Why Do Stairs Have Railings?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hey there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do stairs have railings?

The Big Idea

A railing is a second path for your hand. If a foot slips, your arm can still catch the fall. So railings help keep us safe on stairs!

Set Posts, Add Balusters

Step one: set the posts, and add balusters. Strong posts, called newel posts, are anchored at the top and bottom of the stairs. Then evenly spaced spindles, called balusters, rise between them.

Cap With a Rail

Step two: cap it with a rail. A smooth handrail ties the tops of the balusters together. It sits at about hip height, so a grabbing hand finds it fast.

Check Height, Hold and Climb

Step three: check the height, then hold and climb. Builders check that the rail sits where a falling hand can grab it. Then you climb the treads, and the rail steadies your balance.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at stairs! The newel post anchors each end. The spindles are the small posts. The handrail is the smooth top. And the tread is where you step, and the riser is the upright part.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! A comfortable step is about 7 inches high, and 11 inches deep. Open stairs without rails are a common cause of falls at home. Building codes even set how far apart the posts can be, so a head cannot fit through. Spiral stairs wind around a center pole to save floor space.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Walk along a low curb, with your arms out. Then walk with one hand on a wall. Which way feels safer? Try stairs with a grown-up nearby.

Outro

A railing gives your hand a safe place to hold. Thank you, railings! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!