How do I Design a Commercial Stair Railing and Balcony?
Creating a balcony in a retail store or commercial building will involve leaving out some part of wall framing. Think in terms of removing a section of wall on the second floor to expose the floor below. Designing a balcony entails leaving out wall studs for the open side. Surrounding wall surfaces will be finished in drywall, plaster or masonry. But, the balcony’s open side must be secured to protect anyone from falling over. In a commercial building, several people may be in the balcony area at once. Railing must be built in a very secure fashion. Envision the commercial space with the balcony as a focal point from the floor below. Plan to leave wall studs out of a second floor or higher floor to expose a balcony view. Design simple, strong railings to fit across the opening, if the surrounding architecture is very basic. Plan to install two or more railings anchored to both the side walls and floor area, for example. Develop a more sophisticated plan for a balcony with artistic flai
