Where should handrail brackets be placed?
Spacing of brackets should be a maximum of 6′ on center. edge of the stair tread or landing to the top of the handrail. The following instructions will position the handrail at approximately 35″ above the landing or stair tread.
How do you secure a handrail to the wall?
Get a strip of 3/4″ plywood and coat it with construction adhesive. Slip the strip into the hole and secure it to the back of the drywall. Use a couple drywall screws to help support it. Make sure you put the rectangular piece of drywall back over the hole and secure it with adhesive and screws as well.
What is the proper angle for a handrail?
The angle should be between 20 and 38 degrees.
How is handrail length measured?
Measuring Handrail Length
The length of the sloped section of handrail is measured on a line running along the nosings of all steps, starting at the nosing of the top landing and running to the floor at the lower end.
What side of the wall does a handrail go on?
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.
How far apart should the brackets be on a handrail?
36 to 48 inches apart
We recommend spacing the Brackets 36 to 48 inches apart. In most cases, it is desirable to transition the Handrail past the last stair with a horizontal rail of 6 to 12 inches. Some local codes require this extension be 12 inches. Contact your local authorities to confirm requirements.
What size handrail do I need?
Handrail height must be between 34 and 38 inches. Structurally, it must be able to withstand a concentrated load of 200 lbs. or a uniform load of 50 lbs./ft. Graspability requirements will limit handrail dimensions. You can learn more about building code definitions for handrail here.
How high should a handrail be on stairs?
To meet building code requirements, the stair railing should be mounted so that the top of the handrail height is 34 to 38 in. above the front edge of the stair nosings.
What is a standard handrail height?
The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910.29(f)(1)(ii)(B)) and the handrail must be 30 to 38 inches in height (§1910.29(f)(1)(i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail).
How tall should a banister be?
1. Height Requirements Chart
| IRC | OSHA | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Stair Rail System | |
| Handrail Height | 34″ to 38″ | 36″ to 38″ may also serve as Guard |
| Railing Height | 36″ min | 36″ to 38″ |
