Stair rail - which side?

I'm finaly getting around to putting a rail up the stairs to the second floor I added to my home several years ago. Question is, which side is the standard for a rail? I seem to recall seeing then on either side, however for my application I think having it on the left side as you go up makes better sense.

Any rules on this?

Thanks!

Mark

Reply to
mwlogs
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No rules, but I've seen it more on the right side. Install rails on both sides for added safety.

Reply to
Phisherman

Regulations are likely to be local. You will need to contact the local authorities.

Reply to
Joseph Meehan

Both sides are better and safer too.

Reply to
hallerb

Both sides are better and safer too.

Reply to
hallerb

Handicap compliance to the ADA: "Hand railing must be securely anchored, have a smooth surface and easy to grasp, 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches in diameter Mounted between 34 and 38 inches high. Handrails projecting from a wall must have a space of 1-1/2 inches between the wall and the handrail. The railing ends rounded off, returned to the wall or terminate at the posts."

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Reply to
buffalobill

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Reply to
buffalobill

There are no standard rules. Local codes may apply.

It is suggested on the right hand side as you go down the stairs. I read that somewhere in a Government standard but can not site the source. The ADA info in another post was also a part of the post I read.

Reply to
Colbyt

In my house there is a split entry. The upper half has the rail on the left going down as it is not practical to have in on the right. The lower half has it on the right.

Reply to
Edwin Pawlowski

If you have the room, why not do both sides? Very few stairwells are full walled on both sides, so the wall-mount rail is usually same side as the banister rail. Stairwells in public buildings are almost always railed on both sides. Make the rails removable if getting furniture up and down is a problem.

aem sends...

Reply to
ameijers

Rules, as of 1999 BOCA: If the stairway is otherwise normal, and this is a single-family dwelling, not subject to special local codes or ADA requirements, then no, there is no regulation as to which side it should go on.

Opinion: From a useability standpoint, its better if you can make the stairway handrail continuous with the bannister at the top, where there is one, but traffic patterns may militate against that. The idea is that, when you're starting down the stairs, you should get to the railing before you get to the steps. (Which means that, if you can approach the stair from both sides of the upper landing, you need two railings)

--Goedjn

Reply to
Goedjn

I recommend both sides. If not, you'll have a "trail"on one side of the stairs, especially if they are carpeted.

Reply to
Andy Asberry

Thanks to all for responding. I don't think I need to go both sides at this point. The walls do go all the way from the 1st floor to the second. with the wall on the rigtht side as you go up ending as a 1/2 wall between the stairs and the room at the top. For this reason, difficult to describem I think I'm going on the left side with the rail. That puts it in our right hand as we go down, more natural for us since we are both right handed.

Reply to
mwlogs

As an older individual I need rail on right sight to help going up down is simply to stay stable ☺️Up is harder than down oh and I’m right handed

Reply to
Donna

My jungle gym. I feel safe.

Reply to
Thomas

That sounds like a nice solution. Somehow I am reminded of the old 'rope tow' when going skiing back in the day. I would want something bulky like that, stable and tight, even if it is mostly a psychological aid.

If suffering with the lasting results of a stroke, I don't think a rope would be enough though. A little play in the rope could spell disaster.

Reply to
FromTheRafters

Depending on the stair design you could have a rail on both sides.

Reply to
Ed Pawlowski

My stairs are so narrow I have to remove the rail for large furniture. Two rails would be a problem. Mine is on the left going down or right going up.

Assuming right handed and elderly (I am both) I would put the rail on the right side going up. In the morning before the joints loosen I go down the stairs backwards anyway, so I use my right hand on the rail both directions. Backing up stairs is not going to happen but backing down them is much safer anyway.

Reply to
TimR

I saw a couple elderly women exercising by walking up and down stairs of a monument over the Christmas holiday. They were using some sort of walking stick in each hand to stabilize themselves. Amazon is selling pairs of them for under $40.

Reply to
Dean Hoffman

Going down stairs backwards sounds pretty dangerous to me. You might want to try to come up with Plan B...

Reply to
Wade Garrett

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