So this basically sums up the basic code requirements for residential stairs and their dimensions.
Stair handrail requirements ibc.
Handrails are not required on walking surfaces with running slope less than 1 20.
Irc stair railing code.
Minimum 36 inch clear width for stairway.
In commercial applications handrail is required on both sides of stairs and ramps.
1014 2 handrail height measured above stair tread nosings or finish surface of ramp slope shall be uniform not less than 34 inches 864 mm and not more than 38 inches 965 mm.
Therefore let us recap on the residential stair code requirements.
Handrail height measured above stair tread nosing s or finish surface of ramp slope shall.
However the very minimum width between handrails is 44 inches.
It is required on stairs with two or more risers and ada ramps with a rise of 6.
Handrail and stair rail systems if a stair has a minimum of four risers a handrail is required.
Summary of code requirements for residential stairs.
For open sided walking surfaces like stairs and elevated platforms handrails and guards are mandatory.
Maximum 4 1 2 inch handrail projection into stairway width on either side.
Stair rail system.
Stairways within dwelling units are permitted to have handrail on one side only 3.
And ibc compliant stairs can t have any gaps between those handrails or guards that could allow a four inch sphere to pass through.
Handrails shall comply with section 1014.
Ramps with a rise greater than 6 shall have handrails on both sides.
The international codes i codes are the widely accepted comprehensive set of model codes used in the us and abroad to help ensure the engineering of safe sustainable affordable and resilient structures.
Top rail may also serve as handrail if height of the system is between 36 and 38 inches.
Handrail and guard deļ¬nitions handrail the purpose of a handrail is to provide guidance.
The international residential code for one and two family dwellings irc and the international building code ibc address staircase railings.
The international code council icc is a non profit organization dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design build and compliance process.
While the finer details will ultimately be influenced by your local government s building regulations the international building code the international residential code and the standards set by the americans with disabilities act of 1990 maintain that exterior stairs that are a required point of egress in other words stairs that must be crossed on your way in and out of the building.
In short the width is calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairs by a factor of 0 3 inch per occupant.
Handrails must be between 30 and 38 inches as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread.
You must calculate the ibc stair width for multi story stairways versus single story stairways.
Commercial stairways 2015 ibc section 1011.
