Railings in Calgary can take your home and deck to a whole new level, as long as you choose the right ones, of course. To ensure you’re making the best decision for your yard and home, here’s everything to know about the choices, materials, and designs available to you.

What Are Railings?

Railings are essentially a type of fence made of metal, wood, glass, or iron bars that are attached to posts. They’re often located along the edge of a path or at the side of stairs to provide additional support, safety, and visual appeal. They’re a perfect addition to almost any home or yard and the customization options are virtually endless.

Railings vs. Handrails

Many people often confuse railings and handrails, and while it’s an easy mistake to make, these are two separate things. 

Railings are structures that provide safety and support, typically placed along the edge of staircases, balconies, decks, or walkways. They are made up of multiple components, including vertical posts (balusters) and a horizontal top bar. The primary purpose of railings is to prevent falls and enclose an area.

Handrails, on the other hand, are specifically designed to offer a grip for people to hold onto, providing stability and support while walking up or down stairs or along ramps. Handrails are usually a single bar installed on a wall or attached to a railing system.

Why You Need Railings in Calgary

Deck railings offer so many benefits that you often can’t afford your yard to be without them. Adding more than just visual appeal and decoration, the best part of railing installation is that they add to the safety of your deck. By acting as a wall between the stairs and the people, they provide additional support, especially to children, older people, and those with mobility issues.

Another benefit is that they can add storage to your home. You can use the area under the stairs for storage or add shelves and hooks to utilize the unused space.

Different Types of Railings in Calgary

There are many different types of stair railing designs to choose from that will blend into your home and yard seamlessly. 

Picket Stair

Picket stair railings consist of vertical posts that support the handrails. The posts are usually attached to the base rail or stair treads and can be either simple or ornate. Picket staircase railings are the most common type of railings around, found everywhere from industrial plants to commercial buildings and residential homes. Also, you can install them both indoors or outdoors, but keep in mind that they don’t provide a completely closed side barrier.

Multi-Line Stair

Multi-line stair railings comprise horizontal rods or tubes that extend from one post to the other. The rods or tubes come in different styles, sizes, and materials and they’re commonly used in commercial and industrial buildings.

Cable Stair

Cable stair railings use high-tension metal cables, arranged horizontally or vertically, to create a barrier along the sides of stairs. Unlike traditional railings that use pickets or panels, these cables offer a sleek and open look. You can pair them with various handrails and different post materials, including steel, aluminum, and wood.

Wire Mesh Infill Stair

Wire mesh infill railings consist of wire panels welded to a four-sided frame, which are then attached to the railing system. These railings can be made from various metals, including stainless steel and aluminum. They are typically custom-made to fit specific requirements for mesh size, wire diameter, and panel dimensions.

Panel Stair

Panel stair railings are similar to wire mesh infill railings, with sections installed directly into the railing system. These panels are often made of glass but can also consist of open metal bars.

Popular Materials for Railings in Calgary

When it comes to choosing railings in Calgary, quite a few materials are praised for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and suitability to the local climate.

Steel

Steel railings are versatile and can be used in industrial, commercial, and residential settings. In industrial environments, they are primarily functional, offering durability and safety. In homes and offices, stainless steel railings add clean lines and a modern aesthetic. You can pair them with various handrail materials, such as wood, to achieve the perfect look.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a lightweight metal with a lower density compared to steel, making it easy to handle and install. It has a silver appearance and is highly reflective. One of the key advantages of aluminum railings is their natural resistance to rust and corrosion, requiring no additional treatment to maintain their durability.

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron is an iron alloy with low carbon content, known for its malleability and decorative potential. While true wrought iron is no longer mass-produced, it is still made for restoration and replication of historic pieces. Today, most items labelled as wrought iron are actually made from mild steel with a similarly low carbon content, offering a comparable look and feel.

Wood

Wood is the most traditional and classic material for handrails and railings in Calgary. Common choices include red oak, known for its ease of staining, sanding, and finishing, and white oak, which is harder and more water-resistant. Other popular woods for staircase handrails and railings include mahogany, ash, cypress, and cherry, each offering unique characteristics and aesthetics.

Glass

Glass railings are a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor applications, offering several advantages that make them ideal for homeowners and businesses alike. One of the biggest benefits of glass railings is their ability to provide an unobstructed view. This feature enhances the visual appeal of your space and creates a sense of openness.

Cable

Cable railings differ from traditional railings by using horizontal cables instead of vertical posts. This design creates an open, airy feel, making them a popular choice for outdoor spaces like decks and balconies, as well as for achieving a contemporary look indoors.

Railings in Calgary with YYC Builders

Whether you’re doing a renovation and want to revamp your space or starting from scratch – let YYC Builders handle your railings in Calgary. We offer a variety of building materials that will take your outdoor living space to new heights. 

What’s more, our team of expert designers and builders have been handling projects big and small for years and know how to ensure you get exactly what you need and want.

Call YYC Builders today to find out how we can help with your railings in Calgary and more!