Handrail designs in Nigeria may not exactly seem like a big deal, but they have always been with us. The issue is that most people confuse them for railings and don’t know that they are separate entities.
Handrails are part of the mechanism that comes with staircases to protect us from falls and avoidable injuries.
What is the difference between handrails and railings? What are the different types of materials used in handrail designs in Nigeria? Continue reading this post to find out the answers to both questions.
But first, let’s look at some amazingly beautiful handrail designs in Nigeria.
Modern Handrail Designs in Nigeria
Difference Between Handrails and Railings
Did you know that handrails are different from railings? Not many people know that these parts of the staircase system are two separate entities. In this section, we will define each one to know their key differences.
Handrails
A handrail is the part of the staircase system that people lay their hands on and hold onto as they go up and down the stairs. Since this part is mainly for support purposes, it needs to provide guidance and stability as people climb up and down the stairs.
Handrails can be designed from a wide variety of materials. They can extend from beside the stair rail, sit on the top of the vertical posts or balusters, or remain attached to the wall.
Railings
A railing, on the other hand, is the barrier at the side of the stairs to protect people from falling off. Railings have to be very strong and have high weight resistance in case a person pushes against it or falls so that it doesn’t break and lead to fatality or gruesome injuries.
Similar to handrails, railings are designed from a variety of materials. They also come in different designs so that they are not just functional, they also deliver aesthetic improvement to a building.
Different Types of Materials Used in Handrail Designs in Nigeria
One popular question among people planning to use handrails in these parts is, “what are the best materials used for handrails in Nigeria?” Truthfully, it is quite difficult to answer this question as there is a variety of materials used.
The best material depends on your purposes, the desired look, and most importantly, your environment. This section will show you some of the materials commonly used for handrail designs in Nigeria.
Steel
Steel is one of the most popular materials used in constructing handrails in Nigeria. It is mostly applied in industrial and commercial settings and is regarded as the best material when working with stair stringers. Stainless or galvanized steel is the best option if you are running away from rusting.
Galvanized steel is simply steel that is coated or covered with zinc to avoid damage to the steel by corrosive materials. If you are working with prefabricated industrial staircases, then you should consider galvanized or powder-coated steel handrails. Steel handrail designs are also great for homes and business premises as they provide a modern, sleek look.
Pros
- Extremely strong and highly durable.
- Stainless and galvanized steel requires little maintenance and presents easy cleaning.
- Steel is weather resistant and highly versatile.
Cons
- Steel may weaken or buckle under extreme heat (which is very unlikely in most parts of Nigeria).
- Very expensive compared to the other materials.
- Difficult to install because of its weight.
Aluminium
Aluminum is another material that is quite popularly used for handrail designs in Nigeria. It has a relatively lower density when compared to other metals. This makes aluminum handrails pretty lightweight when compared to those made of steel. Aluminum is quite similar to silver in appearance so its reflective nature makes it a great option for aesthetic purposes. Similar to steel, aluminum is resistant to corrosion and rust. You will find aluminum handrails in residential, industrial, and commercial buildings.
Pros
- Strong and highly durable.
- Resistant to very harsh weather conditions.
- Requires little maintenance.
- Easier installation than steel.
Cons
- More expensive than steel handrails.
- Not as strong as steel so can scratch or dent more easily.
Wrought iron
Handrail designs in Nigeria made from wrought iron are among the most common. Wrought iron is an iron alloy containing very little carbon. This iron is highly malleable so it presents a great opportunity to achieve a beautiful decorative effect.
Over the years, the demand for wrought iron handrails has increased exponentially because of this reason. You can use wrought iron handrails indoors and outdoors. These handrails are very stylish since the iron can be bent into different shapes. After crafting the designs, the iron is then painted to suit the color of the building.
Pros
- Highly versatile and malleable so it can be used to create a wide array of designs.
- Very strong so it presents the user with high stability.
- This type of handrail allows powder coating into different colors to improve the aesthetics of the handrails and the building.
Cons
- More expensive than both steel and aluminum.
- Prone to rust if not properly maintained.
- The maintenance process is quite stressful.