Height of handrail for staircase: Top rail and handrail requirements for stairrail systems under the construction standards.

Stair Railing and Guard Building Code Guidelines

Lee Wallender

Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years.

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Updated on 08/03/22

Reviewed by

Kelly Bacon

Reviewed by
Kelly Bacon

Kelly Bacon is a licensed general contractor with over 40 years of experience in construction, home building and remodeling, and commercial building. He is a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.

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Review Board

Fact checked by

Sarah Scott

Fact checked by
Sarah Scott

Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design.

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Editorial Process

The Spruce / Sophia Reay

At first glance, some building codes might seem capricious, even impenetrable and mysterious. Not so with staircase building code for hand railings and guards.

Staircase code is rooted in a set of solid ideas that all revolve around the notion that gravity isn’t our best friend on staircases. So, the staircase code dictates that there must be handrails on the incline portion of stairs and guards on the horizontal parts. It also drills further down into the details and says just how high or low they should be and how far out they should project. In short, handrail and guard code is a type of building guide—a set of commonsense ideas that you can follow when building your stairs.

Watch Now: Understanding Stair Railing Codes for Your Home

IRC Stair Railing Code

The International Residential Code for One-and Two-Family Dwellings (IRC) and the International Building Code (IBC) address staircase railings. These are two model codes and are offered as suggested guidelines for local code authorities to follow at their discretion. However, because communities often adopt and adapt the model code, it is necessary to check with your local building code authority (usually the city building department) for code that pertains to your community. Staircase railing and guard construction, for both new homes and remodeled homes, may also trigger permit requirements.

Note that some sections of stair railing code work in conjunction with other sections of stair code. For example, the minimum hand clearance between the railing and the wall that it is mounted on is 1 1/2 inches. Yet, if the railing is pushed out too far, there is the risk of violating another section of code that provides for 27 inches of walking width between the two railings of a double-railing staircase.

Illustration: Â© The Spruce, 2018

Terminology: Stair Railing and Stair Guards

Stair railing and stair guards, though they may sound like the same thing, are different. Stair railing runs on the stair incline, up and down. By contrast, stair guards run horizontally along a flat area, with a drop on the other side. Stair guards do not protect stairs but are often used in conjunction with stairs, as with stair landings or elevated walking areas leading to stairs.

Stair Railing Building Code
Stair Section	Requirement	Notes
Handrail Height	34 to 38 inches	The distance between the stair nosing and top of the railing.
Maximum Projection of Railing From Wall	4-1/2 inches	This rule is designed to provide enough walking space up and down the staircase.
Minimum Hand Clearance From Wall	1-1/2 inches	This rule is designed to provide clearance for the hand on the railing.
Minimum Distance Between Two Railings	27 inches	This is the distance between two railings on two walls, opposite to each other.
Minimum Railing Distance, One Railing	31-1/2 inches	This is the distance between a single railing and a wall on the other side.
Guard Railing Minimum Height	36 inches	This is a minimum only. The railing can exceed 36 inches with no limit.

Handrail Height: 34 to 38 Inches

Handrail height is the height of the handrail in relation to the stairs.

Handrail height on the stairs should be no less than 34 inches and no greater than 38 inches. The way this is measured is to begin at the leading edge of the stair nosing and run an imaginary vertical line upward until it reaches the top of the railing. The same measurement applies to all of the stair nosings, thus resulting in a railing that is parallel to the stairs.

Measuring at a different part of the stair tread than the nosing or at a different part of the handrail than the top will give you an inaccurate measurement and might result in a code violation.

There are some exceptions where handrails can be higher than 38 inches, such as continuous transitions between flights or transitions from a handrail to a guard.

Maximum Projection of Railing From Wall: 4 1/2 Inches

The projection from the wall describes how far the handrail is away from the wall that it is mounted on.

The edge of the handrail that is farthest away from the wall it is mounted on should not project more than 4 1/2 inches from the wall.

Railing that projects farther than this will crowd the walking path, especially when there is a railing at the other side of the stairs, limiting the walking space.

Minimum Hand Clearance From Wall: 1 1/2 Inches

Minimum hand clearance means the distance between the handrail and the wall. In other words, this is the area where your hand goes.

Provide at least 1 1/2 inches of clearance between the wall and the railing for easy grasping by the hand. This clearance is represented by a line that extends from the wall to the nearest part of the handrail.

Purchasing code-compliant handrail brackets will guarantee that you maintain the perfect distance from the wall. You need to provide the hand with a clear, continuous pathway for the entire length of the railing. Also, while not specified by code, make sure that the handrail brackets do not interfere with hand movement.

Minimum Distance Between Two Railings: 27 Inches

The minimum distance for two railings refers to the walking space between two handrails on the same staircase.

When you have two railings (one on each side of the stairwell) those railings must be at least 27 inches apart from each other, measuring between the inside (stair-side) surfaces of both handrails.

Note that this code requirement works in conjunction with the requirement about the maximum projection of railing from the wall. This code is important because it provides enough room for a person to walk and carry items up or down the stairs.

Minimum Railing Distance, One Railing: 31 1/2 Inches

Minimum railing distance means the walking space between a handrail on one wall and an adjacent wall that has no handrail.

When you have just one railing on a staircase, the inside (stair-side) edge of the railing must be at least 31 1/2 inches away from the wall on the other side of the staircase. Measure this distance from the side of the handrail closest to the wall and extend the line to the wall.

When you have only one railing, you have more walking path width available than if you had two railings. The 31-1/2-inch minimum distance provides a full 4 1/2 inches more width than the double railing minimum.

Guard Railing Minimum Height: 36 Inches

Guards are the rails that protect users from falling off of high areas, such as landings. Landings can be intermediate horizontal sections within a staircase or terminal sections at the top or bottom of a staircase.

Horizontal walking surfaces with a drop-off more than 30 inches down must be protected by a guard. The minimum height for this guard is 36 inches.

As with exterior decking, no guards or rails are needed if the surface is close enough to the ground: 30 inches or less. The theory is that a person may become injured by falling off of an 18 inch-high deck, for example, but nowhere near as severely as if that person fell 8 feet down.

Even though building code does not require a guard for surfaces that are lower than 30 inches, it is always safest to include one in these situations.

Article Sources

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Building Permit Guidelines. Sarasota County.

Handrail Height Requirements
– Inline Design

Handrail Height requirements are issued to create a safe and enjoyable space for everyone. In the United States, Handrail Height is based on either the ADA, IBC/ICC, OSHA, or your local building jurisdiction.

While many ADA standards have been incorporated into building codes, it is essential to note that the ADA is not a building code but a standard by which a facility open to the public may be deemed accessible.

Knowledge of the code requirements is important whether a Handrail is used as a standalone system or combined with an existing bar, glass, or cable railing system. Inline Design provides this information in an advisory capacity only and is not liable for any code non-compliance. Customers are encouraged to call their local building jurisdiction to get information about their local building codes. Local building codes supersede national building codes.

Is ADA a Building Code?

KEY POINTS

Height Requirements Chart
ADA Height Requirements
IBC/IRC Height Requirements
OSHA Height Requirements
Children Height Requirements
Handrail Gripping Surfaces
Pinch Vs Power Handrail Grip
Handrail Extensions
How Many Handrail Brackets Do I Need?
How Far Should The Handrail Be From The Wall?
Does A Stair Handrail Need To Be Continuous?
Do I Need A Handrail For 3 Steps?
Does Code Require A Handrail On Stairs?
What Angle Should A Handrail Be?
How To Measure For Handrail?
What Are The Typical Stairs Run And Rise?
What Is The Typical Floor To Floor Height Residential?
References

1.

Height Requirements Chart

	IRC	IBC	ADA		OSHA
	Residential	Commercial	Adult	Children	General	Stair Rail System
Handrail Height	34″ to 38″		34″ to 38″	28″ with a min of 9″ with above Adult Handrail	30″ to 38″	36″ to 38″ may also serve as Guard
Railing Height	36″ min	42″ min	not specified		42″ +/- 3″	36″ to 38″

2. ADA Height Requirements

The current ADA standards dictate that the top of Handrails gripping surfaces shall be 34 inches minimum and 38 inches maximum measured vertically above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces with a greater than a 1:20 slope.

Handrails must remain at a consistent height above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces. If your railing run is across multiple surfaces like a ramp, stairs, and landing, it must be consistent height across all the whole railing run.

When the ramp has a slope that is less than 1:20, a Handrail is not required. However, if a railing is present on walking surfaces with running slopes less than 1:20, they must comply with ADA standards.

The height from the surface is between 34″ and 38″
The height is consistent across runs

3. IBC/IRC Height Requirements

The IBC requires a guard to be 42 inches tall, with Handrails falling between 34 and 38 inches. When the 42-inch guardrail is used on a stair or ramp, a secondary Handrail will be required at the appropriate height. If the guard top rail is not used as a Handrail, it would not have graspability requirements.

The IRC required the top of all Handrails must be between 34 and 38 inches measured from the walking surface or the nose of the stairs.

What is the International Code Council (ICC)?

4.

