Installing a handrail - DIY Chatroom

handbanana · 03-28-2007, 03:15 PM

Where should I install it? On the textured wal, wood rail or dry wall? Thanks!

Brik · 03-28-2007, 07:18 PM

Should be between 30" and 34 " from top of tread (front of nosing) to top of rail. Where does that put it?

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 03-28-2007, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brik

Should be between 30" and 34 " from top of tread (front of nosing) to top of rail. Where does that put it?

Brik, no offense, but code should be 34" minimum and 42" maximum....from the nose of the tread....
Do you have different requirements in your neck of the woods?

Example:

http://nashua.qscend.com/filestorage/51/70/151/Deck.pdf

Big Dave · 03-28-2007, 08:10 PM

I always install it at 36" to the top from the front of the step.

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 03-28-2007, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Dave

I always install it at 36" to the top from the front of the step.

Same here, it keeps you safely in code without possible error...

(Hey Dave....we are agreeing again....

)

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 03-28-2007, 08:15 PM

HandB,

As mentioned, height code really is what will dictate the placement of the railing and it's hardware.

Big Dave · 03-28-2007, 08:15 PM

Go check the texture thread. If you would have said what you meant I would have agreed with you then.

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 03-28-2007, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Go check the texture thread. If you would have said what you meant I would have agreed with you then.

Sometimes, the brain refuses to work with the mouth...or in this case...the fingers...

handbanana · 03-28-2007, 08:42 PM

ok will do.

Where do you think I should buy the handrail? (the brackets and the handrail) ?

Does homedepot carry them?

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 03-28-2007, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by handbanana

ok will do.

Where do you think I should buy the handrail? (the brackets and the handrail) ?

Does homedepot carry them?

Yes, they do.

However (sorry to throw this wrench into your plans)...
code requires returns on the ends of the handrail (if you intend to do it that way)

I wouldn't worry about it tho....that is up to you if you want to test some of your carpentry skills...

handbanana · 03-28-2007, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtlanticWBConst.

Yes, they do.

However (sorry to throw this wrench into your plans)...
code requires returns on the ends of the handrail (if you intend to do it that way)

I wouldn't worry about it tho....that is up to you if you want to test some of your carpentry skills...

Ok. Are handrails usually painted?

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 03-28-2007, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by handbanana

Ok. Are handrails usually painted?

Generally...no.

If they are painted it is a very dark color.

They are usually stained and even protected with a non-gloss coating, since they will face finger prints galore....

Brik · 03-29-2007, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by [LEFT

AtlanticWBConst[/left].;38742]

Brik, no offense, but code should be 34" minimum and 42" maximum....from the nose of the tread....

Do you have different requirements in your neck of the woods?

Example:

http://nashua.qscend.com/filestorage/51/70/151/Deck.pdf

No offense taken at all. I was unsure of the height and googled it. I still need to attach the handrail on my basement stairs (I left it off to make things easier for carpet guys). My local codes are not online and I have no future interactions with an inspector.

Anyway, first link I found in my google search was an OSHA link
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owad...ONS&p_id=22816
which says

Quote:

§1910.23(e)(2) A stair railing shall be of construction similar to a standard railing but the vertical height shall be not more than 34 inches nor less than 30 inches from upper surface of top rail to surface of tread in line with face of riser at forward edge of tread.

Seems a second link, also from OSHA says

Quote:

(6) The height of handrails shall be not more than 37 inches (94 cm) nor less than 30 inches (76 cm) from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread.
(7) When the top edge of a stair rail system also serves as a handrail, the height of the top edge shall be not more than 37 inches (94 cm) nor less than 36 inches (91.5 cm) from the upper surface of the stair rail system to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread.

Another site that quotes the OSHA specs 30"-34" http://safetyis.us/stairs.htm

Regardless, I think 36" is a nice comfortable height. Not sure yet what I'll use.

ron schenker · 03-29-2007, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Dave

I always install it at 36" to the top from the front of the step.

With you being 6'6" you'd probably want to go with the 42" maximum

Big Dave · 03-29-2007, 06:14 PM

Your absolutely right Ron. I've had to train myself to make sure and place things at normal people's height instread of my own. I would hold something up to be mounted and ask if that was ok and they would say, sure for you but you better move it down for me.

By the way, it's 6'9" not 6'6".