Exterior stairway construction details & suggestions for safe stairways:

This document provides building photographs, and examples of defects found in inspecting indoor or outdoor stairs, railings, landings, treads, and related conditions for safety and proper construction.

We include references to articles cataloging the causes of stair slips, trips, and falls and to building code specification details for proper stair, landing, balcony and railing construction.

Exterior Stair Code & Construction FAQs

These questions and answers about designing and building safe exterior stairs were posted originally

at EXTERIOR STAIR CONSTRUCTION & CODES - be sure to review that article.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Photo: an example of unsafe stone stairs: treads too shallow, rise uneven, walking surface uneven, stair nose irregular and rounded.

On 2019-10-22 by anonymous - is this circular exit stair from a second floor safe and code compliant? Philadelphia PA

I rented an apartment on the third floor and the only means of entering the unit was by means of a metal spiral staircase (see photo). It was a converted space above a bakery.

The owner turned the two floors above the business into two apartments. The front door opened out so there was very little space on the landing.

I had to move out within six months because the pain to my knees became unbearable from using those stairs.

There were other problems with the place as well. Also there were no rubber treads on the steps so it was slippery when it rained and downright treacherous during stormy weather.

This was in Philadelphia. I asked licenses and Inspections to look at the stairs but since I moved out, they said they could not inspect the apartment.

Turned out the owner did not obtain the required rental license or certificate of rental suitability. They made him get them and I guess they fined him. How can these stairs be legal? They certainly were not safe. He's renting it again and I don't think he replaced the stairs.

On 2019-10-23 by (mod) - circular stairs may be unsafe and not code compliance as a fire stair or even as a main entry - Philadelphia PA

Check with your building department - circular stairs of those dimensions may not be permitted as a primary nor emergency entry/exit; looks as if there's no lighting? No permit?

Continuing

(8) The ‘‘International Fire Code of 2015’’ except that Section 806.1.1 (relating to natural cut trees) is not adopted under this chapter. A municipality that elects to adopt an ordinance for the administration and enforcement of the Uniform Construction Code may, by ordinance, restrict the placement of natural cut trees in an occupancy group. The ordinance restricting the placement of natural cut trees is not subject to section 503(b)—(k) of the act (35 P.S. § 7210.503(b)—(k)) and § 403.102(i)—(k) (relating to municipalities electing to enforce the Uniform Construction Code).

(9) The ‘‘International Energy Conservation Code of 2015’’ except that:

(i) The following provisions are excluded:

(A) Section R102.1.1 (relating to above code programs).

(B) Section C104.2.6 (relating to final inspection).

(C) Section R403.3.5 (relating to building cavities (mandatory)).

(D) Section R403.5.2 (relating to demand recirculation systems).

(E) Table R406.4 (relating to maximum energy rating index).

(F) Section C408.2.4 (relating to preliminary commissioning report).

(ii) The following provisions are modified:

(A) Chapter RE 2 is amended by adding the definition of ‘‘framing factor’’ as the fraction of the total building component area that is structural framing.

(B) Table R402.1.2 (relating to insulation and fenestration requirements by component) is amended by adding ‘‘or 18 + 6.5H’’ to climate zone 6 wood frame wall R-value.

(C) Table R402.1.2 (relating to insulation and fenestration requirements by components) is amended by adding footnote j which permits R-18 insulation to be permitted in place of R-20 requirement provided the wall framing factor is 20% or less or exterior walls with 24" o.c. nominal vertical stud spacing.

(D) Section R402.4.1.2 (relating to testing) is amended as having an air leakage rate not exceeding five air changes per hour for all climate zones.

(E) Section R405.2 (relating to mandatory requirements) is amended to require compliance with the mandatory provisions of section R402.4.1.2.

(iii) The following provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code of 2009 are adopted:

(A) Section 102.1.1 (relating to above code programs).

(B) Section 104.3 (relating to final inspection).

(C) Section 403.2.3 (relating to building cavities).

(iv) The following provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code of 2018 are adopted:

(A) Section R403.3.6 (relating to ducts buried within ceiling insulation).

(B) Section R403.3.7 (relating to ducts located in conditioned space).

(C) Table R406.4 including footnote ‘‘a’’ (relating to maximum energy rating index).

(10) The ‘‘International Existing Building Code of 2015’’ except that Section 101.2 (relating to scope) is modified to add an exception for detached residential buildings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures to comply with either the International Existing Building Code of 2015 or the International Residential Code of 2015.

(i) The accessibility provisions contained in the following sections of the ‘‘International Existing Building Code of 2018’’ are adopted:

(A) Section 301.5 (relating to compliance with accessibility).

(B) Section 305 (relating to accessibility for existing buildings).

(C) Section 1101.2 (relating to creation or extension of nonconformity).

(D) Section 1508 (relating to construction sites).

