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 code height for a stair railing?
(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.
What is the correct spacing for stair spindles?
General Baluster Spacing – The general rule of thumb is to have 3 baluster per foot so you do not have any gaps greater than four inches. If you put one baluster every 4 inches on center, then you will typically always be fine.
How many steps before you need a railing?
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.
What is the code for Stairs in NY?
Stairway requirements can be found in Section R311. 7 of the 2015 IRC, which indicates that “stairways shall be not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in clear width at all points above the permitted handrail height” and “the headroom in stairways shall be not less than 6 feet 8 inches…”
What is the maximum gap between balusters?
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.
How far apart do balusters need to be?
4 inchesBalusters are the vertical guards that support the handrail. They must be installed close enough that the space between them is less than 4 inches. Most city inspectors carry a 4-inch ball with them to test the spacing. Installed balusters should withstand 50 pounds of pressure exerted over a 1-sq.
How wide can steps be without a railing?
1.2. The clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between handrails is not required for exit stairways accessed from a horizontal exit. The width of stairways shall be determined as specified in Section 1005.1, but such width shall not be less than 44 inches (1118 mm).
Do all stairs need handrails?
(1) Stairways less than 44 inches in width may have one handrail or stair railing except that such stairways open on one or both sides shall have stair railings provided on the open side or sides. (2) Stairways having less than four risers need not have handrails or stair railings.
Do you need a railing on both sides of stairs?
California Handrail Requirements If your home has three or fewer steps, there's no need to install a handrail. However, homes having four or more stairs must have a rail mounted on at least one side if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide. If one edge of the stairwell is open, that's where the handrail must be.
How many steps require a handrail in NY?
Every exterior and interior flight of stairs having more than four risers shall have a handrail on one side of the stair and every open portion of a stair, landing, balcony, porch, deck, ramp or other walking surface that is more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards.
Should handrail be on right or left?
Standard building codes do not state a requirement for what side a handrail should be placed for residential structures. The handrail can be on either side of the stairs as long as it continuously runs the entire length of the stairs.
What are specs for stairs?
Summary of Code Requirements for Residential Stairs Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway. Maximum 4-1/2 inch handrail projection into stairway width, on either side. Minimum 6′-8″ headroom height clearance for stairway. Maximum 12′-7″ vertical height (rise) for a flight of stairs.
How high can a deck be before it needs a railing?
30"All decks greater than 30" above grade must have a guardrail. If you choose to install a guardrail on a deck lower than 30", you must still meet code requirements. Decks attached to single-family detached homes are regulated under the rules of the International Residential Code (IRC).
How many steps require a handrail 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.
How high does a deck have to be before it needs a railing?
30 inchesIf your deck is below 30 inches, a railing is not required. With that said, if you choose to build a deck, even if it is only 24 inches off the ground, that is still high enough that even an adult could injure themselves. When you take your kids and pets into account, the risk is even higher.
How high can you build a deck without railing?
30-inchI went to a friend's house a while back to admire his new deck. This friend was very excited, especially by how much time he saved by not adding a railing. He'd made a point of building his deck so as to stay under the 30-inch requirement--which is the maximum deck height you can have without a railing.
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.
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.
Why is uniform flight important?
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why are handrails important?
This is because studies have shown that many of the rails being constructed don’t meet the safety standards stated in the building codes.
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.
What are the changes for 2021?
One of the major changes for 2021 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.
What Do Home Inspectors Look For?
Anywhere above 30-inches from the ground, there needs to be a guardrail to prevent a hazardous fall for an adult or child. In the home inspection world (and the IRC), there is a rule known as the four inch sphere rule.
Why do you need landings on stairs?
One reason is that if there is a fall, you will only fall down the stairs a certain distance before hitting a landing. Landings also make it easier to make turns onto a level or a different stair direction.
What does it mean when stairs are egress?
Technically, stairs are considered a ‘means of egress’ which basically means a way to escape from a home (or level of a home). The IRC is a model code standard that has been adopted by many U.S. states and some Caribbean and Latin American countries.
Why is it important to terminate a handrail?
Handrail termination is important so clothes or equipment doesn’t get stuck on the end of the handrail, especially in emergency situations like fleeing a fire.
How much variance is there in a tread?
Maximum Differences: maximum 3/8-inch variance in depth or height of risers and treads
What is the vertical height of stairs?
The maximum vertical rise of stairs according to the IRC shall be 151″ or about 12.5-feet.
What is headroom in a house?
Headroom. Headroom is the space required from the stairs to the top. Basically, this rule helps prevent people banging their head on ceilings and being a safety hazard. This rule will more likely be an issue on older homes that I inspect, and they are usually grandfathered into existing code due to their age.
What are the requirements for cable railings?
