Barandas

Barandas are barrier and support systems mounted along edges of stairs, ramps, balconies, and decks to prevent falls and assist movement. They are designed to provide a continuous gripping surface for users and to define safe limits for elevated spaces.

A typical baranda assembly consists of a handrail, vertical balusters or panels, and posts or newel posts that anchor the system to structural elements. A bottom rail or infill may connect components. Modern barandas can combine different materials and finishes to suit architectural styles and environmental exposure.

Materials used for barandas include wood, metal (such as stainless steel, aluminum, or wrought iron), glass panels, and composite or concrete elements. Combination systems—such as metal railings with glass infill or timber handrails with metal balusters—are common in residential and commercial construction.

Configurations vary widely. Straight, curved, and spiral designs accommodate different floor plans and spaces. In interiors, barandas often emphasize aesthetics and lightness, while exterior systems focus on durability and weather resistance. Infill options range from vertical balusters and solid panels to cable or glass infills, each affecting visibility and openness.

Safety and standards for barandas are governed by local building codes and design guidelines. Typical requirements address height (approximately 90–110 cm or about 36–44 inches), continuous graspability, and maximum gaps between balusters (often around 100 mm or 4 inches), with exact values varying by jurisdiction. Maintenance includes periodic inspection for looseness, corrosion, or weathering, along with cleaning and refinishing as needed.

Barandas combine safety, function, and aesthetics, adapting to residential, commercial, and industrial settings.