Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Mar 17, 2010 03:32pm | #1

   What do you need to know about the rails?  There are some typical building Code requirements.  For example,, 2" diameter round will work--that's the maximum diameter allowed for a round handrail.  It must be continuous, and must have  least 1 1/2" space between it and the wall.  The height must be between 34" and 38" high, measured from the tread nosing . Stairs more than 30" above the grade must have guards, and there are other requirements about those guards--notably guards on the sides of stairs can't have an opening that would pass a sphere of 4 3/8" in diameter.  There are from The IRC 2003 code that is still in wide use, but may be different where you live.  . 

   You shouldn't need to get these on-line unless you have a special requirement.  Local lumberyards carry such things regularly. 

1. 
   PSeverin | Mar 18, 2010 05:05pm | #3

   IRC Section R312

    Steve,

   You taught me something.  I am still amazed at what I haven't absorbed reading the language of the code, but stopping short.  Not to quibble but people should understand the general rule (4" sphere can't pass) as well as the exception you sited (4 3/8" sphere) for the size of openings created in a guard rail of a stair.   This exception exists only for residential purposes on stairs.  It makes me wonder what caused someone to fight for this exception in the residential code.   Does anyone who builds these things know why 4 3/8 makes a difference.

   For those that want to know, here is the International Residential Code language for GUARDS, what older codes referred to as guard rails.  

   R312.1 Guards:  Porches, balconies, ramps or raised floor surfaces located more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 36 inches in height.  Open sides of stairs with a total rise of more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 34 inches in height measured vertically from the nosing of the treads.

   Porches and decks which are enclosed with insect screening shall be equipped with guards where the walking surface is located more than 30 inches above the floor or grade bellow.

   R312.2  Guard opening limitations.  Required guards on open sides of stairways, raised floor areas, balconies and porches shall have intermediate rails or ornamental closures which do not allow passage of a sphere 4 inches or more in diameter.

   Exception 1:  The triangular openings formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail of a guard at the open side of a side of a stairway are permitted to be of such a size that a sphere 6 inches cannot pass through.

   Exception 2:  Openings for required guards on the sides of stair treads shall not allow a sphere 4 3/8 inches to pass through.

   We found 2" round oak rails when we built our house 30 years ago, but even then it was something of an oddity.  That was the time of super sized parts and I think they were left over from a large commercial job.   I know it's fine woodworking but there could be some wisdom in having steel pipe rails fabricated that come with those nice returns to the walls at the ends, with all those standardized parts.

2. 
   RalphBarker | Mar 18, 2010 02:06pm | #2

   The first question, I suppose, would be what tools you have at your disposal. Even with only 5 steps, the length of the rail may well exceed the capacity of many wood lathes. That might mean constructing an extension bed for your lathe, and perhaps a steady rest once the partially-turned stock is round.

   If you don't have a lathe, the hand-tool options would include some combination of draw knife, spoke shave(s), and hand planes. Achieving a consistent round profile might be a challenge, however.

3. 
   SteveSchoene | Mar 18, 2010 08:54pm | #4

   More trickinesses

   There are router bits which could cut the sort of hand rails that have a finger recess, instead of being round. 

   Also remember, you can't just use a straight run of railing.  The railing must either return to the wall, or terminate in a newel or "safety terminal"   IRS 2003 R 311.5.6.2.   That could mean you need curved terminations. 

   Go to a good lumberyard, or even one of the box stores, and look at the exceedingly pedestrial red oak rail components that they carry to help you decide about what you need--albeit done more elegantly.