This is one area I chose to use the standard materials. Because the codes are so specific its hard to deviate too much from the standard setup. In my area, the railing also had to "return" to the wall on both ends. I painted mine to match the trim.

Yes, many codes specify minimum and maximum dimensions for handrail. The spread between the two is small. The result is little room for innovation.

I guess I've never thought about it before, but we have a couple of sections of wall rail that 'return' to the wall. I didn't know it was a code compliance issue. Does anyone know the intention of this code?

Thanks,
Bill

Handrails that do not return to the wall present the potential to catch on the cuff of a long sleeve. The end of the rail could go inside the sleeve. Body momentum with a trapped arm could cause one to fall down the stairs. This is my guess about the requirement. It happened to me, no significant injury.

what if there is no wall at one end...like at the bottom of basement stairs?

then you install a post at the bottom of the stairs

Codes vary greatly by area. You need to find YOUR code for your area. Ours specified nothing about return to the wall. You just had to have one. Period.