(ii) Stair rails installed before the effective date of this standard, must be not less than 30 inches (76 cm) nor more than 34 inches (86 cm) from the upper surface of the stair rail system to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread. WSR 16-09-085, § 296-155-477, filed 4/19/16.
International building codes for handrails and steps provides a minimum standard for the height and rise of a staircase. Find out how to build a staircase to code with tips from a licensed remodeling contractor in this free video on home improvements.Expert: Tim GipsonContact: www.inhisstepsremodeling.comBio: Tim Gipson is a home repair specialist and remodeling contractor in Franklin, Tenn.Filmmaker: Tim BrownSeries Description: Doing basic home improvements is a great way to learn new skills and save money.
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When it comes to residential stair standards, the International Residential Code (IRC) establishes minimum requirements for stairs to insure a level of safety to the public. Several components are looked at such as stair width, headroom, riser and tread heights.Note that when looking for commercial stair standards, one must look at the International Building Code (IBC).Now let’s get into what those residential stair requirements are STAIR WIDTHThe minimum width for stairways shall not be less than 36 inches clear. Now when handrails are introduced they shall not project more than 4 ½ inches on either side. Therefore if a handrail is provided on one side, the clear width of the stairs shall not be less than 31 ½ inches and when handrails are provided on both sides, the clear width shall not be less than 27 inches. Vertical Rise for StairsStairs cannot be continuous without have a landing or floor level that breaks up the flight of stairs. The height limit established by code is intended to provide a reasonable interval for the user so that they may rest on a level surface and to alleviate the negative effects of long uninterrupted flights.The code establishes a maximum vertical height of 147 inches (12 feet 3 inches) between landings or floor levels for a flight of stairs.
If the distance between floor levels exceed 147 inches, the flight of stairs would require a level landing somewhere in-between to break up the flight of stairs. RISER HEIGHT & TREAD DEPTHStair riser heights and stair tread depths should be within the parameters of the code to avoid any potential trip hazards for inconsistencies.
A uniform flight of stairs provides a safety factor. Inconsistencies or variations in risers or treads could interfere with the rhythm of the individual using the stairs. Therefore limitations in riser heights and minimum widths for treads is an important rule to follow.Stair Riser HeightThe code specifies that risers should not be more than 7 ¾ inches in height and that any variation of risers within a flight of stairs should not be more than ⅜ inch. Note that dimensions here should be taken excluding carpets, rugs, or runners. So this basically sums up the basic code requirements for residential stairs and their dimensions.