The metal railing is sturdy and, best yet, can be very low maintenance. The styles of metal handrails vary and can include metal railings that look like ones made of wood--with added benefit that they don't require paint. The choice for metal for handrails also varies: from aluminum railings, steel or brass handrails, or even ones made of cast iron. Grades of railings are such that there is a commercial metal handrail as well as residential handrails, as well as those for interior or exterior use.

Because choices for metal handrails are so broad, metal handrails basics provided will help you decide which metal handrail will be best suited for your application.

1. Pick the aluminum handrail for exterior metal handrail.

2. Rely on commercial metal handrails for business and professional use.

3. Pick fanciful metal handrails for commercial and residential use.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Become excited by the sheer variety of aluminum handrails

No longer is the aluminum railing just a simple metal handrail (though, of course, those are available). Aluminum handrails can be for metal deck railings, or metal porch railing, metal handrails for stairs or even for balconies. Aluminum handrails have advanced so much that they can be indistinguishable from wooden railings, which is especially nice for buildings that have a more traditional architecture.

I recommend: Hoover Fence has basic aluminum handrails suitable for interior or exterior applications, such as metal deck railings, and also as a metal stair railing. Virginia Raining and Gates has aluminum railings that look like wood handrails that are suitable for exterior and interior use.

Use commercial metal handrails for institutional and commercial installations

These metal handrails are for commercial use and they withstand 200 pounds. Welding metal handrails is available with commercial metal handrails, for it can make all the components of the metal railings and cross members one cohesive unit.

I recommend: Carafo and Ametco Manufacturing are two manufacturers of commercial metal railings.

Pick fanciful metal handrails for utility and decoration

Commercial metal handrails don't have to be utilitarian. Think of the old theaters and cinemas with their ornate handrails and lavish balustrades. These metal railings can be wrought iron, brass or stainless steel.

I recommend: Wiemann Iron manufactures wrought iron handrails of many designs and configurations. Wagner Companies make a variety of metal handrails, including ornamental, as well as tubular railings.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you don't find a metal railing that suits your business, contact the manufacturer. They would be more than willing to work with you to design one that does.

Metal railings provide a distinctive architectural look for homes and businesses, whether metal is used as an accent or as the main material in fences, gates and handrails. Installing a commercial metal handrail system can be simple if you use the right product.

Metal railing typically adheres to one of two main positions. Metal handrail types may be either ornately decorative or have a simple, more modern aesthetic. The look of metal railings is extremely versatile, and no matter what style of metal handrail you use, the result with be functional and durable.

When considering metal handrails, investigate the following options:

1. Innovative metal railing systems to get the newest features;

2. Modular railing for easy-to-install aluminum railings;

3. Decorative metal railings to give a handrail that special touch.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get the latest aluminum handrail innovations and features

Metal railing is constantly changing and updated by innovations in architectural technology, and newer metal railing systems have a lot to offer in terms of durability, weathering and materials. Some examples of metal handrail innovations are lighter weight products and aluminum fittings for modern glass structures.

I recommend: Mogg Constructive manufactures aluminum railing in a modular design that can be used easily with glass paneling if you need handrails for glass surfaces. Sapa Profiles has innovated a lightweight aluminum handrail as well as aluminum fence designs that will save you money on transport and effort in construction.

Buy modular and interchangeable metal railing for easy assembly

If you're buying materials for a commercial metal handrail system or other extensive railing project, modular and interchangeable systems will save you time and effort. Interchangeable and modular parts also are helpful if you need to replace or extend your railing system at a later date.

I recommend: Deck Images manufactures a picket railing system of made of aluminum modular parts, and allow customers to request a quote online. Architectural Railings & Grilles also manufactures a commercial metal handrail system in stainless steel or aluminum, and specializes in non-welded interchangeable parts to save you time welding metal handrails.

Purchase specialty metal railing for decorative accents

You can use metal handrails to provide ornate accents for indoor or outdoor railing systems, fences and gates. Ornately decorative metal railings are easy to acquire from any metalworking manufacturer and are generally just as functional as a simple metal handrail.

I recommend: Wagner is a big distributor of ornamental metal handrails, and you can purchase products through their website by setting up an account. Decorative Iron is another distributor of a range of decorative metal finishings, including aluminum, brass and cast iron products for gates and metal handrails.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When buying materials for commercial metal handrail systems, be sure to get product specifications on fittings for assembly and installation. Parts included with metal railing orders vary by manufacturer or distributor.

