How high can a step be without a railing?
Minimum Deck Heights Exterior stair railing code maintains that if your deck’s stairs have fewer than two risers, a rail is not mandatory. On a related note, your deck must have guardrails or similar if it exceeds a height of 30 inches from the ground.
How many steps before a railing is required?
four risers
If a stair has a minimum of four risers, a handrail is required. Handrails must be between 30 and 38 inches as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread.
At what height do stairs need a railing?
Stairways having four or more risers, or rising more than 30 inches in height, whichever is less, must have at least one grab rail. Handrails with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of at least 1-1/4 inches and not greater than 2 inches.
Do I need a handrail for 6 steps?
Commentary: Handrails are required on all stairs more than four risers in height. Handrails cannot be less than 30 inches nor more than 42 inches above the nosing of the treads (see Figure PM-702.9).
Do you need a handrail for 2 steps?
The building code does not refer to the number of “steps” but it does require a handrail when there are two or more “risers”. For clarification, a “riser” is the vertical portion of a stair. A two riser minimum would translate to two steps. Be aware that not all applications must meet building code.
When do you need a handrail on steps and what height?
Handrails are also referred to as stair rails. They are required at any point since the total number of the rise in the stairs is greater than or equal to 30 inches above the ground. It can also be required if you have four or more risers.
Why do we need safety rails on stairs?
Steps and stairs allow nearly any able-bodied person to walk to higher levels of a dwelling, sports stadium or outdoor venue. The higher the stairs, the more the need for safety rails to keep pedestrians from falling.
How many steps does a stair need to have?
For clarification, a “riser” is the vertical portion of a stair. The “tread” is the top of a step. A two riser minimum would translate to two steps. Be aware that not all applications must meet building code. Generally, building codes apply for new construction or major renovation.
What kind of railing do you use on stairs?
Metal-based rails and plastic or wooden railing attached to the wall by metal bracings are typical – and safe – choices. Besides location, the only difference between exterior and interior stairs is step count. Interior stairs are, in most jurisdictions, defined by a structure containing more than one step.