OSHA Height Requirements

OSHA requires the top of the gripping surfaces of Handrails shall be 30 inches minimum and 38 inches maximum vertically above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces.

The height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, is 42 inches, +/- 3 inches, and may not exceed 45 inches above the walking-working surface.

What does OSHA do in construction?

5. Children Height Requirements

When children are the principal users in a building or facility (e.g., elementary schools), a second set of Handrails at an appropriate height can assist them and aid in preventing accidents.

A maximum height of 28 inches measured to the top of the gripping surface from the ramp surface or stair nosing is recommended for Handrails designed for children. Sufficient vertical clearance between upper and lower Handrails, 9 inches minimum, should be provided to help prevent entrapment.

The maximum height from the surface is 28″
The minimum vertical clearance between Handrails is 9″
The height is consistent across runs

6.

Handrail Gripping Surfaces

Handrails have specific parameters they must meet to comply with ADA standards. The Handrail gripping surface is the actual Handrail you grip while using the Handrail. This surface needs to be continuous along the length and not obstructed at its tops or sides, including the landings and corners.

The underside of the gripping surface should not be blocked for more than 20 percent of its overall length. Horizontal projections of the Handrail Brackets shall be 1 1/2 inches below the bottom of the gripping surface.

Handrail gripping surface with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter between 1.125 and 2 inches. The gripping surface for a non-circular cross section shall have a perimeter dimension between 4 inches and 6.125 inches and a maximum cross section of 2 1/4 inches.

If the perimeter is greater than 6 1⁄4” shall have a graspable finger recess area on both sides.

The Handrail gripping surfaces and any surfaces adjacent to them shall be free of sharp or abrasive elements, have rounded edges, and not rotate within their fittings.

Handrail gripping surfaces shall extend beyond stair flights and ramps with three exceptions. Inside turns in a switchback or dogleg, aisle ramps, and stairs, providing access to seating, or when extensions are hazardous due to plan configuration.

7. Pinch Vs Power Handrail Grip

Pinch Handrail Grip does not meet ADA requirements of Handrail Grip Safety like Power Handrail Grip does. The Pinch Grip is only about 25% of the maximum grip strength possible by the Power Grip.

Pinch Handrail Grip

Power Handrail Grip is 4 times Stronger

Pinch Grip is the act of using the tip of the fingers to pull a small object like a spoon. Power Grip is the act of holding with the entire surface of your hand’s palm on a cylindrical object like a Handrail Tube. The ideal Handrail Tube size for Power Handrail Grip is between 1 1/4″ to 2″ in diameter.

8. Handrail Extensions

Handrail extensions at the top of a stair flight need to extend 12 inches horizontally to the landing. The extension is measured from the nose of the top landing to 12 inches horizontally. All extensions shall return to a wall, guard, the landing surface or be continuous to the Handrail of an adjacent stair flight.

Handrail extensions at the bottom of a flight of stairs need to extend at the same slope as the stairs at a distance equal to one tread depth or be continuous to the Handrail of an adjacent ramp or stair run.

The top and bottom of ramps need a minimum of a 12-inch extension. The extension will need to have a return to a wall, post, or landing surface. It can also run continuously to the Handrail of an adjacent ramp or stair run.

What Does The ADA Require In New Construction?

9. How Many Handrail Brackets Do I Need?

You need a Handrail Bracket every 4 ft ⁺/- 6 in maximum and 1 ft ⁺/- 6 in maximum from the ends. For example, for a 10 feet Handrail, you need 3 Handrail Brackets. The first Handrail Bracket at a 1-foot distance, the next one at 5 feet, and the last one at 9 feet (or 1 foot from the other end).

The Handrail Brackets and Handrail as a system need to meet the 200-pound load requirements for Handrails in a downward direction. Care needs to be taken in locating the Handrail Brackets to the substructure for proper support.

10. How Far Should The Handrail Be From The Wall?

ADA requires a minimum of 1-1/2 inches clearance between the wall and the Handrail. ADA as well requires the same clearance of 1-1/2 inches minimum between the bottom of the Handrail and the horizontal stem of the Handrail Bracket. Handrail shall have a maximum projection from the wall of 4-1/2 inches.

11. Do I Need A Handrail For 3 Steps?

No. Residential Code requires a Handrail starting from 4 steps above mounted at least on one side of the stairs.

Building codes define a step as a riser. Top and bottom landings are not considered a step. The common language in the different building regulations and codes specifies 4 risers.

Two Handrails are required when the width of a step extends 7 feet, with exceptions for single dwelling units. Remember to check local building codes.

12. Does Code Require A Handrail On Stairs?

Handrails are to provide stability or support while ascending or descending stairs to prevent injury. Handrails are typically supported by posts or attached to walls.

Code requires at least one Handrail on all Stairs with four risers and a stair width of fewer than 44 inches, keeping a clear width of the stairway to 36 inches minimum. Stairs that are wider than 44 inches need to have a Handrail on both sides.

If one side of the stairway is open, a guard railing is required on the open side, and the Handrail can be mounted on either side.

13. Does A Stair Handrail Need To Be Continuous?

Handrails must be continuous within the entire length of each stair or ramp run. Handrails with switchbacks or doglegs on stairs or ramps shall be continuous between flights or runs across the landings. There are some exceptions to these continuity rules so remember to check with your local building department.

The handrail and any surfaces adjacent to them shall be free of sharp or abrasive elements, have rounded edges, do not rotate within their fittings, and have no obstructions along the tops or sides.

14. What Angle Should A Handrail Be?

The handrail needs to be a consistent height above the nose line of a stair or ramp. This is measured from the nose of the stair to the top of the railing. Most stairs are between 20 and 40 degrees, as calculated from the run and the rise of a step. Handrail Code does not use this angle, instead calling out for a consistent height about the walking surface.

When mounting your handrail, take the top or landing nose and measure the appropriate distance repeating the same with the bottom step. These two points create the Stair Nosing line, which is the guide to mount the handrail railing.

15. How To Measure For Handrail?

The length of material needed for a stair handrail is from the nosing of the top landing the nosing of the bottom step and add 2 feet.

16. What are the typical Stairs Run and Rise?

The 2018 IBC building code for the rise and run of stairs is a maximum 7″ rise and minimum 11″ run. The OSHA standard for the rise and run of stairs is a maximum 9.5″ rise and a minimum 9.5″ run. The IBC maximum rise of a single stair flight is 12 feet.

17. What Is The Typical Floor To Floor Height Residential?

The height of each floor of a building is the sum of the ceiling height, floor thickness, and building material. In residential buildings, the floor height is usually between 10 – 14 feet.

18. References

ADA

ADA Standards

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

USAB

U.S. Access Board

NFPA

National Fire Protection Association

DOJ

Department of Justice ADA

How to Install a Handrail: Measuring for Installation

April 16, 2021
Kell Warshaw
Blog

Measuring your space for a stair railing is a reasonably simple task, yet it still requires precision for your finished handrail to provide reliable support and optimal fall prevention. Knowledge of a few basic building code requirements and understanding what to measure will remove much of the stress that generally accompanies building or renovation projects. In this article, we’ll discuss the required measurements for residential and basic ADA-compliant handrails on stairs.

Regardless of the building type, proper handrail installation requires you to understand how to measure for length and height of the handrail. In addition, when installing a handrail that conforms to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, measuring the stair slope angle is also required.

Measuring Handrail Length

The length of the handrail’s sloped section is measured on a line running along the nosings of all steps. This line starts at the nosing of the top landing and runs to the floor at the lower end. This line is called the “nosing line.” ADA-compliant stair handrails, which are mandatory in commercial settings, must run the entire length of the nosing line. In addition, these regulations require a 12-inch horizontal section of railing at the top of the stairs, starting at a point directly above the upper nosing.

In residential settings, handrails must conform to some but not all elements of the ADA guidelines. In these settings, the railing must be continuous, starting at the nosing of the upper landing and extending at a minimum to the nosing of the lowest step or “riser.” In addition, for optimal safety, the handrail should run the entire length of the nosing line wherever possible.

Promenaid continuous handrails are designed to be ADA-compliant, making it safer and simpler to go where you need to go.

Measuring Handrail Height

The top surface of the handrail should be between 34 and 38 inches above the floor or above the nosing line. Some installation guides suggest marking this height by measuring from the nosings of the steps. Because brackets should be fastened to studs or an equivalent solid structural member in the wall, it’s helpful to know where the nosing line is, since the studs are unlikely to line up precisely with the steps.

Note: In areas where children will be the primary handrail users, the maximum handrail height is 28 inches. If there is an adult handrail present, there should be a minimum of 9 inches of clearance between the two handrails.

Measuring for Stair Slope

Determining the stair slope is required to create the correct transition angle between the horizontal and sloped sections of an ADA-compliant handrail. If the slope is between 30 and 34 degrees, you should be able to use a standard 32-degree bend. If not, you may require a custom combination of bends or a Promenaid Universal Bend.

In order to calculate the slope of your stairs, measure the rise of the steps and the tread run. Then, you can simply use the table below to find the slope – also called stair pitch or angle of inclination – in degrees. Note that the angles where a standard 32-degree bend can be used are shown in grey.

