What Is a Balustrade, and What Is a Handrail?

Baluster, balustrade, handrail, guardrail – the terminology surrounding handrails can be a bit confusing, especially if you’re new to residential or commercial space design. Rest assured, each of these things serves a unique purpose. But it’s easy to confuse the terms – for example, “balustrade” and “handrail” might be easy interchanged. However, there is a distinct difference between the two. Read on if you’ve ever asked yourself: “What is a balustrade, and what is a handrail?”

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If you have exterior steps leading to your porch, there’s a good chance that local building codes mandate at least one handrail. But how do you go from reading building codes to putting the finishing touches on a handrail on your property? And do you really need to hire a handyman, or can you install the handrail yourself? Short answer: You can absolutely build a handrail yourself. Learning how to build a handrail is a relatively simple DIY project for anyone, even homeowners without much do-it-yourself flair. These steps will help you get started.

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If you’re remodeling your home or business, you probably already know the importance of a properly installed handrail. Handrails keep your building safe and accessible to all kinds of visitors. Beyond that, they’re required by residential and commercial business codes. And while handrail heights and lengths are fairly straightforward, other seemingly obvious factors can get a little confusing. For example, which side of a stairway should have a handrail? Scroll down to find out more about the regulations that determine stairway placement in homes and businesses.

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If you’ve ever tripped and grabbed onto a handrail, you know that railings and banisters aren’t just aesthetic – they’re essential. Aluminum railings are some of the most durable, low-maintenance railings on today’s market, and the best part is that you can easily install them yourself. Understanding aluminum handrail components is a key step in installation. Before you install your handrail, review this guide to familiarize yourself with each component to save yourself some time, money, and frustration.

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Whether you’re 8 or 108, you can likely benefit from the help of a sturdy handrail. Little ones and adults alike rely on handrails for accessibility, mobility, and safety. But exactly how high should a handrail be? Let’s take a look at specifications from the International Code Council (ICC), as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

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You don’t need to hire a professional to install your new handrail. Our updated handrail installation instructions allow you to complete this easy DIY project in a matter of hours. Once you’ve ordered your handrail kit, review the directions below – you’ll have your perfect indoor or outdoor accent rail installed in no time.

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There’s nothing worse than smacking an elbow or a hip on the sharp end of a handrail as you quickly descend a flight of stairs. Handrail returns connect the end of a railing to the wall or another surface, eliminating those “Ouch!” moments. They’re also important for people with disabilities who rely on well-designed handrails. Find out more about handrail return requirements according to both local and international building codes.

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As you dive into spring cleaning, you’re probably taking a look at your home’s exterior. Touch-up the house paint? Check. Clean out the gutters? Check. But what about the railings around your home? Routine handrail maintenance is an important part of maintaining your home’s exterior, both for curb appeal and safety. With a few easy maintenance strategies, your aluminum handrails will look great and function properly for decades. Ready to get schooled on handrail maintenance 101?

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Most outdoor amenities will rust at some point, including handrails. Rust on some exterior fixtures – gutters, for example – might not be a functional issue. But rust on handrails isn’t just an eyesore. Left unchecked, a small amount of rust can grow until it damages the handrail, putting handrail users at risk at your home or business. For that reason, it’s crucial to address rust spots as soon as you see them. Learning how to fix rust on handrails is an easy do-it-yourself project, but it does require some elbow grease.

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When you’re constructing a new project, it’s easy to focus on the big picture and neglect the details. However, certain details – handrails, for example – are crucial factors in your building’s safety. When is a handrail required? Whether your building is for residential, commercial, or public use, it’s important to keep national handrail regulations in mind.

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