Therefore if a handrail is provided on one side, the clear width of the stairs shall not be less than 31 ½ inches and when handrails are provided on both sides, the clear width shall not be less than 27 inches. Now when handrails are introduced they shall not project more than 4 ½ inches on either side. The minimum width for stairways shall not be less than 36 inches clear. Now let’s get into what those residential stair requirements are… MINIMUM STAIR WIDTH What is the Minimum Width of a Stair? At the top of a stair flight, handrails shall extend horizontally above the landing for 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beginning directly above the first riser nosing.
#Stair rail code code
In this post we will be looking at the code standards related to residential stairs in accordance with the International Residential Code (IRC).įun Tip: What’s the difference between the IBC and IRC? Be sure to check out this POST.įun Tip: Looking for Commercial Stair Requirements? Be sure to check out this POST. Florida Handrail Codes: 505.10 Handrail Extensions 505.10.2 Handrail Top Extension at Stairs. Note that when looking for commercial stair standards, one must look at the International Building Code (IBC). Handrails shall not project more than 4. Several components are looked at such as stair width, headroom, riser and tread heights. Stairways shall not be less than 36 inches (914 mm) in clear width at all points above the permitted handrail height and below the required headroom height. When it comes to residential stair standards, the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) establishes minimum requirements for stairs to insure a level of safety to the public. Figure where the top of the handrail will be, you can do this by placing a piece of the handrail on the stair tread nosings then plumbing up to get the thickness of the handrail on the pitch. Mark the top block where the center of the stair handrail will terminate into the newel post. If the distance between floor levels exceed 151 inches, the flight of stairs would require a level landing somewhere in-between to break up the flight of stairs. The following example is assuming a 37 high stair rail.