What is a Horizontal Bar Railing?
A horizontal bar railing is a railing with horizontal metal bars as infill. AGS Stainless designs and manufactures the Cascadia bar railing kit and the custom Olympus bar railing system under the Clearview® brand.
Table of Contents
- Section 1: Horizontal Bar Railing Infill
- Section 2: Horizontal Bar Railing Post Materials
- Section 3: Horizontal Bar Railing System Handrails
- Section 4: Horizontal Bar Railing Finishes
- Section 5: Horizontal Bar Railing Ideas and Design Trends
- Section 6: Horizontal Bar Railing Applications
- Section 7: Horizontal Bar Railing Hardware and Accessories
- Section 8: Horizontal Bar Railing Installation
- Section 9: Horizontal Bar Railing Code and Regulations
- Section 10: Horizontal Bar Railing Shipping
Schedule a FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION or continue reading to learn more about horizontal bar railing infill, horizontal bar railing post materials, horizontal bar railing system handrails, horizontal bar railing finishes, horizontal bar railing ideas and design trends, horizontal bar railing applications, horizontal bar railing hardware and accessories, horizontal bar railing installation, horizontal bar railing code and regulations, and horizontal bar railing shipping.
1. Horizontal Bar Infill for Railing Kits Has a Distinctive Appearance
Horizontal bar infill refers to horizontal metal bars between vertical posts and below a horizontal handrail. Railing kits and custom railing systems can have horizontal metal bars to promote safety and beauty.
Horizontal Bars for Railing Kits
Horizontal Bars for Custom Railing Systems
A plastic Cascadia - Splice Fitting connects a row of horizontal stainless steel bars for Cascadia bar railing kits. Since these bars are hollow, they can be attached to stainless steel posts with Cascadia - Infill Fitting, which come with 5/16-in x 2-in cone tipped screws. This particular kit uses a cantilever to create a distinctive look that you won't be able to find anywhere else because the stainless steel bars extend beyond the posts.
On the other hand, hollow stainless steel bars for custom Olympus bar railing systems can be inserted into laser-cut holes in stainless steel posts with plastic inserts. This custom rail system is ideal for creating a minimalist look that still has strong lines.
2. Custom Bar Railing Systems Have Several Post Material Options
Common metal bar rail post materials include iron, stainless steel, and aluminum.
Iron
Stainless Steel
Aluminum
Maybe you love the look of interior wrought iron stair railing kits with bars. Indoor wrought iron stair railing kits are similar to kits with stainless steel components. However, interior iron stair railing kits may not be designed to comply with regulations and Code. Also, interior iron railing kits might not meet the same standards because people who buy them care more about price than quality.
A custom iron railing system might be cheaper upfront than a stainless steel one without factoring in labor costs. However, a custom wrought iron railing system won't look good for long. Wrought iron railing kits and systems are highly susceptible to corrosion.
It would be pretty embarrassing if your neighbors started talking about rust on the wrought iron porch railing kits that you recently installed. Additionally, you might not be able to relax if iron deck railing kits with rust are ruining your perfect view.
A custom iron stair railing can be less safe than a stainless steel one. Corrosion makes exterior wrought iron stair railing kits weaker. When an outdoor wrought iron stair railing kit starts to rust, the metal disintegrates into a flaky reddish-brown powder. Given the immense downsides, a wrought iron railing kit probably isn't worth the trouble.
A stainless steel railing kit with horizontal bars is stunning. This Cascadia stainless steel bar rail kit has vertical stainless steel posts with welded top mount base plates.
The best bar rail stainless steel is marine grade 316 because it is more resistant to corrosion than 304 stainless steel. However, stainless steel railing kits should be passivated periodically with an AGS - Stainless Steel Cleaning & Maintenance Kit to maintain them over time.
A custom aluminum railing system with horizontal bars may seem like a good alternative to stainless steel. However, aluminum is a very soft metal, which means that aluminum railing kits and systems acquire more scratches and dents over time. Also, exterior aluminum stair railing kits aren't nearly as strong as stainless steel ones, which could potentially make them less safe. Given this fact, outdoor aluminum stair railing kits might not be worth the risk.
Furthermore, corrosion is definitely a concern for outdoor aluminum railing kits. An aluminum deck railing kit is a good example. Aluminum deck railing kits must be painted regularly to prevent corrosion. Unfortunately, paint can chip and crack over time, which decreases curb appeal because aluminum porch railing kits are visible from the street.
3. Handrails for Custom Bar Railing Systems Come in a Variety of Styles
A handrail is a horizontal component above vertical posts and horizontal bar infill. Handrail options for custom Olympus bar railing systems include flat, round, and wood. They can be customized by designing transitions for height and direction changes. You could also request post mounted bar rail brackets to mount a handrail on a post or a Clearview® - Handrail Bracket - Wall Mounted to mount a handrail on a wall.
Cascadia bar railing kits don't come with handrails, but you could add your own handrail based on the styles below. A 1/2-in thick handrail at the minimum will be required on a Cascadia - Post Assembly - 36-in or a Cascadia - Post Assembly - 42-in to meet the bar rail height Code.
