Ensuring you find the correct height for a railing installation will ensure you’re creating the safest, most effective railing possible.
Railings on a flight of stairs or a ramp make it easy and comfortable for people to walk around without worrying about losing their balance. But what if the stairs aren’t at the right height? Ensuring you find the correct height for a railing installation will ensure you’re creating the safest, most effective railing possible. So, why is that important? Learn more below!
Why is Finding the Correct Height for a Railing Installation Important?
Consider the Overall Purpose of a Railing
Railings are supposed to support a person’s body weight as they walk. As such, handrails should be able to properly hold someone’s weight if they slip or lose their balance and use it to hold. It should be as easy as possible for them to grab, so finding the correct height for a railing installation is critical to its usefulness.
Consider Who Will Be Primarily Using this Railing
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) include guidelines for how high railings should be installed, so it has the maximum usefulness for those who need to use them. Take into consideration who will be using this railing most often. If it’s a ramp or stairs to a government building, most users will be full-grown adults. If you’re building stairs or a ramp to a playground, your primary users may be children. There are different regulations and rules for children’s accommodations, so do your research.
How to Measure and Install Your Railings Properly
For Decks and Other Level Areas
Finding the correct height for railing installation here is pretty straightforward, and all you need is to find out how tall the railing needs to be and get handrails that meet those standards. Hiring a professional installation company can ensure you select the right handrail type, especially for ADA compliance.
For Stairs, Slopes, Ramps, and Other Graded Surfaces
These require a few more steps to get the correct height for a railing installation but will ensure that your railing is ADA compliant and easy to use for everyone. To get the right height, you should:
- Find the nosing line by measuring from the nosing of the bottom step to the top step to create a sloped line that is parallel to the stairs.
- Determine the correct installation height depending on your stairs, slope, or ramp.
- Indoor handrails should always be installed in studs, so use a stud finder to determine where your railing supports will be.
- Outdoor railings will need some additional hardware, but you can still use the height from the nosing of the stairs as a guideline.
Have Questions? Ask Hercules Custom Iron
If you are ready to plan out your fencing project or you still have some more questions, Hercules Custom Iron is here to help. We have many years of experience and will ensure that your iron fence will serve you and your family for years. Visit us online or call us at 1-800-331-2590. For advice, updates, and to see what we are up to, be sure to follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.