There are primarily 3 different types of handrails and stair railings to choose from.
1st Type – Wall-Mounted Handrails:
Wall handrails are handrails that are fastened to your wall with brackets such as the ones shown in the image below. These handrails can be attached to drywall, wood or concrete and used both indoors and outdoors.
If you're interested in learning more on how to choose/buy the right wall-mounted handrail, please read out in-depth guide here.
We also have a complete guide to installing a wall-mounted handrail.
2nd Type – Ground-Mounted Handrails:
Ground mounted handrails and handrails mounted directly into the ground of your steps such as the one below (referred to as a Single Post Handrail).
These handrails can come with a Single Post or Multiple Posts. The names are pretty self-explanatory, but in case you're new to the lingo, a Single Post Ground-Mounted Handrail is show in the image above, and below is an example image of a Ground-Mounted Handrail with Posts.
These handrails are most commonly used outdoors, but they can be installed indoors as well. For example, one of our customers placed a custom order with us to make a double post handrail fit their indoor stairs.
If you're interested in learning more on buying a ground-mounted handrail, please read out in-depth guide here.
We also have a complete guide to installing a ground-mounted handrail.
3rd Type – Assembled Railings for Stairs, Decks, Porches etc.
Assembled railings can function as guardrails or banisters around your steps, around drop-offs such as ledges, edges of decks, patios, balconies etc. Assembled railings can also customized to run the slope of your stairs (like a handrail).
Below is an example of a customer who has a set of stairs that go through the floor. Our assembled railings were used as guardrails around the drop-off in the floor to protect people from falling while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design.
We also have customers who request customizations to make assembled railings to run the slope of their stairs (like a handrail), such as the customer who shared a picture of his Angled Stair Railing below. These can also be referred to as stair railings or banisters.
If you're interested in learning more on buying an assembled railing, please read out in-depth guide here.
We also have a complete guide to installing an assembled railing.
What's Next?
Now that you know the 3 main types of handrails and railings, you're one step closer to being fully prepared to buy the right handrail or railing for your home or office.
If you're looking for information on handrails and railings, we have in-depth guides to help you in each part of the process right here on our Nail Your Rail blog.
Here are some good guides to look over:
- Buying a Wall-mounted Handrail
- Buying an Assembled Railing (Guardrail)
- Buying a Ground-mounted Handrail
- Handrail & Railing Code Requirements