Flat Handrail
Round Handrail
Wood Handrail
180-Degree Handrail Transitions
90-Degree Handrail Transitions
A horizontal flat bar railing system can have a handrail that is thin enough to create clean lines for a front porch on a home with a craftsman exterior design. The handrail on this horizontal flat bar rail system provides visual interest above round horizontal bars.
A horizontal round bar railing system can have a handrail that complements round horizontal bars for this mid-century modern interior design. You can see how this horizontal round bar stair railing system has a uniform look.
If you're looking for a unique design element, choosing a horizontal wood railing with stainless steel bars can be an effective way to add visual interest. Notice how a wood handrail completely changes this stair railing kit interior design.
As far as hardwoods go, an oak bar railing is a solid option. An oak bar rail is reliable and dense enough to support a lot of weight.
A wooden bar railing could divide the space on an open floor plan. Observe how the wood bar railing separates an exquisite front entrance from a modern kitchen.
Handrail transitions at 180 degrees are custom handrail components for switchback stairs to form a continuous shape.
Handrail transitions at 90 degrees are custom handrail components for dogleg stairs to form a continuous shape.
4. There Are Several Finish Options for Custom Bar Railing Systems
Custom Olympus bar railing finishes include powder coat and brushed. Cascadia bar railing kits are only available with a brushed finish.
Powder Coat Finish
Brushed Finish
Components for a horizontal bar railing system like posts, bars, and handrails can be powder coated in many different colors. For example, a black powder coat would establish a contrast with a lighter background
A brushed finish is one of many cheap bar rail ideas. Artisan craftsmen can finish components by hand to create a straight grain that runs in a single direction.
5. Some Popular Ideas and Designs Are Only Possible with a Custom Bar Railing System
Curved handrails and curved bars are horizontal bar railing ideas that are only possible with a custom design. A horizontal bar railing system can also serve as a focal point for a variety of bar rail designs from traditional to contemporary.
Curved Bar Railing
Bar Railing Gate
Traditional Bar Railing
Contemporary Bar Railing
Curved stair railing kits that fit perfectly without a custom design are hard to find and might not be compliant with building codes. However, each curved bar rail system for stairs can be designed to satisfy your desires and meet your specifications.
Gates are one of the best deck railing ideas. This custom deck rail option can help keep children and pets safe.
The bar railing for this traditional interior design has a handrail with a dark stain that brings the warm color palette together.
A dark accent wall pairs with the bar railing for this contemporary interior design to emphasize the strong lines created by horizontal bars.
6. Custom Bar Railing Systems Have More Applications
Some of the many applications for custom Olympus bar railing systems include decks, patios, stairs, lofts, and basements. However, tight interior spaces like lofts and basements might not have enough space for the horizontal bars that extend past posts on Cascadia bar railing kits.
Deck Bar Railing
Patio Bar Railing
Stair Bar Railing
Porch Bar Railing
Balcony Bar Railing
Loft Bar Railing
Kitchen Bar Railing
Basement Bar Railing
A gray powder coat is one of many horizontal deck railing ideas to consider. Additionally, there is nothing like a horizontal metal deck railing with bar infill for making an elevated deck safer. Each deck rail bar is capable of sustaining a fair amount of force, but most of the weight from leaning on the handrail would be supported by stainless steel posts.
You might be able to catch a glimpse of a beautiful garden by looking through the infill for a bar patio railing.
Stainless steel hardware for this Cascadia DIY horizontal stair railing kit with bar infill is adjustable for sloped applications on stairs. This particular horizontal metal stair railing kit application utilized a top mounting method for the posts, and Clearview® - Base Plate Covers for concealing the base plates and Clearview® - 5/16-in x 3-in Lag Screws.
A custom porch railing system with stainless steel bars could increase curb appeal for your home.
A balcony bar railing is an excellent choice for taking in a spectacular view from a higher vantage point.
Provide a view of an interior with a loft bar railing that overlooks the rest of your home.
Separate the dining area on an open floor plan with a kitchen bar railing.
Start your remodel with a basement bar railing to take advantage of unused space in your home.
7. Horizontal Bar Railing Kits Have Adjustable Hardware and Decorative Options
Most standard bar rail kits cannot be adjusted for sloped applications on stairs like Cascadia. You can use any of this off-the-shelf bar rail hardware to build your own Cascadia kit.
Adjustable hardware includes the Cascadia - Adjustable Top Mount Post - 36-in, Cascadia - Adjustable Top Mount Post - 42-in, and Cascadia - Infill Knuckles. You can visit the AGS E-Commerce Store to buy this adjustable hardware, which is included in the Cascadia - Post Assembly - 36-in and the Cascadia - Post Assembly - 42-in.
Clearview® - Base Plate Covers and StarLight solar-powered LED accent lights are decorative options to finish off the look. You could also add the same decorative options to a custom Olympus bar railing system.
Adjustable Top Mount Post Hardware
Adjustable Infill Knuckle Hardware
Base Plate Cover Hardware
Accent Light Accessories
Fiber Laser Cutting
TIG Welding
A Cascadia - Adjustable Top Mount Post has a welded base plate that can be mounted on top of a surface. A welded hinge joint pivots for sloped applications on stairs with an angled handrail.
