How to Install Hand Rails For Deck Stairs
Hand rails along deck stairs are often overlooked. And many do-it-yourselfers mistakenly build deck stairs with hand railings that fail to meet building code requirements for decks.
Why? Because...
Many do-it-yourselfers are unaware of the building code requirements for railings along deck stairs many deck projects are never inspected for compliance some decks are not required to have proper hand rails.
If you decide not to apply for a building permit for your deck, that's your decision but you ought to be aware of whether your deck would require hand railings and how they must be installed in order to pass a future inspection.
Hand Railings
You often see railings made of 2x2 spindles capped with flat or vertically oriented 2x4s or 2x6s.
Neither of these options necessarily constitute a proper handrail according to the deck building code.
So, if you truly want to follow the code, check out this list.
- Must be between 1.5” to 2” in either width or thickness
- Handrail must be at least 1.5” away from wall
- Outside edge not more than 4” from wall
- At least one handrail required if stairs are less than 43” wide
- At least two handrails required is stairs are 43” or wider
- No handrail required for deck stairs with 3 risers or less
- If more than 3 risers, only one handrail is required subject to the width requirements above)
Other Tips on Proper Hand Rails
A proper building code compliant hand rail for deck stairs is very similar to interior hand rails. The rail has to be small enough that a person can easily grasp the rail with their hand. Obviously a flat 2x4 or 2x6 fails this test because you cannot grasp it.
And if you want to learn more about building decks than just hand railings, go to our deck building code section which summarizes the most important deck construction areas.