(E) Appendix ‘‘B’’ (relating to supplementary accessibility requirements for existing buildings and facilities).

(11) The ‘‘International Wildland-Urban Interface Code of 2015.’’

(12) Appendix E of the ‘‘International Building Code of 2018.’’

(13) Appendix H of the ‘‘International Building Code of 2009.’’

(b) The code adopted under subsection (a)(8) is part of the Uniform Construction Code to the extent that it is referenced in Chapter 35 of the ‘‘International Building Code of 2015’’ under section 302(a)(1) of the act (35 P.S. § 7210.302(a)(1)). The provisions of the Uniform Construction Code apply if there is a difference between the Uniform Construction Code and the codes or standards adopted in subsection (a). This chapter’s administrative provisions govern under § 403.27(e) (relating to applicability and use of standards) if there is a conflict with the provisions of the codes relating to administration incorporated under subsection (a).

(c) Appendices to a code or standard listed in subsection (a) are not adopted in the Uniform Construction Code except for the appendices and resource information found in the ‘‘International Existing Building Code of 2015’’ and the appendices found in subsection (a)(12)-(13).

(d) A permit applicant may utilize one of the following prescriptive methods to demonstrate compliance with the energy conservation requirements of the Uniform Construction Code. The standards are those listed for the climatic zone of this Commonwealth where the building or structure is located:

(1) The prescriptive methods for detached residential buildings contained in the ‘‘International Energy Conservation Code of 2015’’ compliance guide containing State maps, prescriptive energy packages and related software published by the United States Department of Energy, Building Standards and Guidelines Program (REScheckTM) or ‘‘Pennsylvania’s Alternative Residential Energy Provisions.’’

(2) The prescriptive methods for all other buildings or structures contained in the ‘‘International Energy Conservation Code of 2015’’ compliance guide containing State maps, prescriptive packages and related software published by the United States Department of Energy, Building Standards and Guidelines Program (COMcheckTM).

(e) Construction of individual sewage disposal systems is governed under 25 Pa. Code Chapter 73 (relating to standards for onlot sewage treatment facilities).

(f) The repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of existing buildings must comply with Chapter 34 of the ‘‘International Building Code of 2015’’ or with the ‘‘International Existing Building Code of 2015.’’

Authority

The provisions of this § 403.21 amended under sections 302 and 304(a)(1)—(3) of the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act (35 P.S. § § 7210.302 and 7210.304(a)(1)—(3)).

Source

The provisions of this § 403.21 amended December 15, 2006, effective December 31, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 7548; amended December 24, 2009, effective December 31, 2009, 39 Pa.B. 7196; amended December 21, 2012, effective December 31, 2012, 42 Pa.B. 7646; amended November 25, 2015, effective December 31, 2015, 45 Pa.B. 6813; amended May 6, 2016, effective May 7, 2016, 46 Pa.B. 2315; amended September 29, 2018, effective October 1, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 6261; amended November 2, 2018, effective November 3, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 6987; amended June 14, 2019, effective June 15, 2019, 49 Pa.B. 3077. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (394252) to (394254), (393775) to (393776) and (394255) to (394256).

Notes of Decisions
The Department of Labor and Industry had the authority to adopt model codes to serve as basis for the Uniform Construction Code; this authority included the implied authority to incorporate an appendix of the International Residential Code setting standards for manufactured homes which the Department deemed relevant. DRB v. Department of Labor, 853 A.2d 8, 18, 19 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2004) aff’d 887 A.2d 1216 (Pa. 2005).

Cross References
This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 403.2 (relating to other statutes or ordinances); 34 Pa. Code § 403.27 (relating to applicability and use of standards); 34 Pa. Code § 403.44 (relating to alternative construction materials and methods); and 34 Pa. Code § 403.102 (relating to municipalities electing to enforce the Uniform Construction Code).

Bottom line:

I think that PA codes prohibit circular or winder stairs at fire exits - which is perhaps one of the functions applicable to the second floor outdoor stair in your photo:

(g) No arrangement of treads known as winders shall be permitted in required exit stairways.

In addition the stair isn't protected from weather so would require being kept clear of snow and ice - and of course lighted and of adquate size.

Even if the local inspectors elected to approve a circular stair as the entry/exit to a second floor residence, the stair in your photo would need to be at least 5 ft. in diameter -

For an exit stair the minimum clear walking path width needs to be at least 26 inches in width. A 5-foot diameter or larger stair would be required for a winder or circular stairway (typically including a center support pole - the most-narrow part of the stair tread is usually considered not usable. See our articles on CIRCULAR STAIRS in the article index.

On 2019-10-23 by (mod) -

Indeed if local officials are not up to the task of policing their own municipal or state codes on stairs then you're on your own. Your concern is perhaps an example of an argument against the claim that we don't need government nor regulations.

