Hello,
Need to install a simple hand rail along a set of 6 steps to the basement, would be thankful for some tips on getting the railing to run parallel to the steps. Also what height should the handrail be an how is this measured….from the slope or riser?
Thanks
Dan
Replies
Hand rail heights vary by local ordinances to some degree.
Where I am, 42" - 44" from the nose of the treads is the desired height. I stick with the lower so that children can reach more easily.
Easiest way is to sit a 4' "T"- square atop the stringer and mark the desired height at the studs.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
Easiest way is to sit a 4' "T"- square atop the stringer and mark the desired height at the studs.
I've used the framing square to mark handrails for years, I got into the habit of laying my 6' level across the noses and set the framing square atop to get an accurate mark.
This drywall square idea is brilliant!
Gord
IF you mean a rail attached to a wall?
Take a Framing Square and place the short side atop the noses of two treads.
Now, mark the end of the long side.
That mark should be the BOTTOM of any hand rail.
that's how I marked every one of the hundreds I've hung
Also, wall rail should be 1 1/2" off of the wall
I suspect your local code has opinions on height. I know ours by heart, but 30 miles down the road . . .
Ours, the top of the rail must be between 32 & 36" high as measured plumb from the nose of the tread, and 1 1/2" min from the wall. It must extend a minimum of 3" past the nose of the bottom most tread and likewise at top.
Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
I was going to offer up my advice but if you go back and re-read Roberts that's pretty much what I would have posted! 97448.3
my only difference is the mark that I make at the top of the framing square is where I locate the bottom screw in the wall bracket.
Doug
Edited 11/23/2007 7:59 pm ET by DougU
That sounds reallly easy Doug, compared to all I go through lining and double checking to get it 36" above the leading edge plumb line.What height does that end up placing the rail?
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Piffin
I had to go do some measuring! I've done it this way for so long that I don't believe I have taken a tape to one in over 15 years!
Depending on the bracket your handrail at its top will come out to around 34-36", I've never had one not pass. I learned this back in the day of trac-home work where there was no time for measuring anything :).
I should mention that these numbers are approx's cause it would depend on the rake to be exact.
View Image
Doug
Edited 11/23/2007 10:04 pm ET by DougU
Definitely one to remember!
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Doug,Thanks for a cool trick. Who would have thought?Bill
That's how I was taught to do it too Doug. I never can remember if it the screw hole or the bottom of the bracket so I always end up double checking it anyways. I prefer them lower. I'm always thinking of kids and the elderly. FKA Blue (eyeddevil)
Thank Doug for the tip will make it much easier.
Dan
Let's not leave robert out of the credits. Doug corrected and elaborated, but robert brought this trik up first
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I just don't have the talent or time to draw it in.
On the other hand, I've never had one fail for making that point the bottom of the rail.