i have some 2″ x 3″ (roughly) douglas fir that i would like to use for handrails. The stairs are open riser 3″ thick slabs (not that it matters) and it’s for a timber frame home. I’m looking at section R311.5.6.3.2 of the IRC.
attached are two profiles. The top one is what i’m kind of going after. The bottom one is what i *think* i’m reading is required.
The sentence in question is “This required depth shall continue for at least 3/8″ to a level that is not less than 1 3/4″ below the tallest portion of the profile” <– which makes me think i’ve got carry this “finger recell” all the way to the bottom. Am i reading this right? Is the top picture probably OK?
In the end i guess i’m going to ask the inspector before i make these as it would be a royal pain to remove/replace.
Replies
Greetings Bob,
This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again which will increase it's viewing.
Perhaps it will catch someone's attention that can help you with advice.
Cheers
-Thoreau's Walden
BobC,
Saw your post but didn't want to answer because I have no code book that I would consider current.
I did look at a couple of stair and rail manufacturers catalogs I have and none of them showed anything like your bottom pic, but they did show any number of those like the top pic.
Although the shape looks fine, I believe the maximum width of a noncircular rail is 2.25", iaw R311.5.6.3 of the 2003 IRC. Other references may have somewhat different requirements (I've also seen a figure of 2 5/8", though I can't remember where.)
Your local BI should give you their interpretation of whatever codes they have adopted.
Depending on the locality, 'graspability' can be open for interpretation.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
It sounds like you are on the right track. When I'm building a handrail from scratch that might be on the outside limits to meet code it's easy to throw together a short section for the inspector to look at. It's often easier to convince them it's graspable if they have something to physically look at.
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
thank you all. I left a message for the BI yesterday to give me a call. I'll let you know what he says. To make a sample, i'll need to buy one new router bit...hmmm, that could be a good thing no matter what happens.