What is the standard height for handrails on stairs and around a deck? I am building a set of stairs, and a deck for next to my spa.
You should find out the local codes for your location. It varies and you don’t want to have to rip it out when somebody notices it isn’t up to local code. There are height and rail spacing requirements at a minimum. There’s complicated codes on stairs also.
Well since it is not a permant structure (not attached to the building, or with a foundation) I don’t believe it needs a permit.
I do still need to know how high to make the handrails.
Anyone?
Anyone?
Bueller?
I can only speak in terms of commercial building practices, but measured to the top of the rail, 42 inches above the floor of said deck is very common, though the code may allow for more or less (I believe 36" is the minimum, but most of the time architects go with 42" so that installation tolerances do not cause the rail to fail inspection by a small amount). The handrail should be strong enough to bear, at any point along the length of the handrail, a 250-lb point load applied in any direction perpendicular to the length of said rail. (Often the local building department has standard guidelines for member thicknesses and spacings that will produce this result.) Depending on the height of the deck surface above the ground, additional requirements may apply.
The codes for private residences may or may not be more lenient, but there is some logic to the above numbers: a 42" height places the rail above most people’s center of gravity, and think of the 250-lb load as a 250-lb person sitting on or leaning against it.
Disclaimer: Absolutely, positively review your local building code to be certain of the requirements. And I wouldn’t be too quick to assume you don’t need a permit - in many jurisdictions, it would absolutely be required.
Well, local code can vary so much that it’s irrelevant here. A standard stair rail height for residential can range from 30 to 36. Commercial codes are different. Stand up and put your hand down by your side, act like you are grabbing a rail, and measure whats comfortable.
In my experience, res stair rails are around 30-34 for comfort, whatever works for you. You will be in the ballpark on the height. Your main issue with the code is spacing of the balusters, or uprights that support the rail.
Code is hardcore on this part. A general standard is 4 inches , the point being to not allow a small child to get their head caught between, or too far apart too fall through. This can vary, and as was said, check your local code.
My anecdotal evidence is a current job, new construction, running trim in a new addition, where rail heights run around 34 for inside staircases.
Of course, some run 36 and some run 32. :rolleyes: But we didn’t install them.
From the 2003 International Building Code:
Handrail height, measured above stair
tread nosings, or finish surface of ramp slope, shall be uniform,
not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38
inches (965 mm).
note that this governs commercial construction (not residential), but should be a reasonable guideline nonetheless.
Thanks guys, I was ballparking in my mind about 36" so I guess I was close.
Thanks for the tip on the balusters, I fogot all about those. :smack: I will make sure they are very close together.