Handrail Blog | The Wagner Way | #1 Resource | Wagner (2024)

FAQs

What is the code for handrail extension? ›

At the top of a stair flight, handrails shall extend horizontally above the landing for 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beginning directly above the first riser nosing. Extensions shall return to a wall, guard, or the landing surface, or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stair flight.

Both the ADA and OSHA require public and private spaces to have handrails on both sides of a stairwell. This is because for people with balance and mobility issues, leaning on a wall to maintain their balance is simply not a safe way to navigate a stairwell.

The specific threshold may vary, but it's common for handrails to be required for stairs with three or more steps. However, some codes may require handrails for two-step stairs as well. Stair Height: Building codes may also consider the overall height of the staircase when determining the need for a handrail.

LENGTH: To get a general idea of how much handrail you need, count the number of steps on your stairway and multiply by 13”. Don't forget to add any extra length that may be needed at the top or bottom of your stairway.

Handrails should extend horizontally above the landing for a minimum of 12” beyond the bottom and the top of the stair and ramp runs.

Other than OSHA, all other codes and standards require that handrails be placed between 34 and 38 inches above the ramp, walking surface, or nosing. recommends a maximum height of 28 inches with a minimum of 9 inches of clearance between the child's rail and the adult rail.

Handrail height shall not be less than 34 inches and not more than 38 inches. Handrails must meet the required grip size per section R311.

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.

General U.S. Guidelines. In the United States, the general rule of thumb for residential deck railing height is a minimum of 36 inches, measured from the top edge of the top rail down to the deck surface.

Clear space between a handrail and a wall or other surface shall be a minimum of 11/2 inches (38 mm). A handrail and a wall or other surface adjacent to the handrail shall be free of any sharp or abrasive elements.

What is the difference between a stair rail and a handrail? ›

Rock solid and designed to be elegant safety features in any stairwell, Promenaid handrails are made to be easy to install and are the ideal solution for mobility challenges. A stair railing, on the other hand, is primarily used to prevent people from falling off the side of the stairs.

When in doubt, you can't go wrong by installing a handrail on both sides of the stairway. This ensures that multiple people can go up and down the stairs without sacrificing support and peace of mind.

Believe it or not, there are actually specific building codes related to the spacing of hand brackets for handrails. Most building codes specify that brackets should be between 36 and 48 inches apart, or about 3 or 4 feet.

Tip. Even though handrail code does not require a guard railing for walking surfaces that are less than 30 inches high, it is always safest to include one.

Remember that you will need at least two brackets for the beginning and end of the handrail, and an additional bracket for every three to four feet of railing that requires support.

Can handrail extensions wrap or turn? Handrail extensions must be in the same direction as the stair flight, but continuous handrails can wrap at the inside turn of switchback or dogleg stairways.

U.S. building codes mandate that balusters have no more than a 4-inch gap between them. This relatively tight amount of spacing still allows for visibility between spindles, but also stands as a safety measure to prevent small children from becoming stuck between spindles or from slipping through the balusters.