Understanding the difference between a stair rail versus handrail is important to getting the design of a space right. The short answer is that a hand rail, or handrail, and a stair rail are essentially the same with the exception of where they are located. While handrails are required on stairs, they are also required on ramps with a rise greater than 6 inches, and can increase safety on other walking surfaces.
A stair railing is required on staircases to provide support for users traveling up and down the stairs. Stair railings and handrails have the same requirements, the difference is in where they are located. Stairs have specific handrail requirements, particularly that in commercial buildings, stair railings are required on both sides of a stairway, though in dwelling units, one side will suffice to meet the building code.
Stair rails must be between 34 inches and 38 inches high as measured from the tread nosings and remain at a continuous height for the length of the stairs. The run of the stair rail must also be continuous and the railing cannot rotate within its fittings.
Stairs also require a guard to which the handrail can be attached. A guard must be located along open-sided walking surfaces that are located more than 30 inches measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 36 inches horizontally to the edge of the open side (IBC 1015.2.1). Guards must be at least 42 inches high as measured from the leading edge of the tread nosings (IBC 1015.3)
While handrails are required on stairs, they can be useful in other areas as well. Along a walkway, for instance, especially if that walkway is outdoors and can become wet or icy. Handrails, or hand rails, are required on both sides of ramps with a rise greater than 6 inches (IBC 1012.8). They must meet the same requirements as stair railings.
The following stair rail and handrail requirements must be met in commercial buildings:
Height: Handrails must be between 34 and 38 inches as measured from the walking surface or tread nosings (IBC 1014.2).
Type I: Circular cross-section with an outside diameter between 1 ¼ inches and 2 inches. For handrails with a non-circular cross-section, the perimeter must be between 4 inches and 6 ¼ inches and have a cross-sectional dimension between 1 inch and 2 ¼ inches. The minimum radius of the edges must be 0.01 inches (IBC 1014.3.1).
Type II: If the perimeter is greater than 6 ¼ inches, the handrail must have a graspable finger recess on both sides of the profile that meets the requirements laid out in section 1014.3.2 of the IBC.
Continuity: The handrail gripping surface must be continuous for the run of the handrail without interruption by newel posts or other obstructions. The exception is in dwelling units where newel posts are permitted at a turn or landing (IBC 1014.4).
Fittings: Handrails cannot rotate in their fittings (IBC 1014.5).
Extensions: Handrails must extend for at least 12 inches horizontally beyond the top riser. At the bottom of the stairs, the handrail must continue to slope for the depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser. For ramps, they must extend horizontally for 12 inches at the bottom and top of the ramp. Handrails must return to a wall, guard, or walking surface. They may also continue to an adjacent staircase or ramp (IBC 1014.6).
Clearance: There must be at least 1 ½ inches of clearance between the handrail and adjacent wall or surface (IBC 1014.7).
Projections: Projections are not permitted to exceed 4 ½ inches at or below the handrail height (IBC 1014.8).
Intermediate handrails: A handrail must be located so that it is within 30 inches of all portions of the stairway. Intermediate handrails must be installed in order to meet this requirement on wider stairways (IBC 1014.9).
Whether you need a stair rail to provide adequate safety on a staircase or a handrail to meet ramp requirements or add safety to a walkway, VIVA Railings can help. While stair railings and handrails are required elements in a commercial design, there are lots of opportunities to customize them for the space.
We design stair railings and handrails to meet building code requirements as well as design goals. Our handrails are building code and ADA compliant and come with a range of customization options from the profile, handrail material, mounting options, and powder coating colors. We offer our FSRTM Free Standing Rail System to act as an intermediate handrail or pair with another railing system.
Contact the experts at VIVA Railings today to discuss your handrail and stair railing needs and see how our customizable systems can meet them.
Share link via
Or copy link
