole video from the company.

Learn how to add decorative elements to handrails

There are many handrail systems that are plain and boring. But if you are installing handrails for a commercial property, design should also come into play. You can find many ways to create a beautiful and functional handrail system with things such as a curving handrail for a curving staircase.

I recommend: Continuity is also a major part of aesthetics, and you can have that in an outdoor desk stairway if you follow the how-to guide from Extreme How To. Web Design Library offers a 3D tutorial on how to build a spiral staircase, complete with a spiral handrail.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Hand railings have different codes for different materials, so make sure you follow codes specific for steel, wood or any other type of handrails you install.

Handrails can be metal or wood, and can be for commercial use as well as residential use. These distinctions are important, and the key terms listed below can help determine the best choices. Commercial handrails have specific regulations regarding the manner in which they are installed, so review the various possibilities for materials and style.

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Rails, handrails

Rails provide safety when using a staircase. The handrail sits alongside the staircase at a height convenient for your hand to grab. A rail can help you maintain your balance as you travel up and down the stairs.

I recommend: Vintage Woodworks has some excellent information about rails, and even includes helpful information about installation of the rails.

Aluminum handrails

Aluminum handrails are a popular replacement for wood handrails that are vulnerable to rot and decay. Aluminum handrails are a popular option in new construction.

I recommend: Read about aluminum handrails on the Virginia Railing and Gates website.

Brackets

Brackets are the hardware that help secure the handrail to the wall. They must be installed the proper distance apart as specified by the manufacturer of the handrails. The fasteners for the handrail brackets must also be able to support 250 pounds according to the ADA Accessibility Guidelines.

I recommend: Julius Blum, a company that specializes in handrail brackets, provides details about the different types of brackets available.

Balustrade

Balusters provide support to the handrail or to an elevated platform. It becomes a balustrade when there is a row of repeating balusters.

I recommend: About.com defines balustrade and offers a picture to help you visualize what it is.

International Code Council

The International Code Council develops the codes that builders and contractors use when constructing both commercial and residential buildings. Handrail safety guidelines must comply with international standards set by the International Code Council during all building and remodeling projects.

I recommend: Read about the International Code Council on its website.

Americans With Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities

When installing handrails in a commercial building, the Americans With Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines will have to be observed. Whether the handrails are metal or wood, these guidelines define standards that every builder and contractor should follow to ensure that all people can gain access to the facility.

I recommend: You can find full information about Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines on its website.