How far should a handrail be from the wall?

Asked by: Sanjeev Garris

1-1/2 inches1-1/2 inches clearance between the wall and the Handrail. ADA as well requires the same clearance of 1-1/2 inches minimum between the bottom of the Handrail and the horizontal stem of the Handrail Bracket. Handrail shall have a maximum projection from the wall of 4-1/2 inches.

What is the proper height for a handrail and How Is It Measured?

Handrails should be no less than 34 inches above the stair or ramp and no more than 38 inches above. If you are working with alternating tread devices or ship ladders, you should measure above the tread nosings. The handrail should be between 30-34 inches above.

How far should a handrail be from the wall UK?

– There should be a clearance between the handrail and adjacent wall surface of 50mm. – There should be a clearance of at least 50mm between a support and underside of handrail.

What is the best height for a handrail?

The top surface of the handrail should be between 34 and 38 inches above the floor, or above the Nosing Line. Some installation guides suggest marking the height by measuring from the nosings of the steps.

Where should handrail brackets be placed?

Spacing of brackets should be a maximum of 6′ on center. edge of the stair tread or landing to the top of the handrail. The following instructions will position the handrail at approximately 35″ above the landing or stair tread.

What is OSHA standard for handrail?

The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910.29(f)(1)(ii)(B)) and the handrail must be 30 to 38 inches in height (§1910.29(f)(1)(i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail).

How do you measure a stair handrail for a wall?

Measure the stair and purchase the stair railing



Before you go shopping for your handrails for stairs, measure from the nosing of the top landing to the floor at the bottom of the stairs and add 2 ft. This is the length of stair railing material you’ll need.

Where should a handrail start and stop UK?

UK Regulations for Handrails & Balustrades



Stairs do not need a handrail on the bottom two steps. In all the buildings handrail height should be between 900mm and 1000mm measured from the top of the handrail to the pitch line.

What are handrail standards?

You should fit a handrail at a height between 900mm and 1000mm from the pitch line of the stairs, or the floor for landings. This is approximately 35.4–39 inches. Staircases require at least one handrail: If the stairs are less than 1m wide: provide a handrail on one or both sides.

Is it a legal requirement to have a handrail on stairs UK?

Handrails are mandatory. Stairs should have a handrail on at least one side if they are less than one metre wide, and on both sides if wider than this. Handrails should be placed between 900mm and 1000mm above the highest point on the staircase steps.

Do handrails have to return to the wall?

Handrail extensions must return to a wall, itself or the walking surface. Note: While it is a common practice to leave a gap between a wall return and the wall, some inspectors have rejected this as they consider it a return toward the wall and not a return to the wall.

How many brackets do I need for a 12 foot handrail?

Determine how many brackets you need. You need one at the top and one at the bottom. You also need additional brackets, spaced no more than 4 feet apart in the middle of the handrail to provide additional support.

How far should handrail brackets be spaced?

We recommend spacing the Brackets 36 to 48 inches apart. In most cases, it is desirable to transition the Handrail past the last stair with a horizontal rail of 6 to 12 inches. Some local codes require this extension be 12 inches. Contact your local authorities to confirm requirements.

What is the maximum distance a handrail can stick out into the staircase?

Terminology: Stair Railing and Stair Guards

Which side should handrail be on stairs?

As long as the handrail extends the whole length of the steps, it can be on either side of the stairs. If you are installing new steps and want to include a handrail, use 1-inch stock for the rails and bolts to attach them to the step posts. The choice between a left-hand and right-hand staircase is up to you.