Stairway wall help.. (Code question)
 

We currently have a closed in staircase leading to our basement.. we are going to do this to it:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...basement11.jpg

Does anyone here know what finished height the "half wall" (is that correct?) would have to be. I looked at some code guidelines, and could only come up with a railing or baulister height.. Would the height of my railing on the opposite side of the stairs be good enough? Thought? Insight?

Check that code again and look for "Guardrail" height requirements. The handrail is a seperate animal. Residential codes usually only require 1 handrail and it can be placed on either side of the stair.

check photo #36 - guard height
http://www.stairways.org/Resources/D...20download.pdf

jrepp44 - Thanks, that's kind of what I was going off of at first, but I didn't know if the half wall would be called a guard rail.. From what I understand from your image, the wall must be at least 36" high, but it can be higher if I wanted.. ( I think I have it drawn out with a finished height of 38" right now...)

CT Guardrail Heights = 36" for residential, 42" for commercial

casper -

Contact your local code people. Any model code (IBC. IRC, etc.) can be over ruled by a local requirement as long as the local requirement is more strict or well defined, since a model code is just a MINIMUM and not always what is the right way everywhere.

Wisconsin has always had a reputation for modifying or corrupting other codes, DLIHR is not as strong as it was, but localities still have an authority to impose other standards. - A prime example is the height of the open space on an egress window.

Dick

Alright guys, thanks for the replies.. I will go to my city hall today and see what they have to say...