Welcome to
Types of Rails

Here you will find easy to understand information on different types of rails, supplies, code information and other helpful tips to help you pick the best rails for your home.

IMPORTANT!
Working with types of rails and stairs involves knowing the local code. Specific run, rise and rail height rules must be followed.

Slant rail height will be typically between 31" to 36".
Level rail height will be typically between 36" to 42".
Baluster spacing must be under 4" between.

Rail Types

Colonial Oak Railings

box stair with rails

Colonial oak rails and other types of rails are very common and may be purchased many different places at competitive prices. Railings for box stairs can be preassembled on top of a wood cap. This allows for far less carpentry in the field as all you have to do is "trim" the end of a rail and anchor it to the kneewall alongside and parallel to the top of the stringer on the stair. Typically, slant rails are somewhere around 5-1/2 feet long in length but can extend the entire length of the stair. It is common for these longer slant rails to meet a level rail on the second floor. Level rails are usually built on wood cap as well, but both slant and level rails may utilize shoe and fillet which allows them to "fly" about 4" above the treads and floor.

Open stairs make use of "KD" (Knocked-Down) or non-preassembled railings. Colonial style balusters will mount on top of open stair treads by drilling 3/4" holes. Today's codes require 3 balusters per tread so that a 4" sphere will not fit between them.

These following rail components are readily available in red oak and paint grade species of wood. They are also available in many other special order species such as cherry or hard maple.

newel posts

Contemporary Railings

contemporary rails

Railings for this type of stair usually anchor on the side of the stringer. Frequently the style of rail is of contemporary design, sometimes resembling an exterior deck rail. The balusters may be 2 x 2's and the top rail will be a 2 x 6 with eased edges.

Web Updates

I will continually add new improvement projects, repair and maintenance information, remodeling ideas as well as general tips and ideas for turning your house into your home. So be sure and check back often for new additions.

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