If you are building or fixing stairs, you need to know the right height for stair railings. No matter which country you live in, there are always some rules that you need to follow. So today, with the help of experts from West Wholesale, we’re going to answer your most asked questions. How high should the railing be on stairs? Keep reading and find out everything!
Why Railing Height Matters for Safety and Code Compliance?
If the railing is too low, someone might lose their balance. If it’s too high, it can be hard to grab, especially for kids or people who are shorter. This is why railing height is part of the building code.
If your railing doesn’t meet the code, you might not pass your building inspection. And then you’ll have to fix it later, which can cost you time and money.
How High Should Railing Be on Stairs According to Building Codes?
The railing helps people stay steady when going up or down stairs.
So, are you wondering about what the minimum height of a handrail is as well? Here, find out what the height should be according to the government codes:
- Railing height must be between 865 mm (34 inches) and 965 mm (38 inches).
- You will have to measure it straight up from the edge of each step, called the nosing.
- The railings must be easy to grip and continuous along the stairs.
- If the stairs have three or more risers, you will need a handrail.
- Railings must be strong enough to handle pressure; normally, they should be 0.9 kN of force.
Common Mistakes People Make When Installing Stair Railings
Even after knowing all the codes, you might make mistakes while installing the railing. Here are the common mistakes that you should avoid:
- Wrong height: Putting the railing too high or too low is a common mistake. So, try to keep the accurate height that the codes suggested.
- Skipping the railing: Many people don’t install one at all if there are only a few steps. But if there are three or more risers, you have to install one.
- Using the wrong material: Your railings must be strong and easy to grip. Some fancy designs might look good, but mostly they don’t meet code.
- Not checking local rules: Each city or province might have small differences. Don’t guess; just check first.
What Are the Load Requirements for Guards?
Here are all the codes or rules that you need for guards:
What the Terms Mean:
- kN (kilonewton): A way to measure force. 1 kN is about the same as the weight of 100 kg.
- kN/m: This means the force is spread out over one meter.
- Focused push: A strong push in one small spot.
- Evenly spread force: The same pressure all along the top part of the guard.
Measuring the Correct Height for Your Stair Railing
How to measure stair railing height? Here’s a guide for you to measure it accurately:
- First, place one end of your measuring tape on the nosing of the stairs.
- Then hold the tape straight up, not at an angle.
- Mark a spot between 865 mm and 965 mm on the wall or post.
- Lastly, you have to repeat on each stair to make sure it’s even all the way up.
Guardrails vs. Handrails: What’s the Difference?
What? You don’t know what the difference is between guardrails and handrails? Here, take a look:
Quick Tip:
- If you can fall off the edge, you need a guardrail.
- If you need help walking up or down stairs, you need a handrail.
Conclusion
So, how high should railing be on stairs? The answer is simple: between 865 mm (34 inches) and 965 mm (38 inches) from the stair nosing. This height will keep people safe and meet the building code.If you are not sure about this, then get help from a reliable expert. They will make the job easy, and you will not have to worry about it anymore.