A smartphone app can also be used to measure the stair slope. Position the long edge of your smartphone along the nosing line, or if a molding runs parallel to the stair slope, you can measure its angle instead. For ADA regulations for ramp handrails, check out this handy guide to ramp handrails.

How to Install a Handrail

Once you’ve measured your space, you’re ready to learn how to install a handrail. Promenaid handrails are uniquely simple to install. Our handrails and grab bars are highly versatile and can be adapted to fit almost any space. Available in a variety of colors, our Endura™ anodized aluminum handrails are scratch and chip resistant, ensuring that your railings look their best for years to come.

For a traditional railing look, check out our TrueWood™ handrails. These classic handrails are made with a sturdy aluminum core wrapped in real wood. Requiring 50 times less hardwood to manufacture than traditional wood railings, our TrueWood™ handrails are highly durable and deliver the same level of strength as our aluminum-finished railings.

We offer a selection of how-to videos for every aspect of installing our innovative railings. Our documents page and blog are also excellent resources during the handrail installation process. If you run into an issue that isn’t covered by these resources, our team of experts is always available to answer questions and assist you.

Now that you’ve learned how to measure for a stair railing, you’re ready to contact us at Promenaid and talk to an expert. We’ll help you design the perfect handrail for your home, business or your customer-beautiful, code-compliant, easy to install and delivered in as little as 24 hours. Our handrails can also be purchased through local dealers. (Find a dealer near you with our convenient search tool.) Whether you’re shopping for a kit or a handrail component, Promenaid is here for all of your handrail installation needs.

Stay tuned to this space for more handrail-measuring content!

Kell Warshaw

5 Easy Steps to Measure For Stair Railing

Whether you are purchasing individual components or an entire railing system, there are a few measurements that are needed to ensure the railing purchased is a proper fit. Each set of stairs is unique. Ensuring you have the correct dimensions is the first step in properly specifying any railing system.

Let’s first review the key components of a set of stairs. Below are thirteen commonly used terms when talking about stairs and are necessary to understand when taking measurements for handrail systems.

Commonly Used Terms

Handrail – The handrail provides guidance and security. They are required by building codes and must meet load, height, and graspability requirements.
Newel Post – A newel is a vertical post placed at the top and bottom ends of flights that support the handrails. This type of post is also commonly referred to as a central pole or support column.
Balusters or Spindles – These are vertical components used to fill the opening between the handrail and the bottom rail or treads. They provide strength, safety, and aesthetics.
Balustrade – This term refers to the combined framework of handrail and balusters.
Tread – The tread is the top, horizontal component of a step. It’s where you place your foot while using the stair.
Riser – This is the vertical member between two treads or the floor and the first tread. It provides support to the treads.
Step – A step is the combination of the tread and riser. This assembly is what allows the ascent or descent from one floor to another.
Rise – Not to be confused with the riser, the rise is the vertical distance between the surfaces of two consecutive steps.
Flight – A flight is a continuous series of steps without any break or a landing. This is where the commonly used phrase ‘a flight of stairs’ comes from.
Landing – A landing is the term for the platform placed between two stair flights.
Nosing – Nosing is the outer, often projecting edge of a tread.
Winders – In the absence of a landing, these are tapering steps used for changing the direction of a stair.
Stringers – A stringer is a sloped member of a stair which supports the steps. They may be closed or open.


Closed Stringer	Open Stringer

Since each set of stairs and handrail application is unique, its necessary measurements are accurate. When calculating measurements, take your time, measure twice. Follow the five easy steps below to obtain the measurements necessary for your handrail system.

5 Easy Steps For Measuring

Step 1 – Measure the overall height. The overall height is the distance from the floor or landing at the top of the set of stairs to the floor/landing at the bottom of the set of stairs.

Step 2 – Measure the overall length. When determining the overall length, measure the horizontal distance form the edge of the nosing on the first tread at the bottom of the staircase to the edge of the nosing on the floor/landing at the top of the staircase.

Step 3 – Length of nosing. To obtain the length of the nosing, measure the top edge of the nosing of the first tread to the top edge of the floor/landing nose. Do not confuse this measurement with the overall length.

Step 4 – Depth of finished tread. To obtain this measurement, measure the length of one finished tread (from front to back).

Step 5 – Height of finished tread. To obtain this measurement, measure the height of a riser from the base tread to the tread of the next stair above it.

It is also important to note we will need the number of risers and the number of treads to determine a complete handrail system for your application. When counting the number of risers, include the riser from the bottom floor or landing to the first tread. Then count to the last tread to the floor or landing at the top of the set of stairs. When determining the number of treads, do not count the floors or landings, only the number of finished treads. Typically, you will have one more riser than you will have treads.

Information for Submitting a Quote

When submitting an RQF to Wagner, be sure to supply all the above measurements. Additionally, we will need to know your tread material (wood, concrete, metal, stone, etc.), desired post type, and the finished spacing between your posts. Please also indicate if the set of stairs features any winders and if the stringers will be opened or closed.

Bear in mind if your installation is to meet building codes, there will be structural and dimensional requirements that must be met. Handrail height must be between 34 and 38 inches. Structurally, it must be able to withstand a concentrated load of 200 lbs. or a uniform load of 50 lbs./ft. Graspability requirements will limit handrail dimensions. You can learn more about building code definitions for handrail here.

While there are a handful of measurements required to determine the proper handrail system for your stairs, it doesn’t have to be a complicated process. The most important thing to remember is each set of stairs is unique and requires its own set of measurements. With the proper measurements, you can rest assured you will be installing a properly fitting, code compliant handrail, providing safety and beauty to all who use it. For more information contact us.

How High Should You Hang a Stair Rail? | Home Guides

By Meg Jernigan Updated January 28, 2021

With an eye toward safety, the International Code Council sets the standards that builders and contractors must follow. Among them is stair rail height, the weight load a rail can carry and the distance between balusters.

Tip

A stair rail should be between 34 and 38 inches tall.

Stair Rail Heights

The International Code Council (ICC) sets codes for building safety by taking technology, training, product evaluation and accreditation into consideration to create worldwide standards. The ICC establishes codes that cover basic building concepts, such as stair banister height, and provides tools for builders to maintain public health by identifying hazards and mitigating them. The Building Code Trainer points out that two relevant divisions at the ICC publish guidelines. The International Residential Code (IRC) covers most private housing, while the International Building Code (IBC) covers all buildings.

IRC code states that if a staircase has more than four risers, or steps, it must have a handrail. The railing height code distance, or the height from the top of the bottom stair to the rail, is 34 to 38 inches. A railing must be continuous from the bottom of the steps to the top and begin directly above the bottom step and end directly above the top step. Note that a stair rail is different from a guardrail, which prevents falls.

Other Stair Rail Dimensions

There must be at least a 1.5-inch gap between the wall and the handrail. Greater distances up to 4.5 inches are acceptable, though they may not be practical if the stairway is narrow. Round handrails must have a diameter between 1.25 and 2 inches. Square or noncircular decorative handrails must be at least 4 inches around. Large handrails with a perimeter greater than 6.25 inches require a recess along both sides suitable for grasping.

The code calls for railings to end at a newel post, return to the wall, or to have a safety terminal. Victor Staley of The Journal of Light Construction explains that the phrase “safety terminal” isn’t defined in the code, so contractors and builders generally interpret it to mean that the railing should end in such a way as not to create a snagging or injury hazard.

If the stair railing has vertical spindles, or balusters, between the rail and the steps, the distance between them can be no greater than 4 inches. Typically, building inspectors use a ball with a 4-inch diameter to test the spacing. The triangular spaces created between the stair and the bottom of the rail can’t be larger than 6 inches. Railings must be able to withstand 50 pounds of pressure per square foot.

Guardrails vs. Stair Rails

The IRC defines stair rails and guardrails differently. Guardrails are designed to prevent falls, while stair rails are something to hold onto. Guards are required in nonresidential settings when the height of a fall from the stairs would be greater than 30 inches even if the staircase has fewer than four risers. A guard must be at least 34 inches high except on most decks and other similar flat surfaces, where they must be at least 36 inches high measured from the surface of the deck. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets a different standard for industrial buildings, where guardrails must be 42 inches high.

Guards on decks attached to businesses or multi-family homes or apartments must be 42 inches tall. Deck rails follow the same regulations as stair rails. They can be between 34 and 38 inches tall, have a 1.5-inch space between the rail and the deck guard, if applicable, and the space between the balusters must be 4 inches or less. Despite their common use as stair rails on decks, flat 2×4 or 2×6 boards don’t meet IRC code.

References

Building Code Trainer: What is the Difference Between the IBC and IRC?
The Journal of Light Construction: Wall-Mounted Handrail Returns

Resources

International Code Council: The International Residential Code
International Code Council: The International Building Code
Building Code Trainer: Residential Stair Codes Explained
Stair Supplies: How to Space Your Balusters
City of Bellingham Washington: Residential Handrails & Guards
The Journal of Light Construction: Guardrails vs. Handrails
Dakota Safety: The IBS and OSHA Guardrail Requirements
Decks. com: Deck Railing Codes

Writer Bio

Native New Yorker Meg Jernigan has lived all over the United States, nurturing gardens in the Northeast, the Mid-Atlantic, the West and the deep South. Her writing on gardening, home improvement and travel appears both online and in print.

