The residential building code only requires a singular handrail to be used on one side of the staircase. However, because there are a variety of factors that impact stairway design, it can sometimes be difficult to determine the best placement of handrails.
Let’s take a closer look at the design and requirements of stairways to answer the question: what side of the stairs does the handrail go on?
Considerations for Stair Handrails
Before deciding where to place a handrail, you need to look at the typical residential handrail requirements. For example:
Height Requirements
The handrail height of residential handrails must be between 34” and 38” as measured from the stair tread nosing. If you’re installing a handrail in your home, you can adjust the handrail height within these guidelines to be where it is most comfortable for most members of your family.
For a taller family, a higher handrail closer to 38” may be best. If your family is not as tall or you have young children, staying closer to the 34” requirement may be the best choice.
Continuous Design
Another factor to consider is that a handrail in residential buildings must be continuous, that is, from the edge of the first step to the fair end of the highest stair. This includes when the stairs turn, corner, and have elevation changes. The continuity of the handrail, however, can be interrupted by a newel post at each turn in stairs, at a landing, or over the lowest tread.
Maximum Load Capacity
Think of it this way: the more force a handrail can withstand, the safer it is for those using it to offer support and prevent falls.This is why handrails must also be able to withstand a concentrated load of 200 lbs. of force or more.
Stud Location
Another factor to consider is the location of studs on a wall. The reason is, the load capacity of a handrail is greatly increased by the use of wall studs.
So when you’re wondering which side a handrail should go on, the location of a stud can help you make this decision, especially considering it will give you more load capacity.
So Which Side Should Handrails Be On?
Residential building code only requires a handrail to be on one side of the stairs, which means there is a bit of flexibility in choice of installation.
However, you should also decide to put your handrail on the side of the staircase that is safest for guests and family members. Here’s to how to decide which side a handrail should go on based on safety.
Stair Direction
One thing to consider is the direction of the stairs and how people use them. For instance:
If there is a sharp turn in the staircase, human nature is to take the shortest route possible—often walking on the side closest to the turn. As a result, you could install the handrail on the side to which people most naturally gravitate, the side of the turn.
If, however, you’re unsure about which side of the staircase is used more, think about your previous times walking up the staircase, or watch the way in which others walk up the staircase. That way, you can determine which side of the staircase is natural to most.
On the Open Side
If one side of the stairway is open—that is, it overlooks an area from a high position—then the handrail should be installed on the open side.
Not only will this provide support and stability as someone walks up and down the stairs, but it will also help prevent others from falling over the open side of the stairway because they will be leaning towards the closed wall.
Reference Local Codes
It is also always best to reference local building codes when renovating your home.
International Residential Code (ICR) establishes a mode code, which makes it easy for local jurisdictions to adopt a standardized code in their homes.
However, many places tailor building codes to their unique needs, making them more or less restrictive, as needed.
People Using the Handrail
Another factor to consider is who is going to walk up and down the staircase.
The optimal, safest,handrail system is installed on both sides of a stairway—especially if an injured or elderly individual will be using the handrail.
If only one railing is installed, then only one side of the individual has access to the railing. That same side, however, could likely be the side where that individual is weakest.
Installing a handrail on both sides of the stairs gives everyone access to an additional point of contact, regardless of which direction they’re traveling, making it easy and safer for anyone traveling up and down the stairs.
The Most Functional Stair Handrails
The answer to which side does a handrail go on is much more complex than simply choosing the left or right side.
But the main concern you should have on your mind is safety, which also means choosing a safe handrail manufacturer.
Promenaid is the best functional stair handrails designer and manufacturer. Not only will they create an elegant design feature, but they will add safety and stability to your stairway and support your friends and family no matter which way they’re headed.
Plus, they’re easy to install, whether that’s on the right or left side of the staircase—or both.
Contact the handrail experts at Promenaid today to get started on your project.