Pennsylvania has adopted versions of national model building codes as excerpted below:

§ 403.21. Uniform Construction Code.
(a) The Department adopts and incorporates by reference the following codes as the Uniform Construction Code:

(1) The provisions of Chapters 2—10, 12—29 and 31—35 and Section 3006 (relating to elevator lobbies and hoistway opening protection) of the ‘‘International Building Code of 2015,’’ except:

(i) In occupancies in Use Group R-3 and within dwelling units in occupancies in Use Group R-2 the maximum riser height shall be 8 1/4 inches (210 mm) and the minimum tread depth shall be 9 inches (229 mm). A 1-inch (25 mm) nosing shall be provided on stairways with solid risers.

(ii) That Section 913.2.2 (relating to circuits supplying fire pumps) is excluded.

(iii) That in Section 2609.4 (relating to area limitations and greenhouses), exception three is modified to include ‘‘or maintaining plants.’’

(2) Chapter 11 of the ‘‘International Building Code of 2018.’’

(3) The ‘‘International Mechanical Code of 2015.’’

(4) The ‘‘International Fuel Gas Code of 2015’’ except that Section 310.3 of the ‘‘International Fuel Gas Code of 2018’’ (relating to arc-resistant CSST) is also adopted.

(5) The ‘‘International Performance Code of 2009.’’

(6) The ‘‘International Plumbing Code of 2015’’ except:

(i) A municipality within a county of the second class may not administer and enforce the ‘‘International Plumbing Code’’ adopted under this chapter.

(ii) A municipality within a county of the second class that has adopted a plumbing code and accompanying rules and regulations under the Local Health Administration Law (16 P.S. § § 12001—12028), shall retain the authority to promulgate and enforce this plumbing code and to make any changes it deems necessary if the changes meet the Uniform Construction Code’s minimum requirements.

(iii) The accessibility provisions contained in the following sections of the ‘‘International Plumbing Code of 2018’’ are adopted:

(A) Section 403.4 (relating to signage).

(B) Section 403.5 (relating to drinking fountain location).

(C) Section 404 (relating to accessible plumbing facilities).

(D) Section 405.3.1 (relating to water closets, urinals, lavatories and bidets).

(7) The ‘‘International Residential Code of 2015,’’ except that:

(i) The provisions of R314.4 requiring interconnected smoke alarms do not apply to one-family and two-family dwellings undergoing alterations, repairs or additions. Noninterconnected battery operated smoke alarms shall be installed in these dwellings.

(ii) The following specifications apply to residential stairway treads and risers.

(A) The maximum riser height is 8 1/4 inches. There may be no more than a 3/8 inch variation in riser height within a flight of stairs. The riser height is to be measured vertically between leading edges of the adjacent treads.

(B) The minimum tread depth is 9 inches measured from tread nosing to tread nosing.

(C) The greatest tread depth within any flight of stairs may not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch.

(D) Treads may have a uniform projection of not more than 1 1/2 inches when solid risers are used.

(E) Stairways may not be less than 3 feet in clear width and clear headroom of 6 feet 8 inches shall be maintained for the entire run of the stair.

(F) Handrails may project from each side of a stairway a distance of 3 1/2 inches into the required width of the stair.

(iii) The following provisions are excluded:

(A) Section R302.5.1 (relating to opening protection).

(B) Section R322.2.1 (relating to elevation requirements for flood hazard areas).

(C) Section R322.3.2 (relating to elevation requirements for coastal high hazard areas).

(D) Section R325.5 (relating to openness).

(E) Table R507.6 (relating to deck beam span lengths).

(F) Table R602.7.5 (relating to minimum number of full height studs at each end of headers in exterior walls).

(G) Section N1101.4 (relating to above code programs).

(H) Section N1103.3.5 (relating to building cavities).

(I) Section N1103.5.2 (relating to demand recirculation systems).

(J) Table N1106.4 (relating to maximum energy rating index).

(K) Section P2503.5.1 (relating to rough plumbing).

(L) Section E3901.7 (relating to outdoor outlets).

(iv) The following provisions are modified:

(A) Section N1101.6 (relating to defined terms) is amended by adding the definition of ‘‘framing factor’’ as the fraction of the total building component area that is structural framing.

(B) Table 1102.1.2 (relating to insulation and fenestration criteria) is amended by adding ‘‘or 18 + 6.5H’’ to climate zone 6 wood frame wall R-value.

(C) Table N1102.1.2 (relating to insulation and fenestration requirements by components) is amended by adding footnote j which permits R-18 insulation to be permitted in place of R-20 requirement provided the wall framing factor is 20% or less or exterior walls with 24" o.c. nominal vertical stud spacing.

(D) Section N1102.4.1.2 (relating to testing) is amended as having an air leakage rate not exceeding five air changes per hour for all climate zones.