Cascadia - Infill Knuckles are adjustable to accommodate sloped applications on stairs with angled bar infill. Each stainless steel railing bar included in Cascadia - Bar Infill is hollow. A rubber Cascadia - Splice Fitting can connect a row of horizontal stainless steel bars.
Clearview® - Base Plate Covers are decorative options for horizontal bar railing systems that conceal stainless steel base plates and fasteners like the Clearview® - 5/16-in x 3 1/2-in Concrete Expansion Anchors for this patio.
StarLight solar-powered LED accent lights are decorative options that can be installed on horizontal bar railing posts with mounting screws or mounted on garden stakes.
Off-the-shelf stainless steel components for Cascadia bar railing kits are precisely cut to an accuracy level of 4/1000ths of an inch with a fiber laser cutting machine. This machine ensures a higher standard of quality in a fraction of the time that it would take to cut stainless steel with a traditional computer-numerical control (CNC) machine. The beauty of this particular kit is that it meets the same quality standards as a completely custom Olympus bar railing system with the added convenience of off-the-shelf inventory.
Skilled artisans perform manual tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding for attaching stainless steel components in the AGS factory because metal inert gas (MIG) welding completed by robots often results in connections that aren't nearly as visually appealing. They weld base plates and hinge joints onto stainless steel posts for Cascadia bar railing kits. These artisans also weld Olympus bar rail end caps and base plates onto stainless steel posts. Then each connection is thoroughly polished to remove welding stains so that the finished products look gorgeous.
8. Horizontal Bar Railing Kits Are Only Available with a Top Mount Installation Method
Before installing a bar railing, you should understand the difference between a top mount, a side mount, and a saddle mount. Cascadia is a surface mount railing kit that can only be installed on top of a surface. Additionally, the installation process for a custom Olympus bar railing system is slightly different from that of a Cascadia bar railing kit.
Top Mounting Method
Side Mounting Method
Saddle Mounting Method
How-To Video: How to Install a Custom Horizontal Bar Railing System
How-To Video: How to Build Horizontal Deck Railing Kits with Stainless Steel Bars
A top mounting method involves attaching a bar railing to the top of a surface like a deck or on top of treads that make up the steps for stairs.
A side mounting method involves attaching a bar railing to the side of a surface like a deck or a stringer that supports the steps for stairs.
A saddle mounting method involves attaching a bar railing to two different sides of a surface like a stringer for stairs.
This video demonstrates how to install a custom Olympus bar railing system under the Clearview® brand.
This video demonstrates how to install deck railing kits called Cascadia.
9. Horizontal Bar Railing Kits Don't Need a Custom Design to Meet Code
Horizontal bar railing systems designed and manufactured by AGS Stainless are available in 36-inch and 42-inch heights to meet IBC, IRC, and ADA standards. Designers for custom Olympus bar railing systems can also work with you or your contractor to comply with local building codes.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
International Building Code (IBC)
International Residential Code (IRC)
American Disabilities Act (ADA)
CAD is a type of software for designing bar railing systems. Getting your CAD drawings back only takes a few short weeks.
The International Code Council (ICC) developed the IBC to ensure that commercial bar railing projects would adhere to public health and safety standards.
The International Code Council (ICC) developed the IRC to ensure that residential bar railing projects would adhere to public health and safety standards.
The United States Congress enacted the ADA in 1990 to ensure that walking surfaces, ramps, and stairs would be accessible to people with disabilities. As a result, a bar railing has to be more than 34 inches tall.
10. Off-the-Shelf Components for Horizontal Bar Railing Kits Are Shipped in 48 Hours
Take advantage of free shipping in 48 hours and a generous return policy with the Cascadia bar railing kit. Off-the-shelf components are shipped directly from the AGS factory to you for easy on-site installation.
Factory-Direct Shipping
When stainless steel components for Cascadia bar railing kits are carefully packaged and quickly shipped directly from the AGS factory in 48 hours, you will have more flexibility to prepare for unexpected project changes that could cause delays, scheduling conflicts, and cost overruns.
Why Buy a Horizontal Bar Railing from AGS Stainless?
After you submit a simple drawing with basic measurements and any relevant photos, a dedicated design consultant will work with you or your contractor to discuss options, expectations, applications, budget, time frame, constraints, compliance, and maintenance. Design decisions determined at this point include measurements, handrail, infill, finish, mount, and any stair specifics. Then your design consultant develops a detailed cost estimate for your consideration at no cost to you.
Once you have approved the cost estimate for your railing system, a specially trained designer establishes a working relationship with you or your contractor to go over every detail. After that, your designer creates exact computer-aided design (CAD) drawings to ensure that you receive your desired look with a perfect on-site fit.
After you've approved your final CAD drawing, the fabrication process can begin. Meticulous planning allows the components to be fabricated off-site, which improves quality and simplifies the installation process. The fabrication team at the AGS factory brings expertise built on years of experience to perform fiber laser cutting, tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, and finishing for the components before they are carefully packaged and shipped directly to you.
Schedule a FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION to get started.