How high should stair hand rails be?

(6) The height of handrails shall be not less than 34 inches nor more than 38 inches from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread.

What is code for stair handrail?

On a stair, since handrail must be between 34″ and 38″, the handrail and the top of the guard can be one and the same. In commercial applications, the IBC requires a minimum height of 42″. On stairs, once there is a 30″ drop, a handrail will be required and placed between 34″ and 38″ above the nosing.

What side should a railing be on stairs?

Both sides are better and safer too for installing stair railings. There are no standard rules. But mostly It is suggested on the right hand side as you go down the stairs. Very few stairwells are full walled on both sides, so the wall-mount rail is usually same side as the banister rail.

How high can a deck be without a railing?

30 inches
If your deck is below 30 inches, a railing is not required. With that said, if you choose to build a deck, even if it is only 24 inches off the ground, that is still high enough that even an adult could injure themselves.

Do you need a railing on both sides of stairs?

Handrails are required on both sides of stairs and must be continuous within the full length of each stair flight. Inside handrails on switchback or dogleg stairs must be continuous. Both sides are better and safer too for installing stair railings. There are no standard rules.

Do I need a handrail on my stairs?

Stairs should have a handrail on at least one side if the stairs are less than 1 metre wide. A handrail on both sides of the stairs will be required if the stair width is greater than this. In all buildings, handrail height should be between 900mm and 1000mm measured from the pitch line to the top of the handrail.

Do exterior steps require a handrail?

While the finer details will ultimately be influenced by your local government’s building regulations, the International Building Code, the International Residential Code and the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 maintain that exterior stairs that are a required point of egress – in other …

How tall should a stair handrail be for safety?

How High Should a Stair Handrail Be? 1 Suggested Height. Stair handrails are in place so you have something to grasp while using the stairs. 2 Building Codes. National and state building codes suggest a handrail height of 30 to 34 inches, which is 2 to 6 inches shorter than the suggested height for safety. 3 Bottom Line. …

What is code for stair railing height?

National and state building codes suggest a handrail height of 30 to 34 inches, which is 2 to 6 inches shorter than the suggested height for safety. If you are installing stairs, however, you must obey building codes and set the handrail height accordingly.

What’s the minimum distance between stair railing and wall?

The important detail here is the minimum railing distance which represents the walking space between the handrail and the wall. This distance needs to be at least 31 1/2 inches. It’s quite common for modern staircases to only have one railing.

What kind of railing do I need for stairs?

Hardwood handrails for stairs like the oak stair railing we’re using are more expensive. Pine and poplar rails cost less. In addition to the stair railing, you’ll need wall mounted handrail brackets, a package of two-part, 90-second epoxy, and about 4 ft. of 2×4.

What is the proper height of a stair rail?

Proper Height. A stair rail must be between 34 and 38 inches above the top of the stair tread at all times to meet United States building code requirements. It should also extend a foot before and after the stairs, for added safety.

What is the minimum height of handrail?

Handrails are rails that provide a handhold for support. Height: Minimum handrail height is 30 inches. Maximum height is 38 inches. Height is measured from the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the handrail.

How high must a platform be to require a handrail?

The handrail height for this platform must be at least 1 metre in height. It is also required that the handrail section for this balustrade be 40mm or greater, made from either timber or stainless steel.

What is the required height for railing on basement stairs?

The installed height should be between 36 and 38 inches to meet building codes. If there is any doubt as to the code requirements in your area, contact your local municipal office for specific handrail requirements before installing a basement stairway handrail. Measure up 36 inches from the front edge of the bottom riser.