(E) Section N1105.2 (relating to mandatory requirements) is amended to require compliance with the mandatory provisions of section N1102.4.1.2.

(F) Section M1601.4.1, exception 3 (relating to joints, seams, and connections) is amended by excluding this exception for snap-lock and button-lock type joints and seams located outside of conditioned spaces.

(G) Section M1602.2 item 2 (relating to return air openings) is amended to add the word perimeter before the first use of the word room.

(H) Section E3901.11 (relating to foyers) is amended by replacing 3 feet (914 mm) with 6 feet (1829 mm) and a minimum of one receptacle.

(v) The following provisions of the International Residential Code of 2009 are adopted:

(A) Section R302.5.1 (relating to opening protection).

(B) Section R322.2.1 (relating to elevation requirements for flood hazard areas).

(C) Section R322.3.2 (relating to elevation requirements for coastal high hazard areas).

(D) Section N1101.8 (relating to above code programs).

(E) Section N1103.2.3 (relating to building cavities).

(F) Section P2503.5.1 (relating to rough plumbing).

(G) Section E3901.7 (relating to outdoor outlets).

(vi) The following provisions of the ‘‘International Residential Code of 2018’’ are adopted:

(A) Section R325.5 (relating to openness) is adopted except for exception 2.

(B) Table R507.5 (relating to deck beam span lengths).

(C) Section R602.3.1 (relating to stud size, height, and spacing) exception 3.

(D) Table R602.3(6) (relating to alternate wood bearing wall stud size, height, and spacing).

(E) Table R602.7.5 (relating to minimum number of full height studs at each end of headers in exterior walls).

(F) Section N1103.3.6 (relating to ducts buried within ceiling insulation).

(G) Section N1103.3.7 (relating to ducts located in conditioned space).

(H) Table N1106.4 including footnote ‘‘a’’ (relating to maximum energy rating index).

(8) The ‘‘International Fire Code of 2015’’ except that Section 806.1.1 (relating to natural cut trees) is not adopted under this chapter. A municipality that elects to adopt an ordinance for the administration and enforcement of the Uniform

On 2019-10-24 by anonymous

Thank you so much for all of this information. I asked L and I several times to look into this matter. Their final response to my claim was "unsubstantiated."

This apartment was actually on the third floor, so you have to climb two flights of stairs to access it. Its very unfortunate because, as you stated, we need government and we need regulations to protect the public from unsafe dwellings and structures.

Thank you for this feedback. You are correct, there is no lighting. Unfortunately, Philadelphia Licenses and Inspections has a checkered past and I was told that to this day there is corruption and ineptitude among its staff.

Thanks to my efforts, the owner was made to obtain a rental license but I don't believe the apartment was properly inspected even though I requested them to do so.

The owner has many rental properties and has a history of code violations. I will see if there is a Department of Buildings for Philadelphia

On 2019-10-01 by Rebecca - are exterior stdairs required at all?

I have an existing upper deck off the main level with stairs to the lower level deck/yard off the walkout basement.

The stairs need to be replaced, but as we never use the stairs, I am wondering if we can simply remove the stairs and close off the railing?

I cannot find any information on Indiana code to determine if exterior stairs are required. I know I have seen several other homes in our area w/out visible exterior stairs off the upper deck.

On 2019-10-03 by (mod) -

Rebecca

**IF** the exit to outdoors thorugh the deck in required as a building fire exit then you need the stairs. Most codes expect at least two exits from the building.

On 2019-03-27 by LP - replace unsafe stairs at rental home?

Hi, I'm about to rent out a home that has cement stairs going up a hill that are in good shape (installed before I owned the home), but have too much variance in riser height and tread depth. (See photo). It is quite a long run and $ is tight, so thinking of putting in a handrail along it to minimize issues. Renting to students, so not an at risk group for falls (assuming they're sober).

Do you think I should consider having the stairs replaced? I can send more pix if needed. Thanks for an excellent site!

IMAGE LOST by older version of Clark Van Oyen’s useful Comments code - now fixed. Please re-post the image if you can. Sorry. Mod.

On 2019-03-28 by (mod) -

LP

In the photo I see significant variation in step rise along these stairs as well as significant variation in the depth of the walking distance.

Forgive my more-conservative opinion as it's an expensive one but

I do not agree with your risk assessment.

You cannot assume that only low-risk people will be the only ones using your stairway; a student who is disabled, a student who is tired, a student who is carrying a load of books, a student who is tipsy, a student who is running, or weather conditions of rain, snow, sleet, and ice, all are examples of additional fall-risks along these uneven stairs even before we add

that

you cannot assume that there will not be other sorts of people of various ages and abilities using the stairs: elderly, disabled, delivery people (the FEDEX delivery people pretty much always run up and down stairs), etc.

