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Stairs have been around for a few thousand years. From Persepolis Palace in Ancient Persia during the Achaemenid Empire, which had balanced stairs, to the Pyramids of Giza, which had stairs moving into them, they have a long history with us. The fear of falling from stairs has been with us as well, so railing came as an answer to prevent falls. But if you are asking whether your indoor stairs need railings or not, you will find the answer in this article.
How to know you need railing for indoor stairs?
Did you know that over one million falls happen each year due to stairway falls? They are considered the second leading cause factor of accidental injuries. If you’re asking about the first one, it’s the motor vehicle accidents.
There are various reasons that stairs might lead to falls. Here are some of them;
- defects in the stairs,
- poor lighting,
- dangerous stair risers
- not using the handrail,
- improper or missing handrails
- Dangerous tread depth,
Gravity is not a friendly friend on staircases, and you might fall due to many reasons. When you are not feeling well, you might faint on the stairs and fall down.
What does the staircase code tell about the railing? It says that there have to be “handrails on the incline portion of stairs and guards on the horizontal parts.”
In case your house has a few stairs, a railing might not be necessary. It’s optional, and you can install them yourself. But if your house has more than four stairs, you have to install railings at least on one side. This is true if the staircase is 44 inches wide. Look at the empty side of the stairs, and that is where you have to install the railings.
If your stairs are 44 inches to 87 inches, they must have a bar on each side as well. Stairs wider than 88 inches need to have a handrail in the center as well.
There are other regulations for the weight the handrail must bear and how far they must be from the wall.
Can You Build Stairs Without a Railing?
Yes, it is possible to build stairs without a railing, but there are several important considerations to take into account:
- Safety Concerns: Railings on stairs are primarily for safety to prevent falls. Stairs without railings can be hazardous, especially for children, the elderly, or those with mobility issues.
- Building Codes and Regulations: Many regions have building codes that require railings on stairs, particularly for stairs with a certain number of steps or a specific height. It’s important to check local building codes before deciding to omit a railing.
- Design and Aesthetics: In some designs, stairs without railings can appear sleek and modern. However, the design should not compromise safety. Sometimes, alternative safety features can be incorporated.
- Use and Location: The decision to omit a railing may also depend on where the stairs are located and how they are used. For instance, stairs in low-traffic areas or those used less frequently might not require railings as critically as main staircases.
- Alternative Safety Measures: If you choose not to have a railing, consider other safety measures. This might include non-slip treads, adequate lighting, and ensuring the stairs are wide and not too steep.
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Railing cost in Las Vegas
The cost or price of the railing in Las Vegas is up to various factors. You need to answer a few questions and then decide on the riling you want for your stairs. These are some of the determining factors;
- Material
- Size
- Number
- Color
- Shape
- Type
- Installation.
- Etc.
You’d better determine the above factors and then ask about the final cost. But if you do not have time or knowledge about your needs, you can contact Vegas Valley Iron so our team can guide you on the railing you need.
Our experts will guide you on the railing you need, so it will provide the best protection and prevent falls.
What are the standards for stairs and railings?
The standard of the stairs and railing is up to the state you live in. But in Las Vegas, the top handrail and rail must be separate. The top rail needs to be at least 42 inches in height, and the handrail must be 30-38 inches in height.
If your house has more than four stairs, you have to install railings at least on one side. This is true if the staircase is 44 inches wide. Look at the empty side of the stairs, and that is where you have to install the railings.
If your stairs are 44 inches to 87 inches, they must have a bar on each side as well. Stairs wider than 88 inches need to have a handrail in the center as well.
When do you need to be careful with railings?
The answer is all the time. Your stairs need railings, and they provide protection and prevent falls. They are essential for the family’s safety. They can help you keep balance while going up or down the stairs. You should also consider the code requirements for railing and stairs.
But there are a few things that you need to be careful of with the railings on the stairs. The first one is when your family is expecting, and a pregnant woman is lying in the house. This is the essential period that you must prevent any danger or fall. So if there are stairs in the house, ensure they are safe, and your wife can climb up or down them safely.
The second time is that when the elderly or seniors live in the house, they cannot take care of themselves. In this case, you need to ensure that railings provide complete protection for them. This is when they want to climb up or down the stairs on their own with your help.
Handrails for both sides of the stairs
People often ask if they need handrails on one or both sides of the stairs. Experts say that you’d better install them on all the unprotected sides or both sides.
There is an exception, though, when there is a wall on one side of the stairs.
But you’d better consult with the local experts to know the codes, rules, and regulations to ensure you comply with them. Meeting all the regulations for maximum safety is essential.
What Steps Don’t Need Railing?
In general, stairs may not require railings if they have three or fewer steps or if the total height of the stairs is less than 30 inches (76 centimeters). However, this can vary based on local building codes and the specific use and location of the stairs. It’s important to check the regulations in your area for precise requirements. Even when not legally required, installing railings can enhance safety, especially for children, the elderly, or those with mobility issues.
Railings and stairs types
There are various types of railings that you can pick for your stairs. But the one you pick is up to the house, stairs, and your preferences. Each one of them has its own features. If you can not make up your mind, our experts will guide you on the type that is appropriate for your house and needs;
- Picket stair railing
- Multi-line stair railing.
- Cable stair staircase railing.
- Wire mesh infill stair railing.
- Panel stair railing.
- Handrails types for stairs.
- Modern stair railing
Make stairs safer for the elderly
The elderly are the ones who are most prone to falls from the stairs. You can make them safer by these measures;
- Install railings.
- Light stairs up.
- Improve visual cues.
- Remove the bottom-step illusion.
- Upgrade your handrail
- Think of a stair lift
- Make step height and depth consistent.
If you want to install any of the above options, Vegas Valley Iron is ready to provide the service you need.
Railing near me in Las Vegas
If you are looking for a railing for your stairs in Las Vegas, stop your search. Vegas Valley Iron has provided the best ironworks to the residents for +18 years now. We will provide the railing you need for your stairs.
We have provided a wide and different range of services to our clients; wrought iron doors, gates, fences, railings, automated gates, etc. Quality and customer satisfaction are always our priorities.
You will find the answer to your ironworks questions with us. Our experts are ready to answer all of your questions. Give us a call at +1 702-303-2146 to order your railing or ironworks service now.
