Architectural Railing Systems

It depends on the building: the International Building Code sets commercial guardrails at a minimum of 42 inches and allows 36 inches in qualifying residential settings. Guardrails are required above a drop of more than 30 inches, and openings must stop a 4-inch sphere (4 3/8 inches from 36 to 42 inches high). Local codes vary, so confirm your project's numbers with the authority having jurisdiction.

Under the International Building Code, a commercial stair handrail sits 34 to 38 inches above the stair nosings. A round handrail must be 1 1/4 to 2 inches in outside diameter, run continuously along the flight, and clear the wall by at least 1 1/2 inches. It must extend at least 12 inches past the top nosing horizontally and continue to slope one tread depth past the bottom nosing. Lavi's 1.5-, 1.67-, and 2-inch tubing falls within that diameter range. Local codes vary, so confirm your project's requirements with the authority having jurisdiction.

All three are guardrail systems built on prefabricated stainless-steel railing posts; the difference lies in the infill. Cable railing uses horizontal stainless-steel cables that don't block sightlines. C.A.T. cable railing posts feature integrated anchoring and tensioning built into the post. Glass railing systems hold glass panels between posts or on spider arms for an unobstructed view. Cross-bar railing uses horizontal stainless-steel bars secured to the railing posts to provide a clean, contemporary style.

Choose 316 stainless steel for exterior railings, waterfront and coastal sites, and pool surrounds, because its added molybdenum resists chloride corrosion and pitting. Choose 304 or 316 stainless steel, in polished or satin finishes, for interior and covered rails that stay dry. Choose solid brass for warm interiors such as hotel lobbies, bars, and restorations. Uncoated brass develops a natural patina over time and can be polished back to its original shine.

A prefabricated railing post arrives with its base, infill hardware, and handrail connection already built, ready to install. It mounts to the floor or fascia and takes cable, glass, or bars with no field welding. That keeps welding, grinding, and refinishing off the job site, shortens the install, and protects the factory finish. Posts come in end, center, corner, and stair configurations at 36- and 42-inch heights.

You can order railing components, railing tube, C.A.T. round cable railing posts, bulk-roll cable, and glass divider posts online. We sell glass, glass-spider, cross bar, and flush railing systems by quote because a specialist confirms each post layout and finish first. Email us for a quote or call 1-888-285-8605.