I agree that handrailings along the stairs can reduce risks of injury by giving an opportunity to arrest a fall.

In addition, marking the edge of irregular rise steps with a permanent color indicator such as a color stripe or anti-slip stick-on tread tape (if it will adhere) can also reduce the risk.

If these were my stairs and were brand new I'd have a serious issue with the mason who built them. Unfortunately if I refused to pay the mason until the steps were re-built to a consistent rise I would bet that the mason would just walk from the job as it's too big a money loser.

Finally, don't think you can eliminate risk by notifying people of dodgy steps, but that might be worth doing by signs since there's no way you would be excused from liability by claiming you didn't know the steps were a trip hazard.

IMAGE LOST by older version of Clark Van Oyen’s useful Comments code - now fixed. Please re-post the image if you can. Sorry. Mod.

On 2019-01-30 by Veronica .B - multiple falls on bad stairs at mobile home

More than a comment I have more of a question?. I rent a trailer or mobile home and I had a bad fall outside because there was no railing on steps. I am also disabled, the railing was installed by us.

I also have 3 bad falls inside do to weak spots on floor that have not been fixed after reporting it to landlady several times the last 3 yrs. There is mold rotting the bathroom wall since we moved in but it was hidden under paint.

I have a daughter with health problems that have worsens myself as included. I wanted to know if we have rights as renters?

On 2019-02-02 - by (mod) -

Veronica

What you describe sounds seriously dangerous for you and others.

Just what rights you have as a tenant depend on the rental laws where you live, (and I'm not a lawyer and don't offer legal advice) but I can say that in general even the most basic rental agreement requires the landlord to provide "safe" and "habitable" premises.

Absence of guardrails, rotted floors that one can step through, are examples of defects that mean the trailer mobile home is not safe and habitable to even the most minimal standards.

If after you've notified the property owner orally and in writing there has been no response, you need to get help from your local legal aid service or building department.

Watch out: in my experience, when a property is in poor condition as indicated by just the items you name, almost always there are a number of other unsafe or improper conditions like unsanitary plumbing, unsafe electrical wiring that can cause a fire or shock, mold contamination, etc. So when you get help from a third party ask them to take a look around for health and safety concerns that need to be addressed.

 

On 2018-09-10 by Thomas Sinno - disagree with both your explanation of exterior Stair Run and Rise.

I disagree with both your explanation of exterior Stair Run and Rise.

I have been in the Design and Construction field for almost 50 years and I am now retired. The correct Run and Rise for Exterior Stairs should be a 14” Tread and a 6” Rise.

The reason for these numbers is I have studied people’s walking gate and climb, and when the typical stair design is used you find people (especially old people) holding on to the stair rails tightly...

Also, when walking down exterior stairways in the Winter, approximately 1/3 of their foot is over the edge of the stair. With winter conditions bringing ice , snow or any water under your step you are mostly likely to fall down the stairs...

However, when you utilize the 14” inch tread your gate being longer, your foot always lands squarely on the stair. As for the rise, many people are carrying articles up the exterior stairs and the 6” rise is less stress and energy since the incline is lower.

Take a look at the Old Roman Stairs going into their Capital Buildings. They had it correct from the beginning.
Thomas Sinno

On 2018-09-10 by (mod) - reader disagrees with standard definitions of code & standard stair rise

Thank you for your opinion, Thomas. It's important to share these views.

It's also important that we distinguish between a personal opinion and what are codes and standards set by experts who have studied in this case stair construction safety hazards and falls.

Optimum stair design parameters have been looked at very closely for thousands of years and have been regulated for more than 100 years after determining the main reasons people fall down stairs - the most-common injury in most places in the world.

I like deeper stair treads just as you do - such as your 14" requirement.

And I agree that 6-inch rise is more-comfortable for older people or those of limited mobility who must ascend stairs.

In the course of stair fall investigations, stair construction projects, and for general study, I too have studied and photographed about 2000 stair users walking up and down steps of a great variety of designs and dimensions, and I too observe that in smaller depth treads a person is either forced to turn their foot sideways or to have a portion of the foot extending past the tread nose.

One of my stair navigation photos is shown just above. I'd welcome your comments.

Stair codes set the bounds of what is acceptable and safe. Your step dimensionand rise preferences are within those bounds though they are definitely not the most-recommended dimensions.

With respect, while I'm glad to hear your opinion we should all be careful about imposing an individual's opinion, even well-intended, over the work of experts whose work and whose data extends well beyond any one individual's observations.

The stair Dimensions that I give in the EXTERIOR STAIR CONSTRUCTION & CODES article are based on those standards.

Also see STAIR CODES & STANDARDS

On 2018-08-27 by Mike Vivas - How to design and build concrete landing for bottom of exterior stairway?

How to design and build concrete landing for bottom of exterior stairway?

