Stair Railing Design Requirements

• Exterior and interior handrails must meet building-code requirements for safety. outdoor night stairs with metallic handrails image by d_j_ang0 from Fotolia.com

  Building codes require homeowners to install handrails along any stairway with four or more steps. The handrails must be able to hold up against your weight in the event you fall against it. You should also be able to grasp the handrail easily to prevent a fall. Following the guidelines when designing a handrail for stairs, exterior or interior, ensures the safety of your steps.

Height

• Installing the handrail at the proper height ensures that you will be able to reach the rail comfortably while walking up or down the stairs. A handrail prevents falling and can help to steady a person on the stairs. The handrail can aid those who have difficulty walking up the stairs by providing a place to lean during the climb. The height of the handrail must be no lower than 34 inches or higher than 38 inches. Lower handrails are difficult to use without bending and higher rails may be too difficult to grasp effectively to prevent a fall. The space between the wall and a handrail must be a minimum of 1.5 inches.

Grasp

• The handrail must be small enough to be gripped comfortably. Handrails that are too fat or wide to comfortably grab will not aid in the event of a fall. For round handrails, the diameter should be between 1.25 inches and 2 inches. Wood handrails with a rectangular shape should have a measurement between 4 inches and 6.25 inches. An oblate handrail, one that has a slightly oblong shape, should measure 2.25 inches at a maximum across the widest portion of the rail.

Continuity

• The handrail should be the length of the full flight of stairs. There should not be breaks in the handrail except when there is a turn in the stairway where a newel post can change the direction of the rail. The handrail grip should be smooth for the entire length of the stairs as well.