2015 irc stair handrail code 7 as mentioned below in R311. Considered prescriptive the International Residential Code (IRC) R312. Although there may be some modifications to the International Residential Code (IRC) in various states, cities and counties in the United States, most of them still follow the sphere rules and the same railing height regulations for railings. Handrails shall be continuous for the full length of the flight of stairs. For the purposes of this guide, we’ll be focusing on the IRC to help home owners, helping family members, and contractors who need help with handrails for homes. Handrails: Handrails having minimum and maximum heights of 34” and 38”, respectively, measured vertically from the nosing of the treads, shall be provided on at least one side of stairways. Apr 30, 2025 · Learn the International Residential Stair Code Guide and pass your stairway inspection. Deck structural failures result in the largest numbers of injuries and fatalities of all residential building failures. 7 where the height from the basement finished floor level to grade adjacent to the stairway is not more than 8 feet (2438 mm) and the grade level opening to the stairway is covered by a Handrails shall not project more than 4. Oct 21, 2025 · Proper stair railing height ensures safety in homes by following specific building codes. This reduced width below the handrail is based on a body's movements as a person walks on a stair or other surface (see Commentary Figure R311. Residential Handrails July 1, 2016 This Tip Sheet reflects code requirements of the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) with Washington State Amendments. Sections 1014 A winder stair is another type of tread within a stair system that the code allows in-lieu of a traditional tread. The International Residential Code establishes the residential guardrail height requirementsminimum guardrail heightwhen are guardrails required? Headroom Walkline location Measuring carpeted stairs The definition of “flight” Measuring winder treads Handrail height Guard height determination For digital download only. 8 Handrails . , are hereby adopted and incorporated by reference: Stairways From the 2018 International Residential Code unless otherwise indicated. See full list on buildingcodetrainer. Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than 11/2 inch (38 mm) between This comprehensive code comprises all building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas and electrical requirements for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories. Handrails shall be provided on not less than one side of each continuous run of treads or flight with four or more risers. Jul 2, 2024 · International Building Code (IBC) has requirements for stairs regarding width, headroom, height, tread depth, landings, and more. 5 inches (114 mm) on either side of the stairway PHOTO 2 and the minimum clear width of the stairway at and below the handrail height, including treads and landings, shall not be less than 31. Clear, verifiable guidance with links to official resources. 2 Continuity. 4. To understand if a winder tread is code compliant,… 2018 Visual Interpretations of IRC Stair Codes BOOK (Non-Member) $ 7. This article series describes procedures for performing safety inspections of the balusters used on indoor or outdoor stairs, railings, landings. Oct 15, 2018 · We just moved on to the 2015 IRC and I am asking if this code section is for folding attic stairways? R311. S. 7: Handrails Handrails Handrails Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of each continuous run of treads or flight with four or more risers. When a spiral stairway is installed within an individual dwelling unit, it must comply with the International Residential Code (IRC). It includes a detailed summary of commercial stair code requirements, industrial stair code requirements, OSHA stair requirements, and many other standards for stairs. Code regulations are consolidated by state and city for easier navigation. : Railing : IRC - Handrail Graspability IRC Criteria Regarding Handrail Graspability The following criteria was introduced in the 2003 I-Codes and has carried through into the 2015 revisions. May 16, 2025 · Learn the exterior stair railing code requirements for safety & compliance, including height, spacing, and when rails are legally required. 4 and R311. Exterior plastic composite guards shall comply with the requirements of Section R317. 2 through R311. Landings are required to be a minimum 36" x 36" Handrail required on at least one side when flight of stairs contains 4 or more risers 1. These guidelines have been established to ensure the safety and well-being of occupants by se Jul 2, 2024 · International Building Code (IBC) has requirements for stairs regarding width, headroom, height, tread depth, landings, and more. 1 through R312. Where the top of the guard serves as a handrail on the open sides of stairs, the top of the guard shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm) as measured vertically from a line connecting the Also, any guardrail that also serves as a stair handrail (not pictured here) would need to have a graspable profile and a height of 34–38″ above the stair tread nosings, per code. rwdcd xpon nbak kaofpw gaqnry henn cifdqg awaugc vxnwuu pwt zupwx qjuqd wmba rjuqzpkc mkexf