Designing a building requires incorporating as many safety measures as necessary to accommodate people of all ages and abilities. One critical element in ensuring safety is the proper installation of guardrails. Guardrails provide essential fall protection on various walkways. They work hand-in-hand with handrails to create a secure, accessible environment for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about guardrails, including their purpose, materials, design considerations, ADA guidelines, and how Promenaid makes installation easier than ever.
What are Fall Safety Guardrails?
A guardrail is a safety barrier installed to prevent people from falling from elevated walking surfaces such as stairs, balconies, ramps, or landings. They differ from handrails, which are designed for grasping and supporting weight during movement. While they can look similar and often use complementary materials, their functions are distinct and equally important for creating safe environments.
Is a Guardrail a Handrail?
In short: no.
- Guardrails prevent falls from elevated surfaces.
- Handrails provide stability and support while walking up or down stairs or ramps.
Both guardrails and handrails are vital for accessibility and safety, but they serve separate purposes and follow different installation guidelines.
Where Are Guardrails Needed?
Guardrails are useful in a variety of different spaces and, when installed correctly, significantly increase the safety of your space.
Stairs
Stairs are required to have a continuous handrail for the length of the stairway. Stair handrails are required to be 34”-38” above the stair nosings. For open stairways, that leaves a lot of space above the handrail that someone could fall from. That’s why including a guardrail on a stairway adds another layer of protection.
Positioned at 42” from the stair nosings, guardrails would help to stop someone in the event that they begin to fall over the handrail. That makes them super vital in making your stairs as safe as possible.
Ramps
The elevated surface of a ramp means that if someone were to fall over the handrail, they could sustain severe injuries. A guardrail should be installed at 42” on a ramp to provide additional fall prevention.
Elevated Landings and Balconies
Elevated landings and balconies present a fall risk that is generally mitigated by a guard wall or series of handrails. Adding a guardrail above the standard guard or series of handrails means that those on the walking surface will enjoy added peace of mind and protection.
Half Walls and Barriers
Many times, a handrail is mounted on a half wall or barrier that is too low to prevent falls from a stairway, ramp, or other elevated walking surface. A guardrail can be mounted on the half wall or barrier to prevent falls, while the handrail acts as a support while walking.
ADA Requirements for Guardrails
The requirements laid out by the ADA ensure the most accessible and safest handrail possible. And while guardrails aren’t implicitly required by the ADA, they are an incredible addition and, if installed, should meet some of the same requirements of handrails, including:
- They have a diameter between 1 ¼” and 2”.
- They are continuous.
- They provide at least 1 ½” clearance between the guardrail and mounting bracket.
The Best Guardrail Materials
When it comes to guardrail systems, aluminum stands out as the superior material. It offers the best combination of strength, durability, flexibility, and aesthetics, making it ideal for both residential and commercial applications.
Why Aluminum?
Aluminum is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and incredibly easy to work with. It’s the core of Promenaid’s modular guardrail systems, offering a rustproof solution that withstands both indoor and outdoor environments. Plus, its strength allows for sleek, minimalist designs that meet or exceed ADA and building code requirements. Unlike heavier or higher-maintenance materials like steel or wood, aluminum guardrails require minimal upkeep and maintain their beautiful appearance for years to come.
Choosing aluminum ensures you get a guardrail system that looks stunning, performs reliably, and installs quickly — a true win-win for any project.
Types of Guardrail In-Fill
Guardrail infill prevents people from slipping through open spaces and contributes to the system’s overall style.
Glass Panels
Sleek and modern, tempered glass infill panels offer maximum visibility while maintaining safety.
Balusters
Vertical posts spaced to prevent passage of a 4-inch sphere, available in materials like wood, metal, or composites.
Perforated Metal Panels
Strong, tamper-resistant infills that provide industrial style and airflow while ensuring safety.
Why You Need Both Guardrails and Handrails
The safest design incorporates both guardrails and handrails:
- Handrails provide a gripping surface for stability.
- Guardrails prevent falls from elevated surfaces.
Together, they ensure safe navigation and fall protection in any building.
Promenaid Guardrails: Stylish, Strong, and Easy to Install
Promenaid’s guardrails use the same modular components as their handrails but are positioned at 42″ to meet safety standards. Here’s why Promenaid stands out:
- Precision Modular Design: Turns corners and follows changes in elevation while maintaining consistent height.
- Sprocketlock™ Technology: Simplified installation using just an Allen key.
- Durable Finishes: Satin-anodized aluminum that resists wear, corrosion, and germs.
- Elegant Options: Match handrails and guardrails for a cohesive, beautiful design.
- Integrated LED Lighting: Built-in lighting channels reduce the need for additional fixtures and save on overall project costs.
- Quick Installation: Systems can be installed in as little as one day.
A Multi-Use Product from Promenaid
Promenaid’s innovative designs make it easy to create a beautiful, safe, and ADA-compliant environment. Their flexible systems function as both handrails and guardrails, streamlining your project planning while elevating safety and design.
Contact us today to learn more about integrating Promenaid guardrails into your next residential or commercial project!