On 2018-08- by (mod)

Sure Mike see PLATFORMS & LANDINGS, ENTRY & STAIR https://inspectapedia.com/Stairs/Stair_Landings.php

 

On 2018-07-29 by Brian P - rules for shared stair landings

The local government is widening the sidewalk in front of my house and converting it to an 8’ wide hiker-bicycle trail.

To do this, they are rebuilding the stairs from my house to the sidewalk/trail and the design puts the footprint of the stair landing in the trail. I’m considering whether this is safe. Do you know what the “shared use” rules are for a stair landing?

On 2018-08-05 by (mod)

There are no shared landing rules that I have found in the model codes.

However in my OPINION stepping off of a stairway right into an active bike-path could be unsafe, specifically if there is not clear view of oncoming traffic.

On the other hand, if your stairway terminates in a public right-of-way, it may be that in its original construction the stairway was in violation of local codes or rules.

On 2018-04-20 by Elizabeth Page - specifications for a hand rail at the exterior stairway leading to the exterior basement door

What are the specifications for a hand rail at the exterior stairway leading to the exterior basement door

On 2018-04-22 by (mod) -

Elizabeth

Pretty much all handrail and guardrail specifications remain the same - they don't change if a stair is indoors or to a basement door.

In the ARTICLE INDEX found at the end of this page, see these articles

HANDRAILS & HANDRAILINGS

GRASPABILITY of HANDRAILINGS

HANDRAIL CODES & OSHA HAND RAIL SPECS

HANDRAIL CODES - GRASPABILITY

HANDRAIL FAQs

HANDRAIL GRASPABILITY DEFECT PHOTOS

HANDRAILING STRENGTH

for details, beginning at

https://inspectapedia.com/Stairs/Handrails.php

 

On 2018-03-18 by JWall - best way to attach handrail posts to exterior stairs?

What is the best way to attach hand rail posts to exterior stairs?
More specifically:

New construction. Poured concrete steps/stairs. Steel posts to be attached after concrete is poured.
The concrete guys recommended either embedded steel plates or short embedded steel pipes.

The handrail posts would then be welded to the embedded piece.

Unless galvanized, these would eventually have weathered rust stains in the welded area.
If galvanized, there are apparently welding problems (welding galvanized steel causes cracking of the weld).
Any pref

On 2018-03-19 by (mod) -

Embedded posts are always stronger than a post just set on a surface - or the on-surface post base could be bolted to the landing using appropriate fasteners.

 

On 2018-02-24 by Gina - unsafe stair top landing size?

my main entrance , 4 steps up but you can't open the door and enter if you are the top step unless u r a tiny kid.
You need to step down after u reach the door to get in. what is the legal distance from each railing.

On 2018-02-24 by (mod) -

Gina

I infer from your comment that the entrance platform is considerably too small. Such a platform is unsafe it's a tripping and fall Hazard as well as probably a code violation. You need at least three feet of length in the direction of travel and of course the platform needs to be at least as wide as the door opening.

On 2017-09-28 by Tina Holland - do I have to keep the handrail along my stairs>?

I have a detached new build home that has four steps before you are level with front door and front patio. The builder have installed a handrail running the length of the stairs and patio to the front door. Am I required to keep this handrail - What about re-sale issues if i was to take it down?

On 2017-09-30 by (mod) -

Tina,

Your local building official is the final legal authority to answer your question.

However my opinion is that you need a hand railing along stairs. Removing it is not only a resale issue it's a liability and a risk that people examining your house or visiting it or even you yourself may fall and be injured.

 

 

 

 

On 2017-06-12 by Bill w - uneven step heights in New Jersey

The step-down on exit from the Living room to the Concrete patio is now 7". I want to resurface the Patio and slope it away from the house at 1/8th" /ft

The Contractor says he will have to start with adding 3" so the step-down will be about 4" -will that be within Code in NJ?
your assistance is appreciated

On 2017-06-12 by (mod) -

If one of your steps is going to be 3" shorter than all of the others that is a trip hazard and I would expect your local code official to find it a concern. There might be other solutions but I don't have the full picture.

On 2017-06-13 by Bill w

It is just the single step-the height of the ground floor above the patio, now 7" will reduce to 4"

On 2017-06-13 by (mod) -

Oh - I'd expect that to be ok with your building inspector. It's a completely different step up or down and not part of the actual step series that form the stairway.

 

On 2017-03-26 by Anonymous - at what height are porch steps required?

