Balustrades
If you can solve the geometry, spacing, and proportions of the balustrade along the rise and run of the stair, then the design for a level balustrade is a piece of cake.
There are two different types of balustrades: the level balustrade at a landing or along an open hallway or game room, and the pitched balustrade that protects the side of the stair. Many stairs have both, and both are opportunities to display some architectural detail while allowing light to filter down the stair.
From the designer’s perspective, the sloping balustrade is the one that’s harder to plan — and no doubt harder to build. The way I see it, if you can solve the geometry, spacing, and proportions of the balustrade along the rise and run of the stair, then the design for a level balustrade is a piece of cake.
Folks use terms such as railing or guardrail to mean balustrade, but it’s important to know that handrail and balustrade are two separate things in code parlance. A handrail is the part that you hold onto as you…
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