Handrail question

Joe2656

What is the max. length of a step before you need a center handrail

tcleve4911

Sorry Joe.
You won't get any responses with such a vague question.

Ron6519

You need to clarify what you mean by a " center handrail".
Is this an exterior staircase and are you asking about the width of the staircase with a center railing?
Ron

Joe2656

Yes, at what width do you have to install center railing ?

Ron6519

You would refer to the local code where you live.
Ron

jcrack_corn

my municipality has a 30 page book dedicated just to stair codes/standards.

so yeah, call the inspectors office.

Just Bill

As suggested, check local code. I checked my 2009 copy of IRC and find nothing regarding your question. R311.7

MarkusAIC

Codes vary but typically once you exceed 42" or 48" a center handrail becomes required. As other have mentioned call your local building dept for accurate information.

Termite

I agree that the best bet is to call your local building department. Local amendments to the code or local policies may be enforced.

That being said, the International Residential Code has no requirement for a center handrail on a stair of any width. Center handrails are never mentioned. A stair that requires a handrail requires only one, and it could be on one end of a 20' wide stair and completely satisfy the minimum code requirement.