2020 IBC code: “Handrails must be installed on both sides of stairs and ramps. They are usually added on either side of stairways, ramps, ramped aisles, and stepped aisles. And, as mentioned, they must have a uniform height between 34-38 inches.” Where are you getting 42” from?? I personally find 37” to be the sweet spot. In New York, if you go over 38 1/8” on the handrail; be prepared to start over.
42 inches is what I've used for guardrailing, not gripable handrailing. Let me know if you need the reference number and feel free to provide your building code reference numbers for the double handrailing.
Thankfully, the code for my area now allows the guard on stairs to be at handrail height so you don't have to have an obnoxious extra piece on a really nice set of stairs. Also, if you're adding 3/4 inch flooring, uou better account for it at the framing stage, not when you're measuring for the handrail.
I love your videos. I already bought two books of you after watching your videos. And guess what? My first set of stair I did watching your videos and follow your books. Thank you
That is awesome and I would love to see a picture of your stairs. You can find our email address at our website, but if you don't send the pictures, I still say Awesome!!!!
Great clear video using the graphics ... do you have a video showing how to calculate number of spindles and how to install them equally spaced? Thanks!
Glad you like our videos and no not yet, but I am planning on making more videos about handrailing in the future, but who knows when those videos will be made.
The 2018 International Building Code book can be found that a variety of different websites. However, your local building authorities might not use it or use every part of it. You should contact your local building department and that might be found in your city or county government offices, for more information.
When your climbing up the steps the rail height should’ve between 34 in and 38 in and when your on the top and you have a stair balcony the the height should be 43 in from rough flooring
Some building codes still allow 36 inch guard railing and if your does then you can have the top between 36 and 38 inches, but if not then most builders install two separate rails, a grip able handrail and protective guardrail.
@@stairbuilding you can grandfather in the rail height and leave them that low on older homes in California I’ve been in production for some time now installing hand rails in new construction and my information stands . Also yes it depends on location I’m sure there are some towns that have different codes or codes that haven’t been updated so I’m that sense you would have to check local building codes .
The code information I'm referring to can be found on page 283 of the 2018 International Building Code Book. Remember, Codes can be different and you should always check with your local building authorities for clarification.
42 in from finished floors on balconies and going up the stairs the top rail from end of nosing should be between 34 in and 38 inches I’m in California in production building homes all over southern Cali and that is our current code here ... back in the days the balcony used to be 36 inches
@@3dstairs562 I just checked the 2018 International Building Code Book like he said and I think he meant page 282 (Handrails), which are 34" to 38". Guard rails (page 283) are 36" to 42".
Guard rails are not the same as handrailing and this was confusing to me also. Handrailing is usually as you suggested and guardrails can be 42 inches minimum in height.
Yeah, I'm building a deck for an older lady that is less than 5 feet tall. She doesn't want her deck rail that tall because its not functional for her which certainly makes sense. How do I handle that??
I've been in your situation before and if you don't have a signed contract and you're not a licensed contractor and you're not worried about being sued in the future, then you might be able to do whatever she wants, but you would actually need to check with your local building and safety department for more information about the height of the guard railing.
The code information I'm referring to can be found on page 283 of the 2018 International Building Code Book.
@Jesse Jonas wow thanks!
Everywhere I research I find 32 to NO MORE than 38 inches for a Hand Rail . What Country is the 4 foot handrail for ??
2020 IBC code: “Handrails must be installed on both sides of stairs and ramps. They are usually added on either side of stairways, ramps, ramped aisles, and stepped aisles. And, as mentioned, they must have a uniform height between 34-38 inches.”
Where are you getting 42” from?? I personally find 37” to be the sweet spot. In New York, if you go over 38 1/8” on the handrail; be prepared to start over.
42 inches is what I've used for guardrailing, not gripable handrailing. Let me know if you need the reference number and feel free to provide your building code reference numbers for the double handrailing.
Thankfully, the code for my area now allows the guard on stairs to be at handrail height so you don't have to have an obnoxious extra piece on a really nice set of stairs. Also, if you're adding 3/4 inch flooring, uou better account for it at the framing stage, not when you're measuring for the handrail.
