If you're considering buying/installing a handrail or railing at a residential or commercial property, code compliance is an important, legal consideration.
This guide is to help you understand the basics of handrail code compliance so you can plan properly to ensure you Nail Your Rail project.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, but we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized legal advice on any matter. Please make sure to check your local building code before ordering.
What this Guide Covers:
- Who Sets Standardized Code Requirements and the Two Main Code Models
- Handrail Code Requirements
- Assembled Railing (Guardrail) Code Requirements
We also notate differences in the code between residential and commercial properties.
A Quick Glance at Standardized Code Requirements Across the USA
Handrail code requirements can vary from state to state, as individual states often adopt their own building codes based on national model codes, which can lead to slight differences in handrail specifications depending on the local jurisdiction; so always check with your local building department to confirm exact requirements for your area.
With that being said, the foundational requirements set by the International Code Council (ICC) are similar across the USA for Commercial and Residential properties. The code pertaining to commercial property is known as the International Building Code (IBC) while a version of this code referred to as the International Residential Code (IRC) is commonly referenced for residential properties.
Below, we'll give you a overview of what those general requirements are for handrails and railings (guardrails).
Overview of Handrail Code Requirements:
Most of the requirements are the same for both Residential and Commercial properties, but when they differ we will note that below.
- When Are Handrails Required:
- Required on staircases with four or more risers
- Handrail Height:
- The handrail should be positioned between 34 and 38 inches above the stair tread nosing (measured vertically)
- This vertical height should be consistent for the run of the stairs
- Watch our How to Install a Handrail video on our handrail installation guide to see how to do this.
- Handrail Length:
- Residential Home Code requires the handrail to cover a minimum of the nose to nose length of the stairs. When ordering we recommend getting a handrail that is 12" longer than the nose to nose length, as long as there is enough space to acomodate the length.
- Commercial Building code requires a handrail to be 12" inches longer that the nose to floor length on each end of the handrail / top and bottom of stairs. The 12" ends of each side are to be parallel to the floor.
- Watch the video on our guide to measuring stairs to see how to do this and to determine the handrail length you need to order
- Ends of The Handrail:
- The ends of the handrail need to finish into the wall
- All of our code compliant handrails meet this requirement
- For custom commercial handrails please fill out a custom order form on our website.
- Handrail Grip Surface:
- The handrail should provide a continuous grip surface along the full length of the stair flight.
- Handrail on One or Both Sides of Wall:
- Residential properties:
- A handrail on one side of the stairs is sufficient, especially if there is a wall on the other side.
- Commercial properties:
- Handrails are required on both sides of a stairwell
- Handrail Clearance (Spacing) from Wall:
- The handrail must have a minimum clearance of 1.5" inches from the wall; always check local codes for specific requirements
- This ensures people can fit their hands comfortably around the handrail without getting their fingers stuck between the handrail and wall
- All of our code compliant handrails come with brackets that provide the spacing to meet this requirement
- Handrail Dimensions or Circumference
- The circumference of the handrail must be between 4" to 6.25" (6 1/4")
- All of our code compliant handrails fall within the safety zone to meet this requirement plus they have aesthetically pleasing designs
Our Code Compliant Metal Handrails help make residential home compliance a lot easier. Choose any code compliant handrail and all you have to worry about is:
- Ordering the right length (view our guide)
- Installing it at the right height (view our guide)
- Determining if you need a handrail on both sides of the wall (check your local building codes)
Overview of Railing (Guardrail) Code Requirements:
- When Guardrails Are Required:
- Guardrails are required on any walking space that has a drop-off of more than 30 inches high
- The most common examples of landings that typically require guardrails are decks, porches, balconies, stairs, patios, and ramps
- Railing (Guardrail) Height:
- Residential properties:
- The minimum required rail height is 36” in most states. Check your local Code Requirement for Guardrails. California requires a 42" height Guardrail.
- Commercial or multifamily properties:
- The minimum required rail height is 42”
- It is possible to use taller guardrails as long as they adhere to all other applicable code requirements for your use case
- Our assembled railings (guardrails) are code compliant so all you need to do is choose whether you need to order a 36" or 42" tall railing
- Railing (Guardrail) Supported Weight/Load:
- Guardrails must be able to withstand a 50 pound per linear foot load
- Railing (Guardrail) Spacing:
- Max of a 4" opening from the bottom horizontal rail and the ground
- Openings in the bottom part of guardrails (between the floor/ground surface and the first bottom bar from the floor that runs across horizontally) must be small enough to prevent a 4" inch sphere from passing through
Our Assembled Railing (Guardrail) Systems are code compliant and do all the heavy lifting (decision-making) for you. No need to overthink; just choose between a 36" or 42" height and any custom width, and you're good to go.
Most Commonly Failed Handrail Code Requirement
Believe it or not, the most common requirement people fail to meet when picking a handrail is choosing a handrail that does not finish into the wall.
If you buy a straight cut handrail that does not finish into the wall, when someone walks by the handrail, their clothing or the strap on their purse etc., could get caught on the handrail which can increase the risk for injury. This is why the ICC and local building codes make this a requirement.
We've made a collection of Code Compliant Handrails on our website to make shopping for the perfect, code compliant handrail easy.
Determine If You Need To Meet The Handrail or Railing Code Requirements
We always recommend to follow code requirements because code compliant handrails and code compliant stair railings are safer and reduce your risk of being sued if an accident occurs on your property. However, some people really love the aesthetics of non-complaint handrails such as straight-cut handrails, so if you happen to be one of those people then this step is especially critical for you. Especially if this is for your home and want to use outdoors in a residential property.
If you plan to rent out your property, or you are buying a railing for a business or commercial property, you must follow code requirements.
If you are installing a handrail at a home you occupy and you are certain that if any guest is injured on your stairs that they would not try to sue, then you may feel comfortable with going for a non-compliant handrail because you like the style. Nonetheless, we still always vouch for following code to help avoid this possibility and to reduce the risk of injury.
The ins-and-outs of having a code compliant handrail is not that complicated. Remember to follow these standard guidelines made by the ICC and to check your local building codes set by your local jurisdiction. If you are unsure, consult with a professional.
The best way is to find our your local building codes is to visit your local building department's website or contact them directly. You should be able to find their information by searching "local handrail building codes for [your county]" on Google or any search engine.
Up Next: Buying the Handrail or Railing that is Right for You
Now that you have an understanding of code requirements and how to meet them, the next step in your journey is to find a handrail or railing that is right for you.
We have a few guides that can help, depending on the type of handrail or railing you are looking for.
- Wall-Mounted Handrail Buying Guide
- Ground-Mounted Handrail Buying Guide
- Assembled Railing Buying Guide