interior stairs

[Unregistered]

Need some code info on stairs. Height , distance between ballusters and distance between posts.
Thanks.

[Wgoodrich]

Maximum length of stairs between floors or landings is 12'

Minimum head room is 6 feet 6 inches.

Minimum width is 30"

Maximum riser is 7 3/4"

Maximum difference of any riser in a set of stairs is 3/8" variable allowed.

Minimum tread is 10"

maximum distance between slats is so that a 4" ball can not pass through between the slats

Minimum height of railing 36"

Hope this helps

Wg

[Unregistered]

Wg,

Thanks for those numbers . But is there a code for the distance between posts along the handrail . I suspect there's such a number for an outside deck railing.
Also this railing will be made with 2x2 pine pickets attached to a 2x8 handrail.Do these need to be screwed or can they be nailed ?

[Wgoodrich]

I know of no references in the IRC on maximum distance allowed between posts. I would say that would be a call of the Inspector to ensure the posts are near enough to create safety in strength.

Good Luck

Wg

[Unregistered]

Wg ,

I did check with out local township office regarding codes . The same you have stated with a 100 psi strength test.
BUt here's my latest problem . Set one post at the lower platform with a handrail height of 38 '' . Went to the top step and set a similar post there. Then notice a string run from these two points isn't parallel with the stringer.
A height off the top step of 34 '' would make the handrail look parallel. Should I try to parallel the two or just leave it ( for code reasons ) . Going to make hell for my pickets .

PS Both posts are set back onto the step 2.5 inches.

[Unregistered]

Wg ,

Figured that parallel problem out for myself. But ... where is that min railing height measured from ?

[Wgoodrich]

Below is a copied section ot the IRC 2003 for that rule of handrail height.

R311.5.6.1 Height. Handrail height, measured vertically
from the sloped plane adjoining the tread nosing, or finish
surface of ramp slope, shall be not less than 34 inches (864
mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm).


Laymen terms lay a straight edge down the stair steps laying that straight edge on the nose of all the steps. Then measure straight up from the bottom of that straight edge 34" to 38" that must be you hand rail height.

Most likely your problem of uneven railing you were talking of was measuring from the landing at the top when you should have measured from teh top step of the stairs and from the bottom step of the stairs. If you measure from that straight edge as explained above vertically then use a framing square laying on the nose of the stair treads measured to the 34 to 38" line then go to the bottom and again use the framing square you would have ended up parallel to the stairs with your handrail. I suspect you measure vertically at the bottom of the stairs then went to the top of the stairs and meashered from the landing causing the uneven nonparallel problem you experienced.

Good Luck

WG

[Unregistered]

Wg,

Thanks for that measurement info . I have pulled the old post ( #$%# ) and set a new one that will have the rail 38'' from the finished tread at the point you described .
Right on about my parallel problem . Now looks right .
Thanks !

[Unregistered]

Wg,

Another quick question . Is there a min height for a balcony railing ?

[Wgoodrich]

The answer was provided in my first post concerning railings. Minimum height on lofts or any other elevated platform is 36" minimum.

Good Luck

Wg