Hi, how high porch should be to require concrete stairs....not staps. Thank you in advance

On 2017-03-26 by (mod) -

That's a local building inspector final-decision, Anon. You can see the model guardrailing codes at GUARDRAILS on BALCONIES, DECKS, LANDINGS = https://inspectapedia.com/Stairs/Guardrailing_Codes.php

Here's an excerpt that addresses your question of at what height above ground are guardrailings require on a deck, walkway, etc.:

Pre-1970 Guardrail height codes (railings on landings and open hallways, porches, screened porches, balconies that are more than 30" above floors or grade): required and must be greater than or equal to (=>) 36" high (prior to 1970 in many jurisdictions)

Current Recommended Guardrail height requirement is 42-inches or higher above adjacent surfaces

E.g. California 2007 Building Code (effective 1 January 2008) for safety guardrails on balconies, decks, and on the horizontal area of stairway landings for walking areas whose surface is more than 30-inches above adjacent walking surfaces (or the ground) for Group 2 individual residential dwellings as well as for Group-3 occupancies specifies that the guardrail must be 42-inches or higher. [33].

Note that this is for guardrails along horizontal walking surfaces, not the stairway itself - which we call a handrail or hand railing.

You don't want a handrailing to be permitted to be set at an arbitrary height above 42" because someone may place such a handrailing higher than can be readily grasped while ascending or descending the stairs or during a stair fall.

Watch out: I've seen people step backwards and fall off of a ground-level deck that was just 6" above grade - IMO a guardrail or equivalent is valuable on all such surfaces and walking areas.

 

 

On 2017-01-10 by AK - can my stair landing be the lower deck surface

I have elevated deck and lower deck. Both are wooden deck. I want stairs from upper deck to lower deck. So stair landing will be decking surface. What do you think ?

On 2017-01-10 by (mod) - yes

AK

Sounds right to me as long as the landing surface is of adequate dimension in the direction of travel coming off of the stairs down to the lower deck and going up onto the upper deck.

On 2017-01-10 by AK

Hi mod,
What my concern is stair landing surface material. It is usually regulated, my city regulation says same, that landing surface is solid hard which people usually uses concrete slab or stone paving. But my landing is wood deck.

I could set post from ground under deck but it won't be hard solid stone or concrete surface. I also looked around website if anyone did similar thing but could not and all stairs are landing on concrete, none of them landing on lower level wood deck. What do you think ?

On 2017-01-10 by (mod) -

AK

The regulation you are citing pertains almost certainly to ground-level landings. The intent of those regulations is to assure a secure walking surface - otherwise some builders send readers onto soil, loose gravel, mud.

The regulation cannot intend to address intermediate stairway landings such as in a stairway with a turn, nor top level landings such as at the top of a building entry stairway.

So if you are building an intermediate stairway landing between decks both above ground on two different levels nobody is going to be looking for a concrete slab.

Please give your local building department a call, confirm my opinion, and let me know what you are told.

On 2017-01-10 by AK

I see the point "ground level landing". Yes, there should not be same as intermediate landing.
You gave me a light.

Thank you so much, Mod. I appreciate. This site is very helpful and professional.

On 2017-01-10 6 by (mod) -

Thank you for the nice comment. We work hard to provide accurate, unbiased, useful information so I'm thrilled when you find it helpful. Your questions help me see where we need to research and improve our information.

 

On 2017-01-09 by Christopher - stairs that have a slope that is higher on the right hand side of the steps versus the left?

Is there a code or spec for stairs that have a slope that is higher on the right hand side of the steps versus the left? Tree roots are lifting up the steps on one side and the plane is not level?

On 2017-01-09 1 by (mod) -

Christopher:

The stair treads have to be level. You'll want to remove enough root or amend the set of stairs to avoid this trip hazard.

Using the search box just above and searching InspectApedia for "level stair tread" finds this specifications article

https://inspectapedia.com/Stairs/Stair_Tread_Dimensions.php

that includes specs on how much out of level a tread can be.

 

On 2016-08-11 by Anonymous - How wide must my back porch steps be on my modular home?

How wide must my back porch steps be on my modular home

On 2016-08-11 by (mod) -

Anon

Your local building inspector is the final authority; Typically The minimum recommended stair width is between 34" and 36" Across the width of the tread. Some codes such as CA/OSHA specify a minimum stairway width of 24" [35]..

The minimum recommended stair landing length is 36" (or a length and width sufficiently greater than the swing of the door if a wider door is present.

Search InspectApedia.com for STAIR DIMENSIONS, WIDTH, HEIGHT to read complete details.

 

On 2015-10-13 by Alison - one step rise height is different from all the others - OK?

I live in LEOMINSTER Massachusett. The apartment building I live just had the outside cement steps rebuilt. The steps are at a good height excet the last step to the landing or door. It is much higher and when going up them I and other residents trip on it.

On going down it's a big drop and if you don't have a very tight grip on the rail you will fall. I need to know what the law is on this type of step. I an also a person who has one total knee replacement and next week I go for number two.

So I am challenged when it comes to stairs.

