Banister is a noun that refers to the railing along the side of a staircase or balcony, while Bannister is a surname. The origin of the English surname Bannister dates back to the 11th-century Norman Conquest of England, where it was derived from the Old French word ‘banastre’ which means ‘fencing’ or ‘railing’.
This likely refers to the fact that a family bearing the Bannister surname originally made or erected banisters. Over the centuries, the spelling of the surname has changed, primarily due to the linguistic differences between Norman French and contemporary English.
As a result, some families bearing the surname Bannister may spell their name as Banister.
Is banister and handrail the same?
No, banister and handrail are not the same. A banister is a railing around a staircase, while a handrail is a single bar that typically runs along the wall. The height of handrails is generally between 34 and 38 inches, while a banister’s height can vary depending on the staircase size.
Additionally, a banister is typically wider than a handrail and can comprise of multiple bars or railings for support. Banisters tend to add aesthetic value to a staircase or porch, and usually use decorative materials such as wood or wrought iron, whereas handrails are typically made from metal or a combination of metal and wood.
Why is a banister called a banister?
The word “banister” comes from the Old French word “bastier,” which means “basket,” and refers to the handrail of a staircase or balcony. This is because the traditional design of banisters in the past resembled small baskets with wooden or metal bars around the perimeter.
As time progressed, the design of the banister has changed and the word has become synonymous with the handrail and the structure surrounding it. A banister is now seen as any handrail that runs along the stairs, whether it is round, tall, short, smooth, or decorative.
What is the handrail for a stair called?
The handrail for a stair is usually referred to as a balustrade. Balustrades are commonly used in staircases to provide a handhold for those using the stairs, as well as to provide a decorative accent to the overall design of the stair.
The typical components of a balustrade include posts, horizontal railings, vertical balusters, and a handrail. Posts are usually mounted at the bottom and top of the stairs and these posts support the weight of the entire system.
The horizontal railings are placed between the two posts, and provide a visual barrier between the two sides of the staircase. Vertical balusters are then placed between the horizontal railings, and they help to provide additional structural strength to the system.
A handrail is then placed atop the balusters and serves as a place to hold when navigating the stairs.
What is another word for handrail?
Another word for handrail is balustrade. A balustrade is a railing supported by posts or balusters and is often used to provide safety and support on stairs and balconies. Balustrades can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, wood, or stone, and can be an ornamental addition to any staircase.
What is considered railing?
Railing is an architectural feature that typically consists of a vertical post, often with a cap and/or a base, that supports a handrail and sometimes a top rail. It is usually installed on the exterior of a structure, either as part of a balustrade, on walls, or as posts for a porch or balcony.
Railings are designed for a number of purposes, including decoration, safety, and providing assistance when climbing stairs. They are also commonly used to provide boundary lines for property or areas for people to gather.
Railings are available in a variety of configurations, materials, and designs to fit different building styles. Metal, wood, and composite materials are all popular choices.
Can my top rail also be my handrail?
Yes, in many cases, your top rail can also be the handrail. The combination of the two is usually called a guardrail or guard wall system. When considering if your top rail can double as a handrail, you should look for guardrails that are designed with a compliant top rail and handrail to ensure proper support and functionality.
Additionally, guardrails must meet specific requirements related to the height of the handrail, the distance between the handrail and other components, the shape of the handrail, and other criteria as set out by the local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), such as building codes, ADA guidelines, and other local codes.
If your guardrails do not meet these requirements, it may not be safe to use them as both a top rail and a handrail. Always check with your local AHJ to make sure your guardrail meets any local requirements.
What do Americans call a bannister?
Americans usually refer to a bannister as a handrail or a railing. It is a construction feature that provides support when climbing or descending a staircase or when moving along a hallway. Its purpose is to provide people with a safe and secure way to move around the home or building without sacrificing comfort.
It can also be used as an interior design element, as there are many styles, shapes, and designs of bannisters available for use. Some common types of bannisters are wood, metal, glass, and even rope or cable.
What do they call stairs in England?
In England, stairs are typically referred to as stairs, steps, or a stairway. Depending on the type of stairs, people may also refer to them as a staircase, a flight of stairs, a set of stairs, or a stairwell.
Other names for stairs include the stair, a ladder, a ramp, escalators, and a lift. People in England may also refer to stairs in a certain area by the name of that location, such as church stairs or office stairs.
What are stairs called in America?
In the United States, stairs are often referred to as “steps” or “steps and risers”. They may also be referred to as stairs, stairways, flights of stairs, staircases, staircases and handrails, or a combination of these.
It can be helpful to visually break down the different parts of the stairs to understand its various names. A single step typically consists of two components: a riser, which is the vertical part of the step, and a tread, which is the horizontal portion upon which you place your foot.
A single step or a series of steps connected by landings may be referred to as a flight of stairs or staircase. A handrail is often installed alongside a set of steps and can be referred to as a stair railing or stairs guardrail.
Is a banister a railing?
Yes, a banister is a type of railing. Generally, a banister refers to a railing along a stairway that is specifically made for people to hold on to as they walk up and down the staircase. The banister is typically made from wood, although it can be made from other materials such as metal or glass.
A railing can refer to any type of structure that is used to provide support for a person or object. This can include a banister but also includes railings along balconies, decks, benches, and other elevated structures.