Stair Railing Building Code
| Stair Section | Requirement | Notes |
| Handrail Height | 34 to 38 inches | The distance between the stair nosing an ... |
| Maximum Projection of Railing From Wall | 4-1/2 inches | This rule is designed to provide enough ... |
| Minimum Hand Clearance From Wall | 1-1/2 inches | This rule is designed to provide clearan ... |
| Minimum Distance Between Two Railings | 27 inches | This is the distance between two railing ... |
What is the International Residential Code for stairs?
When it comes to residential stair standards, the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) establishes minimum requirements for stairs to insure a level of safety to the public. Several components are looked at such as stair width, headroom, riser and tread heights.
What is the IBC code for stairs?
Walking Surface (IBC 1011.7.1)
- The slope of the walking surface cannot be greater than 1:48 in any direction.
- You can have walking surfaces with openings, but the openings cannot allow a 1/2-inch diameter sphere pass through.
- If the stairs are outside, the design of the IBC stairs cannot allow water to accumulate on the walking surface.
What is the California Building Code for stairs?
The stair codes from the 2008 version of the California Building Code state that private stairways must be at least 36 inches wide. Trim and handrail components may not encroach on this minimum dimension by more than 3 1/2 inches. The rise must be between 4 and 8 inches, with a minimum run of 9 inches.
What is the rise and run code for stairs?
What is code for stair height? (1) The rise of every step in a stairway shall be not less than 4 inches nor greater than 7 1/2 inches. (2) The run shall not be less than 10 inches as measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the furthermost projection of adjacent treads.
What is the standard rise and run of steps?
The 2018 IBC building code for rise and run of stairs is a maximum 7" rise and minimum 11" run (tread depth). The OSHA standard for rise and run of stairs is maximum 9.5" rise and minimum 9.5" run (tread depth). The IBC maximum rise of a single stair flight is 12.
What makes stairs not up to code?
The stairway must be at least 36 inches wide, measured above the handrail. Handrails must not project into the stairway more than 4 ½ inches—so with one handrail, the stairway can't be less than 31 ½ inches wide, as measured at or below the rail, and with two handrails, the stairway can't be less than 27 inches wide.
Is an 8 inch step too high?
In the United States, the step height standard should be between 7 or 7 ¾ inches at the most, and no less than 4 inches. You should follow other measurements if given by local building codes. In Canada, the maximum step riser height is 8 ¼ inches.
What is the OSHA standard for steps?
Riser height shall be from 6 to 7.5 inches (15.24 to 19.05 cm), stair width a minimum of 22 inches (55.88 cm) between vertical barriers, tread depth a minimum of 12±2 inches (30.48±5.08 cm), and tread nosing shall be straight leading edges. Stair landings shall be at least 20 inches (50.8 cm) in depth.
What is code for stair stringers?
Private stairways serving an occupant load of less than 10 may be 30 inches wide. (2) Trim shall not reduce the required width by more than 3 1/2 inches. Handrails may project from each side of a stairway a distance of 3 1/2 inches into the required width. Stringers may project 1 1/2 inches.
How deep is the average stair step?
around 9 inchesAverage Step Height, Width, And Depth The average step height in America is 7.5 inches. The depth is generally around 9 inches. As far as width goes, or the long part of the stairs, it's primarily up to the homeowner.
What is the best rise and run for stairs?
Over the years, carpenters have determined that tread width times riser height should equal somewhere between 72 to 75 inches. On a main stair, the maximum rise should be no more than 8 1/4 inches and the minimum run should be no less than 9 inches.
What height should a step be?
As a general rule, the riser should be no more than 15 centimetres high (5.9 inches), with the tread at least 30 centimetres (11.81 inches) deep. Landscape architect Thomas D. Church laid out a widely-used measure: twice the height of the riser plus the tread should equal 26 inches (66.04 centimetres).
What is the standard width of a step?
36 inchesStair treads can be as narrow as 22.5 inches or as wide as 36 inches. Wider stair treads are typically used outdoors while narrower designs between 22.5 inches and 30 inches are more commonly used indoors.
What is the required distance between steps?
1910.68(c)(3)(iii) Distance Between Steps The distance between steps shall be equally spaced and not less than 16 feet measured from the upper surface of one step to the upper surface of the next step above it.
How many steps before a handrail is required?