California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1626. Stairwells and Stairs.

This information is provided free of charge by the Department of Industrial Relations
from its web site at www.dir.ca.gov. These regulations are for the
convenience of the user and no representation or warranty is made that the information
is current or accurate. See full disclaimer at https://www.dir.ca.gov/od_pub/disclaimer.html.

Subchapter 4. Construction Safety Orders
Article 17. Ramps, Runways,
Stairwells, and Stairs

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New query

(a) General.

(1)
Stairways shall be al least 24 inches in width and shall be equipped with stair
rails, handrails, treads, and landings.

(2) Railings and toeboards meeting
the requirements of Article 16 of these safety orders shall be installed around
stairwells.

(b) The following requirements apply to all stairways as indicated:

(1) Temporary stairways that will not be a permanent part of the structure on
which construction work is being performed shall be at least 24 inches in width.
The stairway shall have landings at each floor, or level, of not less than 30
inches in the direction of travel and extend at least 24 inches in width at every
12 feet or less of vertical rise.

(2) Stairs shall be installed between
30o and 50o from horizontal.

(3) Riser height and tread depth shall be
uniform within each flight of stairs, including any foundation structure used
as one or more treads of the stairs. Variations in riser height or tread depth
shall not be over 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) on any stairway.

(4) Where doors or
gates open directly on a stairway, a platform shall be provided, and the swing
of the door shall not reduce the effective width of the platform to less than
20 inches (51 cm).

(5) Unprotected sides and edges of stairway landings
shall be provided with railings. Design criteria for railings are prescribed in
Section 1620 of these safety orders.

(6) Metal pan landings and metal
pan treads, when used, shall be secured in place before filling with concrete
or other material.

(7) All parts of stairways shall be free of hazardous
projections, such as protruding nails.

(8) Slippery conditions on a stairway
shall be eliminated before the stairway is used to reach another level.

(1) Stairways having four or more risers or rising more than
30 inches (76 cm), whichever is less, shall be equipped with:

(A) At least
one handrail; and

(B) A stair rail consisting of a top rail and mid-rail
along each unprotected side or edge.

(2) Winding and spiral stairways
shall be equipped with a handrail offset sufficiently to prevent walking on those
portions of the stairways where the tread width is less than 6 inches (15 cm).

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

(4) Mid-rails shall be located at a height midway between the top edge of the
stair rail and the stairway steps.

(A) Screens, mesh, or other material,
when used in lieu of mid-rails, shall extend from the top rail to the stairway
step, and along the entire opening between top rail supports.

(B) Other
structural members, when used, shall be installed such that there are no openings
in the stair rail that are more than 18 inches (46 cm) wide.

(5) Handrails
and the top rails of stair rails shall be capable of withstanding, without failure,
a force of at least 200 pounds (890 n) applied within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top
edge, in any downward or outward direction, at any point along the top edge.

(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.

(7)
When the top edge of a stair rail also serves as a handrail, the height of the
top edge shall be not less than 34 inches nor more than 38 inches from the upper
surface of the stair rail to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of
the riser at the forward edge of the tread.

(8) Stair rails and handrails
shall be so surfaced as to prevent injury to employees from punctures or lacerations,
and to prevent snagging of clothing.

(9) Handrails shall provide an adequate
handhold.

(10) The ends of stair rails, handrails and mid-rails shall
be constructed so as not to constitute a projection hazard.

(11) Handrails
that will not be a permanent part of the structure being built shall have a minimum
clearance of 3 inches (8 cm) between the handrail and walls, stair rails, and
other objects.

(d) Temporary Service. The following requirements apply
to all stairways as indicated:

(1) Except during stairway construction,
foot traffic is prohibited on stairways with pan stairs where the treads and/or
landings are to be filled in with concrete or other material at a later date,
unless the stairs are temporarily fitted with wood or other solid material at
least to the top edge of each pan.

(2) Except during stairway construction,
foot traffic is prohibited on skeleton metal stairs where permanent treads and/or
landings are to be installed at a later date, unless the stairs are fitted with
secured temporary treads and landings long enough to cover the entire tread and/or
landing area.

(3) Treads for temporary service shall be made of wood or
other solid material, shall cover the full width and depth of the stair and shall
be supported to prevent undue deflection.

(4) Temporary treads and landings
shall be replaced when worn below the level of the top edge of the pan.

Note: Authority
cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

HISTORY

1. New section filed 2-11-72; effective thirtieth day thereafter;
former Section 1626 renumbered Section 1624 (Register 72, No. 7).

2. Repealer
of subsection (g) and new subsections (g) and (h) filed 5-21-75; effective thirtieth
day thereafter (Register 75, No. 21).

3. Amendment of subsection (c) filed
11-14-75; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 75, No. 46).

4. Repealer
and new subsections (f) and (g) filed 3-19-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter
(Register 79, No. 12).

5. Amendment of subsection (a) filed 4-3-2002; operative
5-3-2002 (Register 2002, No. 14).

6. Repealer and new section filed 4-20-2007;
operative 5-20-2007 (Register 2007, No. 16).

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Back to Article 17 Table of Contents

standards and norms according to GOST

The railing on the stairs perform several functions, the most important of which is to ensure safety. When installing this structure, it is necessary to correctly calculate its height so that the fence is really useful. Low sides can serve an aesthetic function, but do not protect against falling. It is no coincidence that the height of the railing is regulated in GOST and SNiP – not only human health, but sometimes life depends on it. Falling down stairs can cause serious injury.

Minimum required railing height

The standard for a private house, office, store or administrative facility is considered to be a railing height of 90 cm. However, the average growth rate should also be taken into account when choosing design parameters for the house. The taller the person, the higher the support must be, otherwise the fence will not protect against falling. The height of 90 cm is average considering the height of an adult and a teenager – it is suitable for everyone. However, when forming fences in various institutions, this parameter is changed.

For children under 3 years old, 50 cm is considered the norm, and for schoolchildren 6-14 years old – 75 cm. However, such low structures are not installed in kindergartens and schools for several reasons:

it is unsafe – children can easily climb onto the railing;
Adults also use railings in schools and kindergartens.

Therefore, in such institutions, multi-level systems are used, equipped with several (2–3) handrails. The lower ones are for children, the upper ones are for adults. In schools, the standard for the height of the railings has been changed upwards – 120 cm high fences are installed here. This is done to protect children – schoolchildren are constantly running around, and fences protect against accidents. In such institutions, metal structures are installed as the most reliable and durable.

Particular attention is paid to the height of the railing for stairs in specialized institutions. If the standard height of structures for schools is 120 cm, then in institutions for special children the requirements are tightened – here this parameter sometimes reaches 180 cm. The minimum height of the railing for such objects is 1.5 m.

When creating outdoor fire escapes, more stringent standards are also used. According to GOST standards, the height of the railing must be at least 120 cm. These standards must be taken into account in order for the object to be inspected after construction. These standards are also relevant for loggias and balconies, verandas and terraces.

As for the internal stairs in the entrances of houses, here the fences have a height of 90 cm, as in a private house.

What determines the height of the railing

The height of the railing for stairs must fully ensure the safety of the people who use them. This is the main principle followed by specialists in the formation of balusters. Aesthetic standards fade into the background – first, the minimum dimensions are calculated to ensure the safety of people.

Along with safety, comfort during operation is of no small importance. If during the ascent a person cannot normally grab the handrail, then in this case the railing simply does not perform one of the basic functions. And their aesthetic component does not matter, because the design becomes useless.

When determining the optimal parameters of the railing, the height of the landing is also taken into account. Often, to increase the level of safety on the marches located above, more solid fences are installed. However, this is not a mandatory requirement, but just a precaution. Something similar can sometimes be seen in schools or kindergartens.

General norms and GOST

When installing railings, not only their height is taken into account, but also a number of other parameters. When designing fences, the minimum parameters specified in GOST are taken into account. Deviations from them are possible only in exceptional cases. The process of creating railings is carried out taking into account a number of standards:

Distances between balusters. Balusters should not sag. They support the handrails and perform a number of important functions. From the outside it may seem that these elements have an exclusively decorative purpose, but this is not so. According to the standards, the step between the balusters should not be more than 12 cm. The exception is kindergartens, where the step is larger, but the elements are connected using crossbars.
Railing width. The handrail should not be narrower than 3 cm and wider than 7 cm. This is the optimal size so that a person can use the support when lifting. It is also easy to grab onto a handy handrail when falling. An exception to the rule is the front stairs, which perform a decorative function.
GOST standards. The requirements for the height of the railing, the thickness of the handrails in accordance with GOST are strictly observed where the safety of people depends on it. Deviations from the standards are permissible as long as they do not increase the risk of damage during operation.

Handrail height and room type

The average railing height of 90 cm is not relevant everywhere. Even in a private house, it is necessary to focus on the needs of residents. In some cases, standards strictly regulate the characteristics of structures, but often builders can decide for themselves whether to strictly follow the rules.

