In the u s the i codes require handrail placed between 34 and 38 inches.
Residential interior handrail height.
Codes require railings against a wall to be between 30 inches and 38 inches high while handrails on open stairs must be 34 to 38 inches high.
Measure railing height from the bottom of the ground at each step to the top of where the handrail will be located.
It is important to note that all designs and any construction methods must be solid.
For stairs installed before april 3 1997 this height shall be between 30 and 38 inches.
A handrail must be between 865mm and 1070mm 34 and 42 inches above the nosing.
Since guardrails are commonly used to serve as a guard we want to see how this section applies to guardrails so that they can comply as a guard as defined per section r312.
Step 3 below shows how to find this wall mounted handrail height point at the top of the stair.
The way this is measured is to begin at the leading edge of the stair nosing and run an imaginary vertical line upward until it reaches the top of the railing.
The same height rules apply to stairs and the inspector measures the handrail height from nose of the stair tread.
In commercial applications the nbc permits the top or a guard 42 minimum height to also serve as handrail.
Don t be one of those guys.
Handrail height is the height of the handrail in relation to the stairs.
The ontario building code height of handrails 9 8 7 4.
These building codes for handrails on stairs and guardrails around walkways are based on information in section r311 7 8 on page 61 of the 2012 international residential code.
So a guard can be a building component such as a small wall that meets the minimum height requirement for a guard.
Height of handrails 1 the height of handrails on stairs and ramps shall be measured vertically from the top of the handrail to a a straight line drawn tangent to the tread nosings of the stair served by the handrail or b the surface of the ramp floor or landing served by the handrail.
Also keep in mind anyone with special mobility needs who will be using the rail if you are installing a handrail specifically for the use of an elderly person measure a comfortable height for that individual within the 30 to 36 inch range.
Handrail height on the stairs should be no less than 34 inches and no greater than 38 inches.
The handrail itself should be easy to grip with a minimum diameter of 1 1 4.
Consult standard building codes in your area to make sure you install your rail at the appropriate height.
To meet building code requirements the stair railing should be mounted so that the top of the handrail height is 34 to 38 in.