Building Codes The building code does not refer to the number of “steps” but it does require a handrail when there are two or more “risers”. For clarification, a “riser” is the vertical portion of a stair. The “tread” is the top of a step. A two riser minimum would translate to two steps.
How many steps before a handrail is required OSHA?
Stairways with four or more risers, or that rise more than 30 inches (76 cm) in height— whichever is less—must have at least one handrail. Winding or spiral stairways must have a handrail to prevent use of areas where the tread width is less than 6 inches (15 cm).
How much overhang should a stair nose have?
Nosing Requirements The nosing on treads, believe it or not, has a code minimum and maximum of how far the nosing projects over the next stair. Nosings are required to overhang a minimum of ¾-in. to a maximum of 1-¼-in. Also the maximum nosing radius cannot exceed 9/16 of an inch.
Do stair treads have to overhang?
Stairs must have an overhang between 3/4″ to 1-1/4” to increase the depth of the step, making it better for descent while maintaining a clear 10-inch going for the ascent. Treads that are 11-inches deep or greater do not require an overhang.
What is code for deck stair risers?
Exterior stair riser code Exterior stair risers must comply with IBC section 1011.5 stair treads and risers. Stair risers height shall be 7 inches maximum and 4 inches minimum.
How do you increase stair tread length?
If your treads do not have one, you can install one yourself to add width to the tread. You can purchase them already rounded with the bullnose, or you can purchase oak hardwood that measures 1 1/4-by-1 1/4-inches. Purchase it in longer lengths and then use a router with a bullnose bit to round the edge yourself.
What is the IRC code for stairs?
When it comes to residential stair standards, the International Residential Code (IRC) establishes minimum requirements for stairs to insure a level of safety to the public. Several components are looked at such as stair width, headroom, riser and tread heights.
Why should stair treads be within the parameters of the code?
Stair riser heights and stair tread depths should be within the parameters of the code to avoid any potential trip hazards for inconsistencies. A uniform flight of stairs provides a safety factor. Inconsistencies or variations in risers or treads could interfere with the rhythm of the individual using the stairs. Therefore limitations in riser heights and minimum widths for treads is an important rule to follow.
How deep should stair treads be?
Stair Tread Depth. As for stair treads the depth should not be less than 10 inches however this will require nosing projections. To avoid having to install nosing the code requires the depth of the tread to be no less than 11 inches.
What is the difference between a Type I and Type II handrail?
Type I handrails layout the parameters for handrails having a perimeter dimension not greater than 6 ¼ inches while Type II handrails address handrail perimeters greater than 6 ¼ inches.
What type of handrails are recognized by the code?
When it comes to handrails the code is very specific on this. It should provide proper graspability which the code recognizes a Type I and Type II handrail to have.
How many risers are required on a flight of stairs?
Each flight of stairs having four or more risers must be provided with handrails on not less than one side.
How much headroom is required for a stairway?
The headroom for stairways measured vertically from the sloped line adjoining the tread nosing or the floor surface of the landing should be no less than 6 feet 8 inches.
Why should stair treads be within the parameters of the code?
Stair riser heights and stair tread depths should be within the parameters of the code to avoid any potential trip hazards for inconsistencies. A uniform flight of stairs provides a safety factor. Inconsistencies or variations in risers or treads could interfere with the rhythm of the individual using the stairs. Therefore limitations in riser heights and minimum widths for treads is an important rule to follow.
What is the IBC code for commercial stairs?
When it comes to commercial stair standards, the International Building Code (IBC) establishes the minimum requirements for stairs to insure a level of safety to the public. Several components are looked at such as stair width, headroom, riser and tread heights.
What is Section 1011?
Section 1011 refers us to Section 1005.1 to size the width of stair. But what is Section 1005.1? This section explains how to size a portion of a mean of egress system. Remember what was said before? These stair requirements are for stairs that serve an occupied building or space. I stairway can be used as a component of a means of egress. For example if a stairway serves a room as a way of exiting, it must be wide enough to accommodate the number of occupants exiting the space. Section 1005.1 outlines several egressing components, which is a topic of its own to discuss, but you can find the requirements specifically for stairways in Section 1005.3.1.
How to calculate egress for stairs?
It states that the means of egress for stairs is calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by the stairs by a factor of 0.3 inch per occupant.
What is the minimum width of a stairway?
