

This series article provides example & specific stair rail construction & installation specifications & building code citation for handrailings used in or at buildings on stairs and at other walking surfaces where handrails are needed. For clarity we have omitted the balusters that would also have been required in a stair guard. Shown here is the stair bottom extension for a stair guard along the open side of a stairway.

Public stairs / ramps and ADA compliant stairs and ramps require that the handrailing extend 12" (305 mm) beyond the face of the nosing of the bottom or top stair tread. When do we need to extend the handrailing along the top or bottom of a stair or ramp? We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. You’ll learn about installation best practices, the process of building handrails and DIY deck railing, as well as get inspiration with deck railing plans and images to complete the deck of your dreams.InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. You can enlist the aid of a professional contractor to help you install deck railing, but if you’re wondering how to build a deck railing and plan to do it yourself, browse through our collection of articles that walk you through how to install deck & porch railing. To protect children and pets from falling between balusters, the space between balusters should not be large enough to allow a 4” sphere to pass through. This code requires guardrails to be at least 36” high, although some states and local codes require them to be as high as 42” high. Like decks themselves, deck railing systems must also meet specific codes set forth by the International Residential Code (IRC). Styles can range from modern cable to a simple rustic deck railing or ornate curved railings. Deck railings can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, composite, metal, or even glass. While deck railings and handrails can certainly add polish, personality, and a distinctive touch to your deck, their primary function is to prevent slips and falls when climbing deck stairs, as well as provide a safety barrier on elevated portions of the deck. Deck railings are an essential part of your deck, making it both functional and safe to use.
