I have an outdoor handicap ramp with a wooden handrail which just broke. What are your thoughts on what material to replace it with? PT wood, composite, metal?
ADA outdoor handrail material
Jun 17, 2017
7 Replies
"handicap"? You shall be shot!
Unless it was a dowel, it probably was not legal anyway. The rail has pretty specific outer diameter requirements. They really like 2" OD pipe.
This is all in the Florida code that is a direct lift from the US ADA and the ICC codes
505.7 Cross Section. Handrail gripping surfaces shall have a cross section complying with 505.7.1 or 505.7.2.505.7.1 Circular Cross Section. Handrail gripping surfaces with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of 11/4 inches (32 mm) minimum and 2 inches (51 mm) maximum.
505.7.2 Non-Circular Cross Sections. Handrail gripping surfaces with a non-circular cross section shall have a perimeter dimension of 4 inches (100 mm) minimum and 61/4 inches (160 mm) maximum, and a cross-section dimension of 21/4 inches (57 mm) maximum.
I'd use a composite. If you want to meet compliance be sure to check the specs if you have not done so as it has to be a specific size.
Taxed and Spent posted for all of us...
I feel that way already...
snipped-for-privacy@aol.com posted for all of us...
It was not a dowel but ADA compliant piece of wood.
Oren posted for all of us...
The handrail attaches to a face board that is attached to the posts.
Ed Pawlowski posted for all of us...
Thank you. I was favoring that because I am afraid of ice buildup. I will check span lengths so it will be supported properly.
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