Stair railings are both functional and aesthetic. They serve as a safety device to assist travel up and down, as well as preventing falls from height. Decorative railings with swooping curves, spirals and goosenecks add beauty and character to the stairs and the house in general.

LISTEN PT 1...

CHARACTERISTICS OF RAILINGS

• Stair railings are tied into the structure of a building. Railings will bolt into walls, floors and the stair system. A railing assembly must be strong enough to resist lateral (sideways) movement.
• The path of a railing will follow the outside stringer or the wall, or both depending on the width of the stairs.
• Railings are made up of several key parts: the handrail, balusters, newel posts and hardware / fasteners that hold piece together (SEE DIAGRAM BELOW)
• A group of vertical balusters attached to a railing is traditionally called a 'balustrade'.
• Some railing assemblies will include metal balusters and plates to add stability to a long running balustrade. These metal braces will tie directly into the structure of floors and walls.
• Handrails, balusters and newel posts may be simple or highly decorative. Classical Architectural Orders often influence the shapes and details of railing parts.

RAILINGS & GUARDRAILS - RULES and REGULATIONS

LISTEN PT 2...

• Minimum height of railings and guardrails is specified by building code. The railings / guardrails must be strong enough to resist a specific lateral (sideways) force.
• Maximum spacing of balusters is specified by building code. The distance from centre point to centre point of balusters must be set properly to prevent objects or people from squeezing through. This is especially important for the safety of young children.
  
• Number of handrails required in a stair way is mandated by code. A wide stairs may require a set of handrails on both sides of the stairs, or in very wide stairs, at the middle.
  
• Handrail grip size is also specified by building code. A handrail should not be too wide for an adult hand to get a firm grip, nor too thin to provide adequate strength.
  
• Anchors and wall brackets on railings will require proper spacing from a wall surface to allow for a firm and easy grip of the handrail. A handrail near a rough surface will need extra space for grip and avoiding injuries.
• Railings and guardrails must be anchored properly to the building structure for strength and durability. Steel rods, bolts and brackets will attach to floor assemblies, walls and stair stringers to create a strong, stable railing.
  

IN YOUR BUILDING CODE, YOU WILL FIND SPECIFICATIONS IN THE SECTIONS FOR STAIRS, RAILINGS and MEANS OF EGRESS.