Does code require there to be a hand rail mounted on both sides of a stair. Example- if I had a simple run from a basement to first level, would you have to put a hand rail on both sides? or just one?
Thanks
Does code require there to be a hand rail mounted on both sides of a stair. Example- if I had a simple run from a basement to first level, would you have to put a hand rail on both sides? or just one?
Thanks
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Replies
Depends on the width of the stair, but generally for residential work you need one handrail. Commercial and public buildings differ.
Google Stair Manufacturers Association. They've got a great illustrated guide to railing codes. Or buy my book. <G>
Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein (or maybe Mark Twain)
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
"Everything not forbidden is compulsory." T.H. White, The Once and Future King
Thanks
Residential under I think 5 foot is one handrail but guards on any open side over 30" if I am remembering correctly.
Normal 36"-42" stairs is 1 handrail graspable (code is very specific but most standard railings meet that code) continuous for the run of the specific stair (can stop at a landing and then continue again)
All off of memory for IRC code.
Over here (BC) its two handrails for stairs over 42 inches
Could be 2 rails for over 42 down here too but I never build over 42" stairs so never came up against it and did not open up my code book to see exactly what it says.