Gripable Stair Banisters For Guardrail

I could only find one building code that mentioned using the top of the guard railing as a gripable handrail. The top of the gripable handrail would need to be between 36 and 38 inches in height, measuring from the stair tread nosing.

This particular building code only applies to a private stairway or individual residents. However, I only found this in one building code book. Whatever you do, make sure that you check with your local Building and Safety Department, before even thinking about using this building code.

Special Note: This home was built around 2007. This house is another example of how each individual Building and Safety Department, interprets the building code books. Most building code books clearly state that a stairway is required to have a 42 inch protective guard railing and a continuous gripable handrail.

The 1997 Uniform Building Code Book section 509.2 provides an exemption for Group R, Division 3 and Group U occupancies. Interior guardrails within individual dwellings may be 36 inches (instead of 42 inches). This building code is obviously old, but I don't know if it's outdated. Only your local Building and Safety Department can verify these building codes.