How Tall Does A Stair Railing Need To Be
Rail heights on guards horizontal railings not sloping need to be 3-6 high but there are times when 2-11 is OK.
How tall does a stair railing need to be. If theres a risk of falling or strong winds this must be at least 1000mm 1 metre in height. It can of course extend longer into the landings. Graspability requirements will limit handrail dimensions.
On a landing where fall from height is significant the height of the guardrail must be at least 1000 mm. The height is calculated in relation to the stairs and is measured from the very end of the stair tread in a completely vertical line. Handrail height for stairs according to the Australian standards is the height of a handrail above the floor or the nosing of a stair tread shall be no less than 865mm.
A standard stair railing is between 30 to 34 inches above the edge of each riser. Provide a handrail on both sides. If the stairs are less than 1m wide.
Staircases require at least one handrail. Structurally it must be able to withstand a concentrated load of 200 lbs. The top rail of a handrail must be positioned no lower than 900mm and no higher than 1100mm above the level of the step beneath.
Treads must be at least 10 inches deep measuring from front to back. The tread depth TD is to be 185mm and it should not be more than 30mm shorter than the going G. According to OSHA Occupational Safety and Home Administration if the width of your stairway is less than 44 inches and enclosed on both sides you need just a railing on the open side.
You should fit a handrail at a height between 900mm and 1000mm from the pitch line of the stairs or the floor for landings. The building code dictates that the handrail height should be between 34 and 38 inches. Bear in mind if your installation is to meet building codes there will be structural and dimensional requirements that must be met.