Do you need a handrail on stairs NZ?

NZ building regulations relate to the height, depth and pitch of the stairs, along with the safety barriers (balustrades) and handrails, which are compulsory on all stairs in NZ.

Which side should handrail be on stairs?

Standard building codes do not state a requirement for what side a handrail should be placed for residential structures. The handrail can be on either side of the stairs as long as it continuously runs the entire length of the stairs.

What height is handrail in NZ?

between 900 and 1000mm
Handrails must be ‘positioned between 900 and 1000mm above the pitchline’.

Do I need a handrail NZ?

Answer- Yes, in most cases for residential you are required to have one handrail on a chosen side from bottom toe to top toe. Commercial in most cases they are classed as ”accessible” which stipulates continuous handrails both sides with a 300mm horizontal extension to the rail at the start and end of all rails.

How many steps before you need a handrail?

Building Codes The building code does not refer to the number of “steps” but it does require a handrail when there are two or more “risers”. For clarification, a “riser” is the vertical portion of a stair. The “tread” is the top of a step. A two riser minimum would translate to two steps.

Are handrails a legal requirement?

Handrails are mandatory. Stairs should have a handrail on at least one side if they are less than one metre wide, and on both sides if wider than this. Handrails should be placed between 900mm and 1000mm above the highest point on the staircase steps.

What is the difference between a handrail and a banister?

The banister consists of many vertical columns or solid parts located on the sides of the stairs. The banister under the stairs is located under the handrails, and its main purpose is to prevent people from falling from the sides of the stairs or ramps for safety reasons.

How tall should a handrail be on steps?

Handrail Height: 34 to 38 Inches Handrail height on the stairs should be no less than 34 inches and no greater than 38 inches. The way this is measured is to begin at the leading edge of the stair nosing and run an imaginary vertical line upward until it reaches the top of the railing.

How many steps before you need a railing?

Do I need handrails on both sides of stairs?

Handrails are required on both sides of stairs and ramps. They are placed between 34 inches and 38 inches above the leading edge of a stair tread, the ramp surface, or the walking surface. Where children are the primary users of a facility, the ADA recommends a second handrail for children.

Is it illegal to not have a handrail on stairs?

How do I choose a handrail?

LENGTH: To get a general idea of how much handrail you need, count the number of steps on your stairway and multiply by 13”. Don’t forget to add any extra length that may be needed at the top or bottom of your stairway.

What is the difference between a handrail and a stair rail?

And that’s why people are choosing them to protect family members such as seniors who face threats from falling. A stair railing, on the other hand, is mostly to prevent people from falling off the side of the stairs. They aren’t asked to do much more – and they don’t.

Do you need a handrail on both sides of stairs?

What are the different types of handrails?

There are two main types of handrail used in the construction and home improvement industries: grab rail and guard rail. Grab rail is what it sounds like: the handrail that you use to support yourself when traveling up or down a staircase.

What’s the height of a handrail?

ADA Height Requirements The current ADA standards dictate that the top of Handrails gripping surfaces shall be 34 inches minimum and 38 inches maximum measured vertically above walking surfaces, stair nosings, and ramp surfaces with a greater than a 1:20 slope.

Can you help with the handrails and accessories for my staircase?

We can advise on and supply the handrails and accessories that add the perfect finishing touch to your staircase. Please see our Handrails Technical Data Sheet to view our wide range of elegant to modern handrails and associated support brackets. If what you are looking for is not shown, please contact us to discuss your ideas.

What is the best type of handrail for a stairway?

Wall rails are an excellent choice for interior stairways where balusters aren’t necessary. This rail usually comes with the end caps already attached for easy installation. Aluminum handrails are an option in more modern homes and commercial installations. The powder-coated finish is long-lasting and requires less maintenance than wood railings.

What size handrail do I need for my project?

Lastly, regulations state that a handrail should be of a width that is graspable. This means that the average adult should be able to comfortably place their hand on the rail and close their fingers around to steady themselves. Our range of handrails are available for new building projects and can be viewed here.

What is the difference between a balustrade and a handrail?

A balustrade can be found lining many staircases and balconies. It is the row of small columns topped by a rail. A handrail on the other hand, is a rail designed to be grasped by the hand to provide stability or support. They are commonly used while ascending or descending stairways to prevent falls.