stair lift story: Be Wary of Building Codes For Your Stair Railings

People who want to install railings in their homes should keep in mind a very important aspect. The building codes, that is.

States vary in the building codes for this house fixture that they implement. Standard measurements differ depending on where you're installing the railing. Educate yourself first before you start on this project so that everything will go on smoothly.

You need to know then the local residential building codes in your area to avoid problems later on. Some states are strict in enforcing their rules especially when it concerns deck railings. The best thing to do then is visit your local building department and browse through their regulations on railings or get a copy if they have print outs.

For decks, building codes normally cover the railings, stairs, treads, stair rails, hand rails, foundations, covenants and easements. Below are general guidelines but for standard measurements in your specific area, again it's better to check your local building department.

Height specifications

For the height, stair railings should follow standard measurements. Normally, they should be between 32 inches and 48 inches. This specification means that it should not be climbable. This is important because after all, this fixture is put in place for security purposes.

In Canada and the U.S., for instance, railings for decks need to have a minimum height of 36 inches for a deck surface of about 30 inches or 24 inches in Canada to 5'10 above the ground. For decks above this height, the minimum requirement for a railing is 42 inches tall.

Spacing requirement

Spaces between the balusters or spindles regardless of design should be a maximum of 3.5 inches. Some are okay with a gap of four to nine inches. For this part, it has to be designed such that no person especially a child could fit in to go through the space in between. Again, it's for safety purposes.

Stability

Railings, in order to serve it major purpose, should be sturdy and stable. For this reason, a strong foundation is very important. Keep in mind that this fixture holds people's weight such as when they stand behind it. It is just a waste of money if you install one and then find out after a few months that it's gotten weak. In this case, your railing can be dangerous so take action right away and have it fixed to prevent accidents in your home.

Design

Building codes for deck railings do not specify designs. This aspect is up to the homeowner. He or she can choose whatever style suits their personal preference and complements their home. As long as the measurements are properly followed, any homeowner can pick any design available to his liking.

Materials

When it comes to material, the decision still lies with the homeowners. Their options are wood, metal and glass or a combination of these materials. Budget is a major consideration when making a choice although quality should also be given priority. After all, it's the durability of the stair railings that you want so it won't matter if you sometimes go for the more expensive material as long as you can afford it.

For more information on Stair railings, please visit BuyRailings.com, a leading distributor of railings, hand and foot rails, curtain rods and more.

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