Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements.
Stair railing width.
Projections into the required width of stairways and ramps at each handrail shall not exceed 4 5 inches 114 mm at or below the handrail height.
36 inches guards are the rails that protect users from falling off of high areas such as landings.
Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway.
5 easy steps to measure for stair railing.
The 31 1 2 inch minimum distance provides a full 4 1 2 inches more width than the double railing minimum.
Ensuring you have the correct dimensions is the first step in properly specifying any railing system.
On ramps the clear width between handrails shall be 36 inches 914 mm minimum.
Definition of stairway width or stair width don t confuse stair width with stair depth stair tread width green arrow smaller than stairway width due to side trim boards stairway width blue arrow over most of this stairway nominally 36 or wider stairway width near stair top pink arrow.
Guard railing minimum height.
Minimum 6 8 headroom height clearance for stairway.
Whether you are purchasing individual components or an entire railing system there are a few measurements that are needed to ensure the railing purchased is a proper fit.
Maximum 4 1 2 inch handrail projection into stairway width on either side.
Ibc 1012 8 b intermediate handrails.
The top of the handrail should be at least 34 inches.
Maximum 12 3 vertical height rise for a flight of stairs.
When you have only one railing you have more walking path width available than if you had two railings.