Working with metal handrails requires the right training and education to obtain success. Some of this training can come on the job, but there are other things to consider as well: knowledge of the various metal handrail types, properly installing the exterior metal handrail according to code, properly installing metal railings according to code for residential and commercial applications or even properly welding metal handrails so they met the specs required.

Below, you can browse through information that will help you get the right education and training for installing metal handrails, from the simple metal handrail to the most elaborate wrought iron handrail. This will help you become proficient as well as profitable at this task. Consider these options to get started:

1. Learn building codes associated with installing metal handrails.

2. Use the proper metal handrails in each application.

3. Install the metal handrails properly.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn building codes regarding metal handrails

Learning the building codes that affect the installation of metal handrails is the first step in training and education for metal handrail installation. This is for any kind of metal handrail: the aluminum handrail, aluminum railings, commercial metal handrail and more. These codes can vary from state to state as well as from town to town.

I recommend: Learn national building codes related to metal handrails on the Hollaender Manufacturing website. The Stairways Manufacturers' Association is also a good resource for training and education to help you understand handrails codes issues.

Get the right metal stair railing for the job

Another important aspect metal handrails education and training is learning which metal handrail works for each application. For example, while metal deck railings and a metal porch railing are similar and can be for use in similar applications, the same cannot be said for a commercial metal handrail. Stricter regulations regarding the amount of force that the metal railing must withstand for the commercial metal handrail is something that you must learn in the course of learning about installing metal hand rails.

I recommend: Study OSHA regulations as part of the metal handrails education and training. Another good resource is Handrails: Guide to Stair Railing Codes, Construction & Inspection, which includes codes and information about residential and commercial railing applications.

Install metal handrails properly

Another important facet of metal handrail education and training is learning about the proper installation, such as the proper brackets and fasteners. The proper installation of the brackets for metal railings is important, according to the Americans With Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, since it's important to avoid the risk of having someone get caught in between the wall and the handrail. As to fasteners, it's important to get ones that can withstand the code-dictated stresses. Fortunately, metal railings often come with fasteners.

I recommend: "Handrail bracket clearance: Past, present & future" is a helpful resource for learning about bracket installation for metal handrails. Broward County Public Schools (in Division Five) has a very informative and important publication included on their site dealing directly with the issue of installing metal handrails and the accepted fasteners for this application. It's a must in metal handrail education and training.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Learning about the proper installation is an important part of metal handrail education and training. Do not be afraid to contact city hall or companies that manufacture metal handrails for more information.

Businesses that are looking to stock metal handrail products for customers should first become familiar with certain metal handrails key terms. Understanding the different types of metal handrails and the products that go along with them is essential to answering questions and providing good customer service. Companies looking to remodel their business location should also become familiar with key terms for metal handrails to ensure the right handrail is purchased.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Stainless steel hand rails

Stainless steel hand rails are often used in contemporary architecture. They offer strength and durability for businesses needing indoor or outdoor railings.

I recommend: Mogg Constructive has a variety of different stainless steel railing designs for businesses from which to choose.

Aluminum hand rails

Aluminum hand rails can be found and used in many different ways. They are commonly used in residential construction and also used for heavy commercial construction projects.

I recommend: Sapa Profiles shows a wide range of aluminum railings and offers pictures and description of their different product lines.

Modular hand rails

Modular hand rails are often a good choice for business construction and often come at a lower cost. These railings can sometimes be customized by color or design to still give your business a unique look.

I recommend: There are several lines of modular railings to view at Architectural Railings & Grilles. They also offer photographs of how modular railings look when installed.

Iron hand rails

Iron hand rails, such as wrought iron hand rails, are often used in residential construction to finish a look, but can also be used in commercial construction. Iron railings can be used indoors or outdoors and can also come in different finishes.

I recommend: Action Iron Works shows examples of iron railings in their metals portfolio and shows the different types of finishes available.

Cable railings

Cable railings are often made of stainless steel and can be combined with different types and styles of hand rails, such as wood and aluminum.

I recommend: American Metal Specialities offers many pictures and descriptions of cable railings and how they can be used in many different landscapes.

Metal balusters

Balusters are the bottom part of a railing that can be a simple spindle or a unique design. Metal balusters are often used in homes in conjunction with wooden or metal hand rails.

I recommend: Custom Iron has a variety of unique metal balusters that can be used for indoor or outdoor railing systems.