That's great!
handrails are 34 to 38 inches by code
Yes and thanks. I re watched the video, because this is the second comment and forgot to provide the minimum distance.
The way you explained it was the same as a mother spoon feeding her toddler
It couldnt be explained any better than the way you did
Thanks alot
I don't know if I've ever had it put that way, but I'm glad you let us know how much you like the video.
Great instruction. Thank you for the time and effort you took to make this video and share it with us. Greetings from Croatia.
You are welcome and thanks for watching.
I love your videos. I already bought two books of you after watching your videos. And guess what? My first set of stair I did watching your videos and follow your books. Thank you
That is awesome and I would love to see a picture of your stairs. You can find our email address at our website, but if you don't send the pictures, I still say Awesome!!!!
How about a video on newel posts how do i figure out the height.
Great clear video using the graphics ... do you have a video showing how to calculate number of spindles and how to install them equally spaced? Thanks!
Glad you like our videos and no not yet, but I am planning on making more videos about handrailing in the future, but who knows when those videos will be made.
Where do I get a current code book? Off topic, code says riser height says 7.5 to 7.75 law says 8.25 max. Law supercedes the regs. Correct?
The 2018 International Building Code book can be found that a variety of different websites. However, your local building authorities might not use it or use every part of it. You should contact your local building department and that might be found in your city or county government offices, for more information.
Thanks,did a great job,you explained it perfectly
You are welcome!
I can't believe how many commenters on here don't know the difference between GUARDRAIL and HANDRAIL.
It's more common than you think.
This video is a really good video. Very helpful. Thank you
You're very welcome!
Thanks
Its 34-38 inches
Yes and thanks. I re watched the video, because this is the second comment and forgot to provide the minimum distance.
Making two hand rails now on a job, and am going 40in on both
You mean between 36 and 42 inches anything between those two measurements are acceptable by code
This is a guardrail and is different than a gripable handrail.
So if my guardrail on a ascending stair must serve as a handrail as well, it cannot exceed 38 inches right ?
When your climbing up the steps the rail height should’ve between 34 in and 38 in and when your on the top and you have a stair balcony the the height should be 43 in from rough flooring
Some building codes still allow 36 inch guard railing and if your does then you can have the top between 36 and 38 inches, but if not then most builders install two separate rails, a grip able handrail and protective guardrail.
@@stairbuilding you can grandfather in the rail height and leave them that low on older homes in California I’ve been in production for some time now installing hand rails in new construction and my information stands . Also yes it depends on location I’m sure there are some towns that have different codes or codes that haven’t been updated so I’m that sense you would have to check local building codes .
@@stairbuilding thanks
Great content and delivery again
Glad to hear it and thanks for letting us know.
42" ! What code are you looking at?
The code information I'm referring to can be found on page 283 of the 2018 International Building Code Book. Remember, Codes can be different and you should always check with your local building authorities for clarification.
Why are you spreading false information?
42 in from finished floors on balconies and going up the stairs the top rail from end of nosing should be between 34 in and 38 inches
I’m in California in production building homes all over southern Cali and that is our current code here ... back in the days the balcony used to be 36 inches
What code are you looking at ?! 😂
@@3dstairs562 I just checked the 2018 International Building Code Book like he said and I think he meant page 282 (Handrails), which are 34" to 38". Guard rails (page 283) are 36" to 42".
38 inch is the max
I was gonna make mine 35". I thought it was between 34" and 36"?
Guard rails are not the same as handrailing and this was confusing to me also. Handrailing is usually as you suggested and guardrails can be 42 inches minimum in height.
There is a difference between a guardrail and a handrail
Yes!!!
Yeah, I'm building a deck for an older lady that is less than 5 feet tall. She doesn't want her deck rail that tall because its not functional for her which certainly makes sense. How do I handle that??
I've been in your situation before and if you don't have a signed contract and you're not a licensed contractor and you're not worried about being sued in the future, then you might be able to do whatever she wants, but you would actually need to check with your local building and safety department for more information about the height of the guard railing.
The that would be destroyed.
So just make them always 40in
42” 🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