Preschool institutions

In kindergartens, railings are installed at a height of 50 cm so that everyone is comfortable. However, this is not entirely comfortable for adults, so you can see railings with multiple handrails in preschools. Most often they are installed at a height of 50, 70 and 90 cm. If there are increased safety requirements, then the railing can be placed at a height of 50, 90 and 120 cm.

Practice shows that in preschool institutions they treat standards creatively, offering non-standard solutions, but at the same time they do not forget about the safety of kids. Here you can place balusters in increments of 15 cm.

School standards

The school is a high-risk place, so the requirements for the height of the railing are especially strict here. The minimum parameter is 120 cm, and in some cases the fences are made even higher. If the institution has platforms located at a height, then they can be closed up to the very ceiling. This is true for areas between corridors that lead to stairs.

To provide students with maximum convenience, they usually proceed as follows. The enclosing structure is installed at a height of 120 cm, but at the same time, handrails are placed on the side of it. They are mounted at a height of 70 and 90 cm. This is enough for schoolchildren of all classes. By doing this, designers solve two problems at once – they allow schoolchildren to use convenient railings and protect them from falling.

The height of the fences changes if they are installed in special educational institutions. In schools for children with developmental delays, the standards require a railing to be installed at a height of 150-180 cm. Additional handrails installed on the side can also be provided here. High structures are needed in order to exclude a fall. Instead of the usual balusters, such institutions use structures with artistic elements.

Fire escape railings

Fire escapes, which are installed outside the house, must be protected with a railing. They are required for any outdoor structures located at a height of 30 cm. Supports 1.2 m high are installed on fire ladders. They provide maximum protection and are designed for emergencies. In a force majeure situation, a group of people may be on such sites, and all of them must be protected from falling.

The height of the railing on the fire escapes does not change – it is the same at any height. Practice shows that 1.2 m is sufficient for fall protection. The structures are made of metal by welding, which guarantees maximum reliability at minimum cost. Most often, a metal profile is used during assembly.

Outdoor areas

What height should be the railing on the terrace, veranda, loggia? According to the standard, the height of the structure cannot be lower than 120 cm. This is the standard restriction for outdoor areas located at a height of more than 30 cm. The railing for the porch makes the same height if it is at the appropriate level above the surface.

The railing prevents falls and injury, and provides additional comfort for the elderly and infirm. If the staircase for the porch has more than three steps, then the railing must be installed.

Guardrails are also installed on rooftops. Here the height of the railing ranges from 60 to 150 cm.

Standard railing height according to GOST

GOST 23120-78 is the main standard that is guided by when developing and installing railings. Also, experts are guided by the following standards:

GOST 25772-83;
GOST R 51261-99;
SNiP IV–14–84;
SNiP 2.08.01-89;
SNIP 2.08.02-89;
SNIP 2.08.02-89;
SNiP 31-06-2009;
SNiP 31-01-2003.

This is an exhaustive list of documents that Style-Metal experts are guided by in their work.

Handrail height on stairs

Requirements for the height of railings on stairs are presented in GOST 25772–83. When developing standards, all the nuances were taken into account. If the structures are installed according to the rules, then they will ensure safety and ease of use. This is due to the system of calculations that are carried out before the development of structures. Railings in an apartment building or a private house should have a height of about 90 cm with a handrail width of 3–7 cm and a distance between balusters of no more than 12 cm. The distance between the railing supports should be no more than half a meter.

The characteristics of the stairs are also taken into account if the span is created from scratch. First of all, the average parameters of a person’s step are taken into account (the approximate length is 60-65 cm). A comfortable step height is about 12 cm, width is 20-40 cm. These parameters can be modified to suit the situation.

If the stairs and railings are made with high quality, then they will be used without thinking about the amenities. And design errors will be immediately noticeable.

Balcony and loggia railings

Balconies and loggias located on different floors are equipped with railings 1.2 m high from the outside. For loggias inside the building (for example, for theater halls), railings 90 cm high are sufficient. In new buildings, fences are used today for external balconies 100 to 120 cm high according to different standards. In houses with a large number of storeys, the railing should be higher. In such buildings, the risk is higher – you may feel dizzy, the wind is stronger here.

Terraces and verandas

The standard height of railings for verandas and terraces should be the same as for balconies. Railings with a height of 100–120 cm are usually used. The thickness of the handrails here is quite small – about 30–40 mm. Fences are necessary for objects that are located at a height of 30 cm above ground level. The structures are formed in such a way that they do not interfere with the view from the veranda. At the same time, railings must protect against accidental falls and prevent accidents.

Even falling from a height of 4 steps can result in injury. That is why the standards indicate the maximum height of stairs that do not require supports. For terraces and verandas, which are usually located on a hill, railings are required. In apartment buildings, such sites can be located quite high. In the construction of fences, stainless steel and a metal profile are used.

What is the height of the railing of the handicapped ramps

With the correct design of handrails for the disabled, a person in a wheelchair can easily climb up. Sometimes such fences are erected by people who do not understand their purpose. This leads to the fact that the ramps become impossible to use for their intended purpose. When creating such supports, it is important to follow the rules of GOST. According to the norms, the supports are placed on both sides and have a double system of handrails.

The upper handrail at the ramp is at a height of 90 cm, the lower – 70 cm. The thickness of the railing should be such that any person can easily grab onto them. If the handrail is too thick or thin, it will not be possible to use it.

Handrails are installed at the base of the ramp, it is desirable to connect them together. During operation, the structure should not stagger and raise doubts about the quality of the installation. If the supports are installed in a children’s institution, then here you need to make another level of handrails at a height of 50 cm.

Structure of fences and functions

Fences have a relatively simple design, regardless of their purpose and the materials used. They consist of several elements:

support column made of durable materials;
balusters;
handrail;
placeholders.

After the calculations, support posts are created – this is the “skeleton” of the fence. Balusters will be installed in it, as well as (in some cases) balusters. These are the straps used to fix the supports. Next, the railing and other elements are fixed. This installation scheme is relevant for many objects. Wall rails are often used along with conventional railings. They have an even simpler design and consist of crossbars, a support bar and fasteners.

These railings have several functions:

fall protection;
serve as a support during ascent and descent;
complete the decor.

Some types of fences have an exclusively decorative function. In the main halls, massive stone railings play such a role, which do not help with the ascent and only slightly protect against falling. Similar constructions today have remained only in theaters and old palaces.

Fencing material

Handrails are made of wood, metals, polymers, glass, concrete. Combined designs are also widely used, in the production of which glass and stained-glass windows are involved.

Metal and steel are a reliable choice for structures of any complexity, they are used to make support posts. To make the fence as strong as possible, the same material is chosen for balusters, partitions. Metal and steel products are welded and prefabricated. The latter are easier to dismantle in the future. The most popular are stainless steel structures that are resistant to external influences, as well as products made of chrome-plated metal.

In the production of stairs, tempered glass is used, which can withstand high loads. The most common varieties are hardened, multilayer (triplex), reinforced. If you want to create beautiful fences, you can combine glass and metal. Less commonly used stained glass systems that look unusual.

Wood is a classic material used for fencing in private homes. Such designs are in perfect harmony with mid-flight stairs. In a private house, a standard railing height of level 9 is acceptable0 cm. If there is a child in the house, then you can additionally make the handrails a little lower – at a height of 70 cm. This is enough to make everyone feel comfortable.

Polymers, plastics are a practical category of fencing materials that are easy to assemble. However, experts recommend using them exclusively in conjunction with other options that are more durable and reliable. Plastic can be combined with metal, especially as a cover for handrails.

Handrail height permitted by law

Handrails are required for stairs that contain more than three steps – this is prescribed in the standards. GOST and SNiP indicate the minimum height of handrails for different objects. For private houses, this is 0.9 m.

If it is required to create fences for schools, kindergartens, specialized institutions, then other norms work. For schools, the standard is 120 cm, because here the railing is necessary to ensure maximum safety for students. In special institutions, the height of handrails ranges from 150 to 180 cm. On balconies, loggias, terraces and verandas, fences 1.2 m high are installed.

Main functions and structure of railings

Railings are needed for several reasons:

for accident protection;
helping the elderly to get up;
decorations of buildings, halls.

In past centuries, the architects who created exquisite palaces paid too much attention to design and decorative function. Therefore, today, railings for stairs in old houses cause so many inconveniences in operation – they are completely impractical.

Deviations from standards

When determining the height of the railing, deviations from the standards are allowed in several cases:

the design is designed for people with disabilities;
children use them.

You can completely abandon the handrails if there are no elderly and weakened people in the house who need such support. This will not be a violation, although fencing is still desirable when there are several floors. But for objects where mentally ill people are located, fences are necessary. You can’t refuse them, but you can use a railing higher than indicated in the standards.

Style-Metal develops and installs fences of any complexity, including combined systems. Installation is free! To contact us, just leave a request for a call back or call tel. 8 495 766 56 89.

standard and GOST sizes, do-it-yourself installation instructions (photos and videos)

Going up or down stairs, we instinctively fumble for a handrail that helps us feel safe. That is why it is very important that the height of the stair railing is optimal, and the railing itself has the correct design. Many craftsmen, when designing stairs, do not think about it – and in vain.

