![]() ![]() Why Should I Choose Vinyl Stair Railings For My Deck? The simple installation of even a short railing could keep family and friends safe. The fall that causes the injuries doesn’t have to be from a great height to cause significant damage. Although many simply suffer from scrapes and sprains, thousands sustain serious brain and spinal damage that can be life-threatening. Should I Install Railings Even If It’s Not Required By Code?Įvery one has personal preferences but the simple fact is that handrails can safe a life.Įach year, more than 1 million Americans visit the emergency room to be treated for injuries that were sustained in a fall. The railings on both sides must run continuously the entire length of the staircase, beginning over the top riser and ending over the bottom riser.Ī commercial railing must be able to withstand a load of 200 pounds applied in a downward or outward manner. The actual handrail must be at least 1 ¼ inch in diameter. Like a residential handrail, a minimum height of 34 inches and a maximum of 38 inches is required. Per the IBC, deck stairs on commercial properties must have a handrail on both sides of the staircase. Railing Requirements For Commercial Deck StairsĬommercial properties have slightly different requirements. The railing must be continuous along the entire staircase, beginning and ending over the top and bottom riser. While “Type II” style handrails made from traditional wood are allowed in a residential setting, the required upkeep and potential for splintering make this a poor choice. The size of the actual handrail must be between 1 ¼ inch and 2 inches in diameter, providing a firm place for someone to grasp. The height of the handrail must be at least 34 inches and no higher than 38 inches when measured from the sloped plane that adjoins the nose treading. Per the IRC, deck stairs on residential properties must have at least one set of railings and a handrail must be installed on stairs that have four or more risers.Ī riser is the vertical portion of the stair. Railing Requirements For Residential Properties With Deck Stairs Typically, the standards set by OSHA are less stringent than those put into place by the IBC. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also sets safety standards for commercial properties. The International Code Council (ICC) is made up of two divisions, the International Building Code (IBC) which regulates commercial properties and multi-family dwellings, and the International Residential Code (IRC) which regulates residential properties. These codes also include standards for any railing on the stairs. There are several organizations that set deck building codes for both residential and commercial properties. Residential and Commercial Deck Building Codes One question our team is regularly asked is, “Do my deck stairs need to have a railing installed?”. So when it comes down to it make sure that you take a long hard look at vinyl for your railing, and for the best rated vinyl in Utah go to Vinyl Industries.If you’re building a new deck you might be considering adding stairs and thinking about what type of railing to install, if any. The colors and styles are versatile enough to go from casual deck railing to classic porch railing. Just think about the great amount of time that you have to put into staining and maintaining that wooden railing. It is also going to be a lot less maintenance than a wood railing. So the question is why is the vinyl handrail is the best choice if you are looking for strength, clean lines, and low maintenance? For one the cost is going to be a lot less than what you would pay for a high end wood railing. ![]() Nothing finishes off a porch like vinyl railing, and safety becomes paramount when you have the stability of vinyl stair railing. Railings can vary greatly in strength and durability. A gate at the top of the stairs increases the safety factor and blends with the railing. There are many reasons to install vinyl stair railing: aging family members, inclement weather, building codes, and child and pet safety.
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