Stair Railing Question/opinions

PA woodbutcher

Just finished this deck thursday and met with the inspector friday morning. He liked everything but the stair rails, because they didn't cover the bottom tread. The way my code book reads I don't even need railings under 4 risers so why should they give a sh!t about the bottom tread. He couldn't find anything else wrong as it cleaned up pretty good all the way around, kept the underside framing tight with all fasteners in place, doubled rim joists and triple 2x10 header down middle. Deck looks bigger than it is it's only a 12x15 1/2. Sorry for the mess underneath, hadn't cleaned my mess yet. Not sure if he has a legitimate b!tch or just bustin my balls trying to let me know who the boss is....opinion or answers?

Iguess if I need something I could use something like an oversized lambs tongue if anyone knows where I could get one

Thanks,
Bryan

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Tom R

Hate to say it, - - but I'd have to agree with the inspector on this one. Just my opinion, though. I don't even understand why you did it that way, to tell the truth. I'm not sure of the exact wording on the code, - - but basically if a railing is required over a set of steps, - - they want it over that 'whole' set of steps. Let's face it, - - the railing is there for both convenience and safety, - - and when they use the word 'grippable', - - they also mean 'grabbable'. You're railing is out of reach for someone going up the steps. Not to mention it just looks a lot better if it ends on the same vertical plane as the steps . . .

mickeyco

Here's IRC 2003, it's about the same for most codes in place.

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BuiltByMAC

Tom, I'm betting woodbutcher put the bottom posts on the next to last step because there's a whole lot more wood in the stringer that he can bolt the posts to. I put my posts in the same spot but run my cap rail and graspable handrail long over the bottom step.

WB, The inspector "might" be busting your balls if you have had conflicts before but code out here also reads "rail must extend beyond the nose of the first tread" so at least he's not making s* up.

What's a "lamb's tongue?"

Mac

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Tom R

Yeah, - - you're probably right, - - guess I was more wondering if it had to do with saving on section lengths . . .


P.S. Nice work, there . . .

PA woodbutcher

Yeah I was looking for the bite on the riser. First time I used the vinyl rail and found it's not near as forgivng as wood, as I could have swung my railing over top or alongside. No end cap available for the vinyl either. Never had problems with the inspectoer as it's the first time I've had to deal with him.

A "lambs tongue" is the decorative end that you see on a lot of wrought iron railings. I have been looking around here local and there isn't much available. Probably have to have a grippable rail made....no biggie I guess. Thanks for the code reading Mickey. All I have if the little truck version.

I wasn't looking to save the rail length as I had to cut that one off....live and learn everyday

Thanks guys

nywoodwizard

Looks nice but why are those two post on the landing so high? I always end my post on the last step,i mostly install pvc railings so my last post goes thru the last step cemented into the ground,that post seams to take a beating from people pulling on it,so i make sure its strong.I see most of you guys install your railing post on the outside,i never do,i don't like the way it looks.i install them inside the stringers,just the way your deck and landing are,looks more uniform.Not only can they be secured to the stringer but the riser as well.This picture is typicaly the way i install all my post decks or stoops

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RobertCDF

Around here I need to have the "graspable" handrail type I or type II extend beyond the top tread and the bottom tread. I usually make my own out of whatever the deck is. I router finger grooves on both sides and sand and router all the other edges. Add some blocks to get 1 1/2" away from the posts and it passes every time.

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Colorado Springs Custom Decks
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mickeyco

That's exactly right, for all versions of the IRC and even the older CABO, you need a graspable handrail that extends beyond the top tread and the bottom threads, and the only way to achieve without having the newel posts beyond both points is an independent handrail. I think some jurisdictions just don't enforce it. I know that all the ones pictured in this post wouldn't pass out here, although they usually left it slide on rear decks or historical restorations but not on a new front porch.

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