Remember when it was said that the minimum width of a stairway shall not be less than 44 inches ? There’s an exception to that. Exception 1 in Section 1011.2 allows for a width of not less than 36 inches when a stairway is serving an occupant load of less than 50. With the above example we had to calculate the stair width, but with this exception you can have the stairway width be as small as 36 inches as long as the occupant load it is serving is less than 50.
How many occupants does a stairway have?
A stairway serves an occupant load of 200.
What is the minimum width of a commercial stair?
The reason for this is that if it is determined per section 1005.1 that the width is less than 44, 44 inches shall be used as the minimum. Now lets look at how the width is calculated.
What is the IBC code for stairs?
The International Building Code (IBC) has many requirements for stairways, and you must also meet the required number of means of egress and areas of refuge for wheelchairs.
How to determine the width of stairs?
The number of occupants on each floor will determine the required width of the stairs. In short, the width is calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairs by a factor of 0.3 inch per occupant. However, the very minimum width between handrails is 44 inches. You must calculate the IBC stair width for multi-story stairways versus single-story stairways.
What is IBC 1011.5.5.3?
Solid Risers (IBC 1011.5.5.3) Solid risers are required for IBC stairs except for means of egress stairways as long as the opening between treads does not allow a 1/2 inch diameter sphere to pass through.
How much headroom do you need for a stairway?
Stairways are required to have a headroom clearance of 80 inches from the edge of each stair nosing measured vertically up to the ceiling. The clearance must continue past the last step for at least one stair tread depth.
How high should a step be?
The step height, also known as the riser height, must be no less than 4 inches and no greater than 7 inches. The minimum tread depth is 11 inches. If the stairs have nosings, you measure from the leading edge of the nosing to the edge of the next step’s nosing.
How high is a stair guard?
The guard height must be at least 42 inches high, and it is measured vertically from the leading edges of the tread nosings or from the landing surface.
Where are handrails required on IBC stairs?
Handrails must be on both sides of the IBC stairs, and they must comply with these additional handrail requirements.
What is a step tread?
Step Treads. The step tread is the part of the stairs that you walk on. It can be made from a multitude of decking materials that offer various degrees of traction. Tread depths must be the same between each landing platform. (1910.25 (b) (3))
How high should a guardrail be on a stair tread?
Step Guardrail Height: Unlike ADA guidelines, the guardrails in OSHA steps also act as the handrails when the top edge of the guardrail is between 36 and 38 inches above the leading edge of the stair tread. (1910.29 (f) (1) (iii) (A))
When is a guardrail required?
As an employer, there is a duty to have a fall-protection system in place when there is an unprotected edge that is 4 or more feet from a lower level; guardrails are the most common fall-protection system used for stairs.
Do you need solid risers for OSHA?
Risers can be solid or open-back depending on the required compliance code. OSHA does not require solid risers, so most companies choose to have open-back risers because that style is typically less expensive. Riser heights must be the same between each landing platform. (1910.25 (b) (3))
What is the IRC code for stairs?
The International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building Code (IBC) set the standards for exterior stairs. The building codes for exterior stairs establish the criteria for design, use, location, and construction of outdoor stairs. Understanding the exterior stairs code requirements helps to ensure a safe ...
What is the IBC code for outdoor stairs?
The IBC building code for outdoor stairs includes all the general requirements for stairways found in Section 1011 plus additional criteria for outdoor stair design, construction, and use.
What section of IBC is used for exterior stair handrails?
Exterior stair handrails must comply with all the general IBC handrail requirements found in section 1014 Handrails and section 1011.11 Handrails.
How deep should outdoor stair treads be?
The tread depth shall not be less than 10 inches.
What is the IBC section for exit ramps?
IBC Section 1027.3 states that exterior exit stairways and ramps serving as an element of a required means of egress shall be open on not less than one side, except for required structural columns, beams, handrails, and guards. The opening can be along the length side or the width side of the stairway.
What is IBC 1011.7.2?
IBC Section 1011.7.2 states that outdoor stairways and outdoor approaches to stairways shall be designed so that water will not accumulate on walking surfaces.
What is the minimum depth of stair tread?
The minimum tread depth shall be 11 inches.
What is the IRC code for stairs?
Stairways part of a means of egress from commercial and industrial buildings. International Residential Code (IRC) - Section R311 Means of Egress. Stairways part of a means of egress from residential buildings. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Section 1910.25 - Stairways.
How many general features of stairways are addressed by the codes?