Below we explain what you should pay attention to when planning a stair railing and how different types of handrails can be made.

It is very important to lay down the correct dimensions at the design stage

Requirements for the elements of stairs

Railing design

When designing a staircase, it is necessary to take into account not only convenience and design issues, but also the current regulations.

If we talk about railings, their design is regulated by:

SNiP IV-14-84, sections “Stairs of residential buildings” and “Stair structures”.
GOST 23120-78, “Stairs, marching platforms and steel railings”.

As a rule, experts also operate with other standards, but we can limit ourselves to only a basic list. Naturally, this applies only to those cases when we build or reconstruct a private house for ourselves. If the work is carried out to order, then you will have to coordinate the dimensions of all elements of the flights of stairs, not only with the customer, but also with the licensing authorities.

Ingenious design, but still a pleasure to climb

So what do the documents tell us about stair railings?

First of all, you need to take into account that any ladder with a height of more than three steps must have side rails.

Please note! This requirement does not apply to external capital structures, which are stepped rises within the same household. However, in this case, it is worth installing at least parapets on the sides to prevent falling.

The need for handrail installation also depends on the dimensions of the flight of stairs. If the span does not exceed 1250 mm, then you can limit yourself to installing one handrail, but only if on the other side the span is limited by a wall or a main partition.
For marches from 1250 to 2500 mm, the installation of railings on the sides is mandatory. If we make a wider staircase, then experts recommend installing another handrail in the center.

How the width and height of a stair step are determined

In the same way, railings are mounted on both sides of curved stairs. Screw structures are fenced on one side (simply because the other edge of the steps is attached to the axial column).

Railings and barriers can have a variety of designs:

The most reliable are solid, which are monolithic or prefabricated panels mounted on the sides of the flight of stairs. Such railings are used in the design of stairs in public buildings.
In private construction, a monolithic barrier can be found almost exclusively in the construction of an external stepped lift, and then its height will be small.
Lattice – the most common designs. They are handrails mounted on vertical support pillars. The space between the pillars is filled with either vertical balusters or inclined rods. These elements support the handrail and at the same time serve as fall protection.
Combined – combine the features of the two previous types. For combined railings, handrails are attached to vertical posts, and panels made of plastic, glass, metal, wood, etc. are installed between them.

Handrail dimensions

The height of the handrail for stairs is one of the key parameters. At the same time, the size according to GOST should be observed not only because you can be fined for violation. The thing is that going down the stairs with a railing that is too low is simply inconvenient, and the risk of falling increases significantly.

Designing stairs is a responsible business for enthusiastic people

So, what are the requirements of the current regulations regarding fencing:

The minimum height of the railing of a wooden staircase in a residential building is 900 mm.
The minimum size of the march platform fencing (as well as the platform for entering the stairs to the attic or attic) is 900 mm.
The smallest permitted height of the railing for an external staircase is 1200 mm.
Handrails at the stairs installed in educational institutions (i.e. where children systematically move up the stairs) – 1180 mm or more.

In addition, wall handrails, designed to facilitate the movement of stairs, are also mounted according to the rules:

The installation height must match the installation height of the handrail on the free side . Simply put, the railing should be fixed at the same level.
The distance from the handrail to the wall must be at least 40 mm . The standard design provides a setback of 75 mm from the center of the underrail bar.

Attic stairs – what they are

Tip! If there are children in the house, then an additional handrail should be installed on the railing just below the main one. What height will be optimal here depends primarily on the age of the child.

Other elements

Ergonomic parameters of stairs

Railings and handrails are not the only elements whose dimensions are regulated by the standards in the design and construction of stairs:

The optimal slope is 1:1.25 . In various situations, it is allowed to erect internal staircase structures placed at an angle of 20 to 45 ⁰.
Steps within the same span must have the same size . The maximum offset is +/- 5 mm vertically and horizontally.

Permissible slope angles

Please note! This requirement does not apply to the first step, which may be partially recessed into the floor covering.

The maximum allowable number of steps in one march is 18 .

Step sizes are also quite strictly regulated:

Height – from 125 to 210 mm.
Width – 210 – 355 mm.
If the staircase has a curved shape, then at the narrowest part the step must be at least 150 mm wide, and in the center – at least 200 mm.

Platforms between marches should be designed not stairs already adjacent to them. The landing to which the outward-opening door opens must ensure the unhindered movement of the door leaf.

Methods of manufacturing different types of railings

Wooden

Still, it is not enough just to know the typical dimensions of each element of the stairs. If you want to make a structure with your own hands, you should study the method of installing different types of stair railings.

The wooden structure is the easiest to manufacture

Let’s start with the simplest to manufacture – with wooden railings:

Wooden railings are assembled from three main elements: support pillars (pedestals), balusters and handrails.
For the manufacture of parts, wood is used both coniferous and hardwood. Of course, cedar, oak or larch are best suited, but more affordable alder, birch or pine can also be used, and not without success.
Independent production of blanks for a wooden fence is possible only with a woodworking machine. And in this case, the process will take a lot of time, so you should consider buying ready-made parts.

Please note! The common expression “to sharpen laces” just describes the process of making balusters on a lathe, hinting at the tedium and duration of work.

Blanks purchased or cut by yourself should be treated with an antiseptic and varnished. In some cases, varnishing can be carried out after the installation is completed.

The actual installation of wooden railings is carried out after the installation of all other elements of the staircase structure is completed: For fastening, it is easiest to use anchor bolts.

Between the supporting bollards at a height of at least 900 mm from the upper plane of each step we stretch the cord.

Photo of a baluster with a cut end

We install the balusters on the steps so that the gap between them is no more than 200 mm. Let’s do more – and with a high probability, sooner or later we will need to rescue the stuck head of the child. Better not risk it!
To install the balusters, we use self-tapping screws, which we screw into the base from the inside of the step. Fastening “on a spike” is more laborious, but it provides a stronger connection.

Attaching the handrail to the pedestals

Mark the cutting line on the balusters along the stretched string. We cut off the excess vertical columns, the field of which we fix the handrail on them.

The ends of the handrail are either built into the support pedestals or left free. In the second case, the protrusion of the railing beyond the edge of the steps should not exceed 300 mm.

Metal

Metal handrails are very durable and reliable. At the same time, rather high manufacturing complexity and a significant price often become an obstacle, especially when the budget is limited.

You can still make a simple metal fence yourself.

As a material we will use a profile tube:

Metal railings from a profile tube are most often mounted on outdoor stairs.
The staircase itself is either made of metal or concrete, brick or stone. In the case of brick and stone structures, it is important to provide for the installation of metal embedded plates at the installation sites of the handrail.

Fastening to the mortgages on the side surface

Installation begins with the installation of racks: cut-to-size profile pipes with a cross section of 50×50 mm are welded to the mortgages. If the mortgages are not on the side, but on the upper parts of the step, then a special bracket can be used for installation.
We connect the upper parts of the racks with a railing bar. It is a pipe or strip of metal of sufficient thickness.
We weld pipes 20×20 mm between the supports as filling. They can be placed horizontally, vertically or at a certain angle – it depends solely on your desire.
An alternative to profile pipes can be forged round or square bars, but the cost of the fence in this case will be much higher.

After completion of welding work, carefully clean and paint the entire structure. We install a wooden or plastic handrail on the handrail bar.

Wrought infill variant

Prefabricated with glass infill

Modern interiors use glass quite heavily. That’s why glass panel railings don’t surprise anyone today.

For the manufacture of such a fence, it is worth ordering panels from heat-strengthened glass or triplex. Just thick glass should not be used in any case – even with the installation of protective end caps, the fence will be very fragile.

Scheme of clamping fasteners

The following instruction will help us to correctly assemble the glass railing:

First, we install support posts 1200-1300 cm high on the platforms and on the steps themselves. The step between the posts should not be more than 900 mm.
Supports are fixed with anchor bolts. As a rule, each support is fastened with at least three anchors.
On the supports we fix clamping fasteners with polymer inserts.
We insert pre-cut sheets of triplex into the fasteners.
We mount the handrail on top of the glass filling using special brackets. As a handrail, a chrome-plated or nickel-plated steel pipe is most often used. We close the ends of the handrail with plugs.

Despite the elegant appearance and complete transparency, triplex has an enviable strength, so the fence is much stronger than ordinary wood!

Triplex structure: you don’t even need to install support posts

Conclusion

When designing and erecting house structures, it is worth paying attention to every detail, and checking every nuance with regulatory documents. This also applies to such parameters as the height of the railing on the stairs, the dimensions of the steps and the design of the stair railing – after all, in addition to comfort, your safety and the safety of your loved ones depend on meeting the requirements of GOSTs and SNiPs.

In the presented video in this article you will find additional information on this topic.

What Should Be the Height of the Railing on the Stair: Norms

Any staircase must be equipped with a railing

When designing a staircase, many parameters must be taken into account: slope, length, width, dimensions of steps. at the same time, one should not forget about the enclosing structures. About what should be the height of the railing on the stairs, what materials they are made of and other issues related to this element, we will talk in this article.

