Replies

1. 
   john7g | Jun 06, 2008 05:53am | #1

   36" above the rail

   http://www.stairways.org/codes_standards.htm
   look for the visual interpretation of the IRC in the right column to find a .pdf to help. 

2. 
   2weekstops | Jun 06, 2008 06:01am | #2

   IRC states- Stairways shall not be less than 36 inches(914mm) in clear width at all points above permitted handrail height and below the required headroom height. Handrails shall not project more than 4.5 inches (114mm) on either side of the stairway and the minimum clear width of the stairway at and below the handrail height, including the landings, shall not be less than 31.5 " (787mm) where a handrail is installed on one side and 27 inches (698) where handrails are provided on both sides.   Ref  IRC. 2003 R311.5 Stairways  

   
   

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   Edited 6/5/2008 11:02 pm ET by 2weekstops

3. 
   DougU | Jun 06, 2008 06:12am | #3

   Like the other two posts, 36", don't think I'd go with a 22" if I could, that'd be awful narrow!

   Doug

1. 
   dockelly | Jun 06, 2008 06:19am | #4

   The staircase that's there now is 120 years old, very narrow. To put something in new, at that width, would require me cutting the joist at the top of the stairs and widening the stairwell. Not sure I want to do that just yet, trying to use the place this summer. Lots of other things to finish.Thanks allKevin

1. 
   DougU | Jun 06, 2008 06:48am | #8

   Well if its already there and you dont want to redo then hell with it, live with it but dont go gaining a lot of weight!  :)

   Doug

2. 
   DanH | Jun 06, 2008 01:52pm | #9

   Few staircases older than about 20 years meet the 36 inch code. An old staircase should be grandfathered in unless you move it or some such.
   It is an ironic habit of human beings to run faster when we have lost our way. --Rollo May

1. 
   dockelly | Jun 06, 2008 03:18pm | #10

   grandfathered in if I leave it, if i removed it and wanted to build new, it would have to be wider.  Probably will rebuild down the road.

4. 
   2weekstops | Jun 06, 2008 06:22am | #5

   So what is the project exactly??  

1. 
   dockelly | Jun 06, 2008 06:36am | #7

   How much time you got?I've been posting here for a few years, virtually all my posts concern this house. In brief, 120 year old house one block to the beach. Lot would flood, only lot that had not been developed in 120 years. I had house lifted, poured concrete foundation, set back down. Rebuilt the porch and am now tearing up the floor, putting in subfloor and 3/4" hardwood floor. In that process I saw the stairs where sub par, but I need the final CO to be able to use it this summer. I'll redo them in the fall. If some of the pics are too big, let me know.Kevin

5. 
   2weekstops | Jun 06, 2008 06:23am | #6

   Just worked on a house over 200 yr old.  Small curved staircase nowhere close to code.  I worked around it