

On 15:23:40.526828 by (mod) - guardrail strength - pounds of force IBC 1607.7.1 Handrails and guards. were posted originally at BALUSTERS, STAIR & RAILING - be sure to review that article as well. These questions and answers about proper design, installation, strength, and spacing of balusters that enclose guards along stairs, balconies, decks, etc. Questions & Answers About Balusters along Stair Guards, Balcony & Landing Rails We also provide an ARTICLE INDEX for this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need. This article series describes procedures for performing safety inspections of the balusters used on indoor or outdoor stairs, railings, landings. Stair baluster safety & code specification FAQs. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. clear, measured plumb from the nose of the tread to any obstruction above (floor, coffered ceiling, beam, etc.).InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. sphere.Īnd don’t forget to check the head height! To meet IRC Code, there must be 80 in.

But the balusters on a raked handrail can be spaced wider and the spandrel space between the bottom rail and the tread can allow for a 6-in. Not true! The balusters on a guard rail must be close enough so that a 4-in. sphere rule” applies to every space on a balustrade. But remember, the bottom newel post in this illustration isn’t legal! The railing must be continuous to a point plumb with the bottom riser. But, these requirements are also critical if you want to build a safe, easy-to-use stair. It’s not easy to remember every code requirement, especially when you don’t build stairs often! Here’s an easy-to-access and easy-to-understand illustrated version of the 2009 IRC code as it applies to stairs.įor a stair to pass inspection, these code requirements are critical.
