When it comes to adding a safety measure for stairs, we have two options; half wall and railing. But we have to decide which option will be better for our house. Both provide support to those individuals who can’t climb like they are younger, yet they have many differences between them.
Half wall and railing serve identical facilities and purposes. The differences between them are their design, price, construction methods, materials to construct, compatibility, safety, durability, etc. however, railings have unlimited design options, and there is a design limit for half-wall. Moreover, it is budget-friendly to go for a half-wall instead of a handrail.
However, you can go for your favorite option for your stairs, yet it will be beneficial to know about both. In this guide, we described all differences between railing and half, so it will be easy for you to choose the suitable one.
Table of Contents
What Is Half Wall?
A half wall is one of the wall construction designs to provide a safety measure for climbing stairs, covering balcony areas and home terrace boundaries. As it’s a solid and budget-friendly option, most people prefer a half wall to create climbing support instead of metal balusters. The material used for constructing half is concrete. However, it has fewer design options since it is primarily made of bricks and concrete, and there are fewer options to customize its structure.
What Is Railing?
The railing is a modern alternative option to half-wall. Most Modular homes and villas include railing instead of half walls as there are uncountable design options for stairs, terraces, and balcony boundaries. Most railings are made of wood and metals such as steel, iron, etc. It is also known as a handrail, which makes a house more modern and up-to-date. It provides an opportunity to construct its design on the demand of the house owner. Unfortunately, a railing is less safe for kids and pets because most of the layout contains a gap which creates space for falling.
Half Wall Vs. Railing:
Half walls are popular for many decades, as they are budget-friendly and safer than metal railings. On the other hand, as modern railings are coming in a variety of unique options, house owners give proprietary railings.
Both have unique specifications and features to make climbing easy and the house stunning. Use their features to compare their needs in your upcoming project. Moreover, it becomes easy to differentiate between two options when we know their properties.
Installation Process Difference Between Railing And Half Wall:
Railing installation is easier than a half wall as it takes less effort and consumes less time to establish. Moreover, you can also install it yourself by knowing its process.
A half wall takes much time to install since its installation process includes many efforts and time-consuming steps. Firstly, the Constructor prepares concrete material and then arranges bricks or stones in order. After drying the wall, the worker applies gypsum plaster on the newly constructed half wall, which is the primary reason the half wall consumes much time to be installed.
The railing is easy to repair and replace, but in the case of a half-wall, it may take hours of work to repair and replace.
Cost Of Installation:
If your budget is limited, then a half wall will be the best choice according to your budget limit as its material is cheaper than all types of railing materials. The material and design of the railing make it expensive despite a person having the option to choose their railing from many options.
In railing, you pay for material, manufacturing fees, creativity, and the expense of the installer (if you don’t do the installation yourself). On the other hand, a half-wall cost includes the cost of labor or contractor and material only.
Which Looks Modern; Railing or Half Wall?
As comes in a variety of designs and a modern way to construct stair climbing support, railings look more modern. In modern villas and house architecture designs, experts recommend using railings, especially as a comparison of half walls, a fence trend running for many decades.
If you’re looking for customized handrails and want to add your favorite layout, modern rails are for you. However, a railing is not safer likened to a half wall and you have to pay more attention to your kids and pets as the risk of failing in the gap of railing design is higher.
Material, Design, and Durability Comparison:
Material: Railings can be constructed with steel, iron, wood, etc metals whereas a half wall can be constructed with the use of concrete and brick or stone only. Sometimes, metal handrails cost double the approximations of simple half-brick walls. Metal is always more expensive than house construction materials, that’s one of the reasons which makes railing expensive.
Design: You will find many structures on the railing but fewer on half walls. In this modern world, most people who do house revolution and new construction typically prefer metal-made rails. You can also find wooden railings in old villas since that was the choice of many royal people.
Durability: Walls always last longer than often-used objects. Railing lasts for fewer years than more than half a wall, as half a wall contains long-lasting properties.
Which One Is Better Between Half Wall Vs. Railing?
Both options are reasonable for your stairs, balcony, and trace options, as both provide an identical purpose. Which option is better for you depends on your budget, requirement, and design needs. Firstly, take a look at your budget and see if your budget allows you to spend more or not.
Choose which option is suitable for your requirement as in railing usage there will be a risk of falling through the gaps.
Take a look at both designs and compatibility with your stairs, terraces, or balcony boundaries. Moreover, take time to make a decision because it is a worthy investment you make for decades, so take a decision after taking a look at your budget, choice, and compatibility.
Conclusion:
The railing is more modern and expensive looking than a half-wall. Moreover, you can replace both with each option as they serve the same purpose. You have more than three options to make railing; wood, steel, iron, etc, but in the case of half-wall construction, only concrete and stones can be used.