Replies

1. 
   oldhand | Aug 26, 2011 08:08pm | #1

   should it work or be purty?

   The rail has to be perpendicular to the step slope to be comfortable to use [as in safe].

   Form after function.

1. 
   DanH | Aug 26, 2011 08:25pm | #2

   I think parallel would be better/safer.

1. 
   calvin | Aug 26, 2011 09:35pm | #3

   I think you are both talking the same thing

   His perp being the same ht. from the slope of the step nose-

   yours, parallel to the stair nose.

   Congrats, you're both right-too bad the siding isn't in that realm.

1. 
   DanH | Aug 26, 2011 10:02pm | #4

   The siding's easy to fix -- just jack up one corner of the house.

2. 
   oldhand | Aug 26, 2011 10:08pm | #5

   thanks for the defence but......

   True  fact is I meant say parallel.

   ..

1. 
   calvin | Aug 26, 2011 10:15pm | #6

   same difference

   The same distance perpendular is parallel.

   Just a couple different words, no big deal.

   Dan restated the potential for problem with swaying from the norm with siding direction.

   Some things become complicated.

3. 
   edwardh1 | Aug 28, 2011 02:35pm | #7

   will add a pix

   what would you do for a side handrail up against the siding?

   
1. 
   Piffin | Aug 28, 2011 04:34pm | #8

   I would just install it, matching same pitch, heright and style as the outboard one. The variance of angle will not bother you after a day or two unless you are obseesive-compulsive, in which case, and extra dose or two of meds will help you get over it.

   Really

2. 
   edwardh1 | Aug 28, 2011 10:43pm | #9

   but is it one pill every 3 hours or 3 pills each hour?

3. 
   Piffin | Aug 30, 2011 11:03pm | #10

   In the words of John McCain - Depends

   How often you gonna use the stairs?

2. 
   justbugme | Sep 01, 2011 08:17am | #11

   Fourm and function can balance.

   You have a shor run if I read your picture right. I've seen this done and looks not bad. Don't make your rail continuous. Install short, staggered sections of rail. May not be to code, but if there is an outside rail you may not need an inside rail on the house to meet code????

1. 
   justbugme | Sep 01, 2011 08:23am | #12

   seen this too

   On a short run I have installed a slightly curved railing. You can't get away with it on a long run but it can be a little funky and eye pleasing with a curve about  2inches out of plane. I would go high in the centre not low. When in use your hand follows the rail without feeling too wierd.

3. 
   jimmiem | Sep 12, 2011 11:43am | #13

   Exterior Stair Handrail Question

   The builder made the handrail from a 2 X 6.  The 5 1/2 inch width is too wide for older and smaller hands to grip.  I've tried to locate a rail that I can attach to the edge but all that I can find are interior rails.  Any suggestions for fabricating or locating a ready made exterior rail?

1. 
   calvin | Sep 12, 2011 08:06pm | #14

   Jim

   If you were able to carve out a gripping recess, I think it's still allowed.  Take a look or google for various code approved handrails made of wood.  I've done a couple a while ago that I ripped a recess on both faces of a 2x4 cedar on a table saw, then followed up with a roundover with a router for the topside.

   At the time I think I found this style as a code passable design.

   Or, pipe (of the right size)-ready made brackets might be a problem (tho there are metal standoffs with a passthrough circle that you can use a set screw to tighten onto the rail (or to screw the pipe to it).

4. 
   edwardh1 | Sep 13, 2011 05:33pm | #15

   not looking good (see pixs - 2 of them)

   I have been playing around using scrap wood.

   I have a 2x4 as the top rail so it will match the other side.

   I can only get to about 3 studs, hence the short under rail support piece. What I need is another type support bracket.

   i can make this look btter but it still wont look nice. How would a designer/builder do this on a new house? Not like this I bet.