On 2016-03-06 by Anonymous

Alison,
More than 3/8" stair riser height variation between steps would be something I'd expect most code inspectors to cite as unsafe, as that's a trip and fall hazard.

Search inspectapedia.com for STAIR RISER HEIGHT to read details.

On 2015-06-29 by Mike - Is there a "code" requirement for materials on an exterior metal spiral staircase?

Is there a "code" requirement for materials on an exterior metal spiral staircase. I was recently purchase a kit for a code stair, and the main post provided was unpainted, untreated, schedule 10 steel pipe. I requested the company to provide a galvanized pipe, but have been refused.

On 2015-06-29 by (mod) -

Mike I have not seen a building code that required specific materials to be sued for stairs. Most building codes today are performance codes stating what the assembly must do or withstand rather than what materials must be used.

You'll want to clean, prime, and paint the main stair post and to keep it painted. You might not want galvanized metal in that application as painting galvanized steel is difficult: it has to be specially treated or etched or aged before paint will adhere.

On 2015-06-29 by Mike

Thank you Dan! Actually kind of like the contrast of the flat black treads against the galvanized. Can you tell me what the factor of safety is on stair design?

On 2015-06-29 by Mike

Thank you Dan! Actually kind of like the contrast of the flat black treads against the galvanized. Can you tell me what the factor of safety is on stair design?

On 2015-06-29 by Mike

I'm a M. E. working in aerospace. FOS is pretty common for me, for structures think it is more common in building design , bridges and such.

If I applied it to a rail system on a stair landing, if I wanted a 200 lb load (code), with a 1.5 FOS, I will design for a minimum of 300, if I was using some unfamiliar composite that had never been used for a rail system, I might use a 2.5 FOS. Thanks for the info, sounds like I am looking for something that is not there.

On 2015-06-29 by (mod) -

Thanks for the interesting clarification. In framing construction and stair design there are codes for deflection such as n/360 and for guardrail strength (discussed in our article on guardrails) rather than adding safety factors.

The engineers and architects who wrote framing tables and span guidelines factored in their FOS for the carpenters

 

 

(Apr 1, 2014) Jennifer said: how much step to step height or riser hieight variation is allowed?

Question: We lease in a Denver office building with concrete exterior stairways (some with handrails). In the middle of a run of 8 steps, the 4th step (middle of the run) is taller than all other steps and has caused many falls.

Our building manager says they meet code, but I contend the variation between steps is the problem. I note your article says no variation greater than 0.375 inches is allowed. My problem is I don't know how to check Denver code to fight management on this problem.

I will try to measure all stair heights. Your advice on how to find and read the code is appreciated.

Reply:

Jennifer,

Denver publishes its building codes - othwerwise the authorities would be embarrassed about taking anyone to task for non-compliance.

www.denvergov.org/Portals/696/documents/BuildingCode/2008%20DBC.pdf

has their 2008 code amendments to the 2006 International Codes. I read this to mean that like most municipalities, the City (or state) starts by adopting one of the "Model Codes" and then amends it to suit their particular needs. It's reasonable to say that the stair requirements are either expressed in the model code or are adjusted by a Colorado or Denver amendment.

Stairways are discussed in Code Amendments Section 1009 where we see that the *only* amendment has to do with roof access stairs.

Now what remains is for you to pick up a copy of the 2006 International Building Code.

You can buy a copy from a publisher but codes are usually also provided free - when a municipality adopts a model code as part of more local law they're obligated to provide copies of that code to their constituents.

Which means you ought to be able to get exactly the section you need from your local building department.

Incidentally, differences in stair tread height greater than the accepted standards is indeed a trip hazard.

I wonder why, when you encountered a building manager who says his stairs comply, you couldn't just ask him for a copy of the code to which they comply - so that you can compare that to your measurements.

Another excellent source of stair codes & standards is the Stairway Manufacturers' Association.

I quote an excerpt from their Visual Guide to the 2006 International Stair Code

R311.5.3 Stair treads and risers.

R311.5.3.1 Riser height.

The maximum riser height shall be 73⁄4 inches (196 mm). The riser shall be measured vertically between leading edges of the adjacent treads.

The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3⁄8 inch (9.5 mm).

Note that they're saying 3/8" which = 0375".

...

Continue reading at EXTERIOR STAIR CONSTRUCTION & CODES or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

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• BUILDING CODE DOWNLOADS - free downloadable PDF files of building codes & standards
• EXTERIOR STAIR FALL HAZARDS
• GUARDRAIL CONSTRUCTION, DECKS & RAMPS
• SLIP TRIP & FALL HAZARD LIST, STAIRS, FLOORS, WALKS
• SLIPPERY STAIRS, WALKS, ROOFS
• STAIR CODES & STANDARDS - home
• STAIR CODE DETAILS
• STAIR DIMENSIONS, WIDTH, HEIGHT

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