Content of Article

What are the fences of stairs
Requirements for the railing and other fencing elements
- Requirements for materials
- Requirements for dimensions
- Other requirements
Conclusion

9000

Safe and comfortable movement up and down the stairs is ensured not only by comfortable steps, but also by well-designed railings. If the number of steps exceeds three, or the upper step (platform) is at a height of 60 cm or more, the presence of a railing is mandatory for stairs of any design – from straight to spiral.

A certain height of the stair railing was not chosen “from the ceiling”. It is primarily related to the safety of movement and the prevention of injuries, the provision of which is the main and main function of the fences.

In addition to it, the railing solves several other tasks:

Blocks open spans from falling down various objects;
They serve as a support when walking, and give a feeling of safety and comfort to the walking person;

If there is a railing, walking up the stairs is comfortable even in heels

They frame the flight of stairs, visually decorating it and giving it a complete look.

The railings in this photo can be considered a real work of art

But no matter how refined and beautiful you would like to see the stair railing, their height is chosen based not on the design concept, but primarily for safety reasons. Therefore, the height of the fences does not always coincide with the level of the handrails.

To understand what we are talking about, let’s look at what stair railings are made of. Their main elements are:

Support posts located at the beginning and end of each flight of stairs, or being the central load-bearing element of the helical structure;

The height of the stair column depends on its design and type of railings

Balusters – intermediate vertical posts that limit the stairs from the open sides;

Cast metal balusters and wooden handrails

Handrail or handrail , which serve as a support for the hands when moving;
Internal filling , which can consist of both balusters and planks running parallel to the bowstring, forging or solid screens.

Requirements for railings and other elements of railings

There are normative documents regulating the installation of railings in terms of such parameters as requirements for materials of manufacture or the height of a staircase handrail – SNiP and GOST.

In industrial and civil construction, they must be strictly observed, while in private housing construction they are often neglected. And it’s completely in vain: this can make the design traumatic, or reduce the degree of comfort from its use.

The height of the stair railing in a private house must comply with generally accepted standards

Consider these standards and requirements in detail.

Material requirements

These requirements primarily relate to fire safety and strength. The materials used for the manufacture of fences must be resistant to mechanical and shock loads. For these purposes, metal, wood, plastic, tempered glass are used.

Fire code requires the use of flame resistant materials.

Please note. Since the most popular material is wood, it does not meet this condition, it can only be used after treatment with flame retardant impregnations.

Powder for the preparation of flame retardant

Additional requirements are:

All wooden parts must have a smooth surface without cracks, burrs and chips;

Wooden structural elements are sanded to smoothness before installation

Metal elements should not be susceptible to corrosion, for which they are coated with special paints and varnishes or stainless alloys are used;
Glass for filling fences, if damaged, must not shatter into small and sharp fragments.

Glass infill

In other words, railings and railings should be made only from exceptionally high quality materials. The price does not play the most important role.

Dimensional requirements

The height of the railing for stairs is one of the main indicators. It should be such that it is comfortable for a person to use them, and at the same time prevent him from falling down a flight of stairs.

For indoor and outdoor structures, the standard height of the stair railing is different:

At least 90 cm – for indoor stairs;
At least 120 cm – for street and driveway stairs in apartment buildings that are accessible to children.

The height of the railing is the distance to it from the plane of the step

Please note. In children’s institutions, the height of the staircase railing according to GOST must be at least 118 cm.

These standards do not depend on the design features of the stairs and its slope, and are considered optimal in terms of ergonomics and safety. This standard is calculated – the height of the railing for the stairs – based on the average statistical data on the growth of an adult.

The recommended handrail height is the same for all stairs

Also in children’s institutions and in homes with small children, it is recommended to install double railings at a height of 50-70 cm.

It should be convenient for both adults and children to use the stairs at the railing of the stairs is the only correct solution. There are cases when deviations from generally accepted standards are allowed, but the choice is always made in favor of safety, and not the aesthetic appeal of the structure.

For example, in those houses and public buildings where there are people with diseases of the musculoskeletal system and the disabled, the height of the handrails for the stairs is calculated based on their maximum convenience when moving.

Another acceptable deviation from the standards concerns the height of the fences.

If the railing can be lowered to a comfortable height, then the railing cannot be lowered. But you can, and sometimes you need to make them higher. For example, this is true if there are mentally ill people or hyperactive children in the house.

In such cases, the height of the balusters on the stairs can reach two or more meters. Sometimes the fences are made solid from the steps to the floor of the upper floor. And the railing is attached to them from the inside at a given level.

Stairs may become less comfortable and beautiful, but safer.

Other requirements

Regulatory documents regulate not only the height of railings and railings, but also their other parameters. When designing and building stairs with your own hands, it is advisable to take them into account.

So, according to the approved standards:

The thickness of the handrail for comfortable grip must be at least 5 cm;

Regardless of the shape of the section, the handrails should be easy to grip

If the handrail is attached along the wall, the distance between them should be 5-7 cm;

Wall handrail on remote brackets

When installing stair railings supported on steps, the march width must be at least 80 cm;
If the width of the stairs is more than 2. 5 meters, an additional handrail is installed on it;

Dividing railing

The distance between the support posts supporting the railing should not be more than 1-1.2 meters;
The distance between vertical railings (balusters) must be no more than 30 cm and no less than 10 cm.

For reference. The last recommendation is related to fire safety requirements, so that in the event of a fire, a fire hose can be laid between the balusters.

It is recommended to make handrails on stairs with several flights continuous;

Continuous railing

If the ladder is not adjacent to a wall, it must be railed on both sides;
If the width of the march is designed for the simultaneous passage of two or more people, it is necessary to install a handrail along the wall.

Conclusion

Studying regulatory documents is a boring but necessary task if you care not only about the beauty of your home, but also about its comfort and safety. We tried to save you from it, giving the most necessary information, and trying to convey it in a more accessible language.

If you wish, you can also watch the video in this article, which also talks about how high the stair railing should be for your convenience.

How high should the railing be? – Useful information. | Moscow and all Russia

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Standard stair railing height according to GOST and SNiP

When designing an ascent to the floor, the parameters of the railings are taken into account, namely the height of the stair railing, their dimensions, installation features and materials GOST and SNiP. Well-designed railings that comply with standards ensure comfortable and safe movement both up and down the stairs.

Components

Railings and railings are an important element of every staircase. Their presence is considered mandatory for spiral staircases and straight flights with more than three steps. They should also be installed outdoors. The main task of the fences is to ensure the safety of movement on steps and platforms. They block the open span, serve as a support and provide a feeling of comfort when moving. In addition, such a frame of the march gives it a complete look and creates special decorative forms, which is also important.

Regardless of the type of construction, the height must comply with generally accepted standards

The height of the fence and stair railing may not match. It all depends on the features of the design itself. The rules, for the most part, are dictated not by the design concept and interior, but by regulatory documents – GOST and SNiP.

To better understand their meaning, you need to understand the design features of the fences. Their main elements are:

support post;
baluster;
handrail;
internal filling.

In addition, balusters can be installed – strips for fixing intermediate supports. Wall handrails consist of a support bar, a crossbar or railing and fasteners.

Materials used

When installing fences, it is important to take into account not only the parameters of the structure itself, but also the characteristics of the materials used. First of all, this concerns the requirements of SNiP regarding fire safety. Fences should not be easily flammable. For this, either refractory materials or auxiliary impregnations are used. Particular attention should be paid to the internal filling.

Stair railings can be made from the following materials:

wood;
metal;
plastic;
combined (also with glass).

Glass must be strong, fire-resistant, free of cracks and chips, and if damaged, not form sharp fragments.

“Classic” – metal railing

The same materials can be used for the railing as for the base. In this case, a tree is considered an ideal option. It is important that there are no chips and burrs on the surface, it must be perfectly smooth. Metal railings should not contain rust. The best option is stainless steel, in particular for auxiliary transom handrails.

Height requirements

When designing staircases, it is important to observe not only aesthetic standards, but also the standards and regulations of GOST and SNiP. These documents regulate the recommended design parameters in general, in particular, the fences.

One of the most important indicators is height. It should be sufficient so that a person does not fall over the railing, but at the same time comfortable for their use.

Minimum and maximum allowable stair railing heights

The standard height of the stair railing is 90 cm. This indicator is not accidental – it is calculated based on average statistical data regarding a person’s height. This figure takes into account the requirements of safety and ergonomics, therefore it is considered optimal in most cases. If there are children in the house, it is necessary to additionally install a handrail, taking into account their height, usually its height is 50-70 cm. It is also important to take them into account when designing, otherwise the staircase will not meet generally accepted standards.

Important parameters for the design of stair railings:

ultimate load – 30 kg/m;
handrail thickness – not less than 5 cm in cross section;
handrail protrusion above the step – 30 cm with smooth rounding;
distance from the handrail to the wall – 5-7 cm;
the minimum width of the ladder for the installation of a railing on the steps is 80 cm;
distance between supports – no more than 100-120 cm;
distance between auxiliary balusters – not less than 10 cm and not more than 30 cm;
an additional handrail is installed when the march width is more than 2. 5 m.