That leads us to the design requirements for each code. The codes set design standards for every part of a stairway. There are 6 general features of stairways and buildings that are addressed by the codes:
How much weight can a stair support?
For load requirements, OSHA 1910.25 (b) (6) requires that e ach stair can support at least five times the normal anticipated live load, but never less than a concentrated load of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) applied at any point. IBC Chapter 16 Section 1607 requires stairs to support live loads of 100 psf uniform load and 300 pound concentrated load.
What is an industrial stairs?
OSHA, MSHA and IMC standards apply to equipment access stairs, sometimes simply referred to as industrial stairs. OSHA compliant stairs are the most common stairway found in general industry. MSAH and IMC apply to access to mining and HVAC equipment only. OSHA's stair design standards are more extensive than the MSAH and IMC standards and, in general, stairs designed to meet OSHA stair requirements will also meet the other two.
What is NFPA 101?
It creates and publishes the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code , a standard for buildings widely adopted in the United States.
What is ADA stair?
The ADA stair requirements apply to accessible means of egress, which is a continuous and unobstructed way of travel from any accessible point in a building or facility to a public way. It is a type of accessible route. The requirements for accessible routes in buildings can be found in IBC Chapter 11.
What is the ICC code?
The ICC also develops and publishes the International Mechanical Code which addresses the safety of HVAC systems. The code addresses access to equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated structures primarily through setting standards for design and use of platforms, ladders, and stairs to access the equipment.
When is the New IRC Stairs Code Going to Take Effect?
More proposals were approved at the first hearing last year that you can read comprehensively at the NADRA blog and other different proposals from others that were not approved.
What Are the IRC Stairs Code Requirements for 2022?
One of the major changes for 2022 is the limits on stairs serving area wells that are basically big window wells. For the previous code implemented, the building authorities are only offered guidance for ladders, not stairs.
How wide should a stairway be?
The width of the stairway on top of the handrail and under the minimum headroom height must not be less than 36”. Under the handrail, the width must be at least 31.5” if there’s one guardrail. If you’re planning to put guardrails on each side, then the width must be at least 27” below the guardrail top height.
What is a handrail guard?
While handrails, the graspable rail by the stairs, are meant to support and should resist forces in any direction , guards that wrap all over the deck are just meant to keep us from falling outward, off the edge.
What is the most important part of stair construction?
A huge part of stair construction that needs attention is the handrail. This is because studies have shown that many of the rails being constructed don’t meet the safety standards stated in the building codes.
How tall is a riser for a staircase?
The height of the riser must be at least 7’3/4” in height. There must not be a height difference of more than 3’8” between the tallest and shortest riser. In case the stairs have open risers, then anywhere more than 30″ from the floor must not allow a sphere of 4-inch diameter to go through.
Do stairways require code?
However, the committee decided that stairways that don’t serve a building, deck, or porch don’t require code guidelines . Stair geometry is an extremely shaky balance between size and safety. Bigger tread depths and lower rises are statistically safer, but they also take up more space.
How to measure stair width?
You usually measure stair width above the handrails and between whatever obstructions are on either side of the stairs. Usually, this is from wall to wall, but it may differ depending on the type of stairs you are constructing (such as half landing stairs).
How far can a staircase protrude?
Exceptions – As long as stair width and handrail clearance are not reduced below code, a staircase’s handrail may protrude a maximum of 6 1/2 inches if other handrails, nosings, or floors get in the way. Additionally, handrail continuity can be interrupted by a newel post, a turn, or a landing.
How tall is a handrail?
The IRC states that handrails must be between 34 and 38 inches tall. Therefore, all stairs above the handrail height measured from the floor (including the height of the treads) are subject to the following codes.
What is a handrail on a staircase?
Handrails on staircases come in various forms, but they are essential ly long pieces of wood or material that extend up the side of a staircase. People traversing the stairs can use the handrails for stability while walking.
How wide is a staircase?
If a staircase has only one handrail on either the left or right side, the stairs above the handrail height must be a minimum of 31 1/2 inches wide.
How far should a handrail protrude over a stairway?
As for projection, handrails should not protrude more than 4 1/ 2 inches over the stairway on either side.
How much space between handrails?
Handrails attached to a wall should have a minimum of 1 1/2 inches between the handrail and the wall. This required clearance allows people to comfortably grasp the handrail without grinding their knuckles on the wall.