There are specific requirements for each aspect of the railing system, such as handrail height, the amount of pressure that the system must be able to withstand, and how far apart the posts must be spaced. In general, cable railing code requirements come from two different sources: The IRC (International Residential Code) ...
How much force is required for a handrail?
Handrails and guardrails and structural members of a railing system are required to withstand 200lbs of concentrated force in any direction. Intermediate structures are only required to withstand 50lbs of concentrated force.
What is following deck railing code?
Following deck cable railing code will allow you to create a safe and sturdy system. Once your system is installed, another vital element is proper tensioning. Following cable railing code is essential to a cable railing system that will perform optimally for years to come.
What is the exception to the 4 inch sphere rule?
The exception to the 4 inch sphere rule is the gap created between the bottom run of infill and the 90 degree angle created where the rear of a stair tread meets a stair riser. The rule states a 6 inch sphere should be unable to pass through this triangular gap.
How tall is a guardrail?
A guardrail is typically required for stairs with 4-or-more risers, or for a deck or balcony with 30 inches above grade. Code requires guardrail in residential structures be a minimum of 36 inches. Some areas require taller guardrail. Be sure to check with your code official regarding your area’s guardrail height requirements.
Do handrails have to go back into the wall?
Code also requires handrails return into a wall or structural member of the railing system. This allows everyone from homeowners to first responders to safely traverse a staircase without snagging clothing or equipment on a handrail and falling down a staircase.
Is cable railing safe?
When built to code, cable railing is a very safe option for railing. However, building code can be hard to navigate. Here you’ll find helpful information about horizontal railing codes, and how Viewrail cable railing products are designed to exceed those code requirements without sacrificing on design.
What is a handrail on stairs?
Let’s get clear on the type of handrail you need to meet these codes. Handrails are found on stairs, it’s what you grab on to when using stairs. Typically, handrails are small in diameter and not irregularly shaped. They need to be graspable, simply meaning you must be able to grip them easily.
How much does it cost to install an ADA handrail?
For example, how long the stairs are or if there’s a landing, etc. On average though, it will cost you roughly $200-$250 installed.
Why do states adopt IRC codes?
That’s because a lot of things vary from state to state that needs to be accounted for: such as temperatures, frost depths, soil conditions, and extreme weather patterns.
How often does Michigan update its residential code?
And while the IRC updates its codes every three years, the time it takes each state to update will vary. Here in Michigan, a new code book is adopted typically every six years.
When do you need to install a guard rail on a deck?
The code states that when a deck is 30 inches or more off the ground, you’re required to install a guard rail on the open sides of your stairs and the deck’s surface.
Do you need a handrail on both sides of deck stairs?
You aren’t required to install a handrail on both sides of your deck stairs. They can be placed on either side as long as it runs uninterrupted the entire length of the stairs.
Where is custom deck creations located?
We are a certified TrexPro Platinum builder. Custom Deck Creations is located in and serves Southeast Michigan.
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 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 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 an exterior egress stair?
The exterior egress stair requirements are in place to ensure the public health and safety for exterior stairs used as a means of egress from commercial, residential, and industrial buildings. The requirements set standards for the egress path, location, fire protection, and materials used in the construction of exterior stairs.
What is a railing on stairs?
Railings in all of these categories are a critical safety feature on outdoor and indoor stairs, and ramps, both as graspable handrails to guide a user or to protect against a stair-fall, and as are guardrails along stairs, landings, platforms, decks, porches, and similar structures. We cover these topics:
What is a stair rail?
A stair rail is basically a guard rail along an open stairway. A stair rail may itself be graspable and serve as a handrailing, or the stair rail might be higher, larger, and not-graspable, as shown in our photo at left. [When these stairs were first constructed, the handrail was not present.]
When are Handrails Required? How many steps, what total rise height requires a handrail?
The building code requirement for stair railings typically requires handrailings on stairs that have a total rise of three feet or more.
How high should a handrail be?
Handrails must not be more than 37 inches (94 cm) high nor less than 30 inches (76 cm) from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread. Temporary handrails must have a minimum clearance of 3 inches (8 cm) between the handrail and walls, stair rail systems and other objects.
What is a handrail called?
Notice that a handrail may be horizontal or sloping. That is, if the railing is intended to be able to be grasped to help protect against a fall, it is called a handrail regardless of where it is installed. Handrailings or hand rails may be commonly found installed. Along stairways.
What is a handrail?
Definition of handrail or hand railing - graspable supports along stairways or ramps. A handrail is a horizontal or sloping rail intended for grasping by the hand for guidance or support. [Green arrow in our photo] Notice that a handrail may be horizontal or sloping.
How wide is a stair railing?
(a) Stairways shall have handrails or stair railings on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate stair railing for each 88 inches of required width. Intermediate stair railings shall be spaced approximately equal within the entire width of the stairway.