Straight flights must be equipped with fences on both sides. This rule is irrelevant if the staircase is not too wide and at the same time it is adjacent to the wall on one side. In this case, only one-sided protection from the outer end is required. If their width allows two people to pass, a handrail is made near the wall. It is recommended to install continuous railings if possible.

Possible deviations

The rules established by GOST and SNiP are not always observed in full. This is fraught with an increase in the risk of injury to the structure and reduces the level of ease of use of the march.

In some cases, deviations from established standards are allowed. First of all, this concerns structures in homes where there are children, as well as people with disabilities or developmental disorders of the musculoskeletal system. So, it is allowed to install handrails at a level that is safe and comfortable for a particular person. In this case, it is important to observe the established relationships between growth and design parameters.

For children, additional handrails can be installed at their height

Another important point is the height of the fence itself. There is no point in underestimating it in any case, but making it larger is another matter. This safety requirement is relevant for homes where there are people with mental disorders. In this case, the height of the ladder barrier can reach 2 meters or more.

As the height increases, the design becomes safer in some respects, but less comfortable.

Stairs can only be considered safe if all established standards are observed. In private buildings, when doing work on their own, this is rarely checked, so all responsibility lies primarily with the owner of the dwelling. Do not ignore the rules, then the design will be not only safe, but also durable.

[niceyoutubelite id=”MmW2rS8D5UU”]

The height of the railing on the stairs in a private house

Author Vladimir Reading 7 min. Views 255 Posted 11/22/2019

If a private house has more than one floor, then you will definitely have to deal with the installation and arrangement of an interfloor staircase. This design is subject to such requirements as safety, convenience and attractiveness. In addition, such a structure has many parameters, and we will dwell on the height of the railing on the stairs in a private house, on standards, sizes and GOSTs with standards and photo examples.

Content

Functions and construction of the railing
and the requirements for railing in private houses
Requirements for materials
Standards of the height of fences and handrails
Other requirements
Tips for the choice of optimal sizes for the stairs

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and railing structures

Stair railings have several functions:

Help. If young people easily run up the stairs and rarely use the handrails, then for pensioners, additional support, on the contrary, has a supporting function.
Security. Anyone climbing stairs can trip. The presence of the railing will protect against falls and possible injuries. Since a person reflexively grabs the handrails, the latter have standard sizes that are regulated by GOST.
Design. Quite often, the railing in the entire staircase design is something special, which is the subject of interior decoration.

Taking into account the listed functions, the railing structure consists of the following elements:

balusters. They have the form of vertically arranged columns, on top of which handrails are fixed;
handrails. Horizontal elements designed to support the residents of the house when lifting. Handrails must meet the requirements of convenience, be smooth;
main supports. Pillars between which balusters are installed;
mounts. Provide strictly vertical fixation of the railing.

Railings and railings by their design are:

solid. Made in the form of a solid or multi-part panel installed on the sides of the stairway. Basically, this option is found on the stairs of public institutions. In private housing construction, such structures can only be found on the street;
lattice. The most common type of railing. Their fastening is made on vertical supports, between which balusters or similar elements are installed;
combined. These railings combine the features of the two previous designs. Handrails are mounted on vertical posts, and the gaps between them are filled with plastic, glass, wood or metal panels.

See also: Width of stairs to the second floor in a private house

Norms and requirements for handrails in private houses

First of all, you need to know a simple rule: a staircase with more than three steps must be equipped with handrails on the sides. This rule does not apply to capital staircase structures. With a span width of up to 125 cm, only one handrail can be installed. If the width of the staircase is 125-250 cm, the railing must be mounted on both sides of the canvas. With a larger width in the middle, it is recommended to put another handrail.

[alert]Curved stairs should also be equipped with a handrail on both sides, and for spiral structures one handrail is enough.[/alert]

Requirements for materials

strength. Important are the indicators of resistance to shock and mechanical stress. In most cases, wood, metal and tempered glass are used for stairs.

In addition, please note:

all wooden elements must have a smooth surface;
metal products must be protected from corrosive attack, for which they are treated with special primers and paints;
when using glass as filling elements, a durable material is used that, upon impact, does not crumble into small fragments.

The most popular railing material is wood. Wooden structures have not lost their relevance for many centuries. If inside the house is decorated in a classic style, then the wooden railings will perfectly fit into the interior.

When it comes to metal, it is possible to create wrought iron railings that fit into expensive interiors with a sophisticated style. Handrails for stair structures with whimsical forging allow you to expand the space and create the impression of airiness. Quite often, spiral staircases are equipped with metal railings.

[alert]For metal railings, stainless steel is best to avoid corrosion.[/alert]

Glass railings are best used in those private homes where there are no children. Toddlers during the game can touch the transparent material, which will cause serious injury. If children do not live in the house, then for these purposes you can use laminated or tempered glass, which is characterized by high strength.

For a home with a modern design, such as high-tech, plastic railings are perfect. If the material of the fence is concrete, then reinforcement must be used inside the elements to increase strength. When choosing materials, you first need to pay attention to quality and reliability. As for the cost, this criterion plays far from the most important role.

Standards for the height of railings and handrails

State Standards focus mostly on the height of the railing, since this parameter is the most important. If the building envelope is low, it is not only unsafe, but also inconvenient. You can make a great height, but such railings will not look very beautiful.

[alert]When faced with the question of how to choose the optimal railing height, it is worth focusing on the minimum value of 90 cm.[/alert]

This indicator was taken based on the average height of a person, i.e. by the distance from the floor to the hanging arm. It is undesirable to make the height of the handrail less than 90 cm, but more is possible.

If we consider the stairs outside the house, then the minimum height of the railing should be 120 cm. It is also important to take into account the space from the railing to the wall – at least 5-7 cm.

which is installed parallel to the main one 65 cm from the floor. If the stairs are not used by older people and small children, then deviations from the specified parameters are possible, or the structure may not be equipped with a railing at all for the sake of design.

In addition to the height, the angle of the handrail also influences the safe movement. The parameter should be in the range of 20-45 °. There are also “GOST” recommendations regarding the width of the handrail. The parameter should have a value within 30-70 mm. The indicated numbers are averages and may be changed depending on the specific case.

See also: Stairs in a country house to the second floor

If the stairs are installed in compliance with all established standards, then only in this case it can be considered safe. In private homes, when work is done independently, these parameters are rarely controlled. Therefore, the entire responsibility lies with the owner of the property. The established norms and rules should not be ignored, then the structure will be durable and safe.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAPgJoTYmLQ[/youtube]

Stair Railing and Guard Building Code Guidelines

Watch Now: Understanding Stair Railing Codes for Your Home

IRC Stair Railing Code

Terminology: Stair Railing and Stair Guards

Handrail Height: 34 to 38 Inches

Maximum Projection of Railing From Wall: 4 1/2 Inches

Minimum Hand Clearance From Wall: 1 1/2 Inches

Minimum Distance Between Two Railings: 27 Inches

Minimum Railing Distance, One Railing: 31 1/2 Inches

Guard Railing Minimum Height: 36 Inches

Handrail Height Requirements – Inline Design

Is ADA a Building Code?

KEY POINTS

1.

2. ADA Height Requirements

3. IBC/IRC Height Requirements

What is the International Code Council (ICC)?

4.

What does OSHA do in construction?

5. Children Height Requirements

6.

7. Pinch Vs Power Handrail Grip

8. Handrail Extensions

What Does The ADA Require In New Construction?

9. How Many Handrail Brackets Do I Need?

10. How Far Should The Handrail Be From The Wall?

11. Do I Need A Handrail For 3 Steps?

12. Does Code Require A Handrail On Stairs?

13. Does A Stair Handrail Need To Be Continuous?

14. What Angle Should A Handrail Be?

15. How To Measure For Handrail?

16. What are the typical Stairs Run and Rise?

17. What Is The Typical Floor To Floor Height Residential?

18. References

How to Install a Handrail: Measuring for Installation

Kell Warshaw

5 Easy Steps to Measure For Stair Railing

Commonly Used Terms

5 Easy Steps For Measuring

Information for Submitting a Quote

How High Should You Hang a Stair Rail? | Home Guides

Tip

Stair Rail Heights

Other Stair Rail Dimensions

Guardrails vs. Stair Rails

California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1626. Stairwells and Stairs.

standards and norms according to GOST

Minimum required railing height

What determines the height of the railing

General norms and GOST

Handrail height and room type

Preschool institutions

School standards

Fire escape railings

Outdoor areas

Standard railing height according to GOST

Handrail height on stairs

Balcony and loggia railings

Terraces and verandas

What is the height of the railing of the handicapped ramps

Structure of fences and functions

Fencing material

Handrail height permitted by law

Main functions and structure of railings

Deviations from standards

standard and GOST sizes, do-it-yourself installation instructions (photos and videos)

Requirements for the elements of stairs

Railing design

Handrail dimensions

Other elements

Methods of manufacturing different types of railings

Wooden

Metal

Prefabricated with glass infill

Conclusion

What Should Be the Height of the Railing on the Stair: Norms

Requirements for railings and other elements of railings

Material requirements

Dimensional requirements

Other requirements

Handrail Height Requirements
– Inline Design