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How to make this Stair Railing safe for kids?!

3 years ago

Hello, i need help making this stair railing safe for the kids! I feel it’s very dangerous specially from upstairs.
I need something cost efficient as i am renting this house.

Featured Answer

greg_2015

3 years ago

How old are the kids?

I'd probably leave the stair railings the way they are. Stone stairs themselves seem like a hazard with little kids. I'd be adding kiddie gates at the top and bottom to prevent them even being on those stairs unsupervised.

As far as the upstairs railings, maybe zip tying some window screening to the railing?

I can't think of anything that's cost effective, temporary AND visually appealing. :)

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Comments (13)

greg_2015
3 years ago
When you say you are renting this house, do you mean:

(1) You own the house and are renting it out to other people

(2) You are renting this house from someone and want to make a temporary change to make it safe for your kids
Dee Ya
Original Author
3 years ago
Option 2
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I think it's so a child can't fall through the space between the ceiling and the handrail. Four inches is pretty small, but then, I've seen some pretty agile little ones. There is a landing just at the top of the pic, so there isn't a lot of "rise" to work with, as a result. I think the code means add another rail at the bottom of the balusters- so there's a little space at the bottom, and the top rail is effectively lifted, rather than the balusters attached to the stairs themselves (so the top rail is lower). (so you're right, perhaps just raise it) It's a basement reno - inspectors here have passed the same design in other homes, so I think the inspectors need to do a better job educating. At any rate, I'm getting into the idea of a small newell post midway up the stairs, like the pic from the mount pleasant home near the top of this post. I'm going back down to have another look.
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Dee Ya
Original Author
3 years ago
That’s actually a very good idea. Thanks for sharing
kudzu9
3 years ago
That railing is definitely not compliant with any current building code, and I agree it's very unsafe. I think the idea of zip-tying a barrier to it is good, but I'd use something more durable than window screening (and easier to attach). One product that comes to mind is plastic deer barrier fencing, like this: https://www.amazon.com/Barrier-Protects-Shrubs-Animals-Protected/dp/B000A16T7M/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=deer+fencing&qid=1597344519&sr=8-3
mainenell
3 years ago
Even a gate at the top and bottom are going to be tough. It must be an older home. Current code says not more than 4” between balusters. I thought of zip tying snow fencing to it. Would look incredibly ugly.
krissie55
3 years ago
Here are some ideas: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/239042692704558513/
Dee Ya
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you for all the suggestions. Maybe i could make a plexiglass railing guard. But the Pinterest options are amazing as well.
kudzu9
3 years ago
Plexiglas would be nice, but are you prepared for the cost in a place you don’t own? Where I live, 1/8” thick plexiglas is about $5 a square foot, and you might want to even use 3/16” thick which would be about $7 a square foot.
millworkman
3 years ago
If you can even find it right now as all of our suppliers are out of stock. Everyone has been using an awful lot of the acrylic for the Covid Screens.
Nikki T
3 years ago
Google bannister guards, they have mesh ones that are pretty cheap. My sister had to use them and they worked great.
functionthenlook
3 years ago
This is what I used. Purchased from Amazon

Safety 1st Kids Safety Railnet for Indoor Balconies and Outdoor Decks, Extends up to 10', White
PRO
GN Builders L.L.C
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
How old are the kids? Wouldn't be easier just to teach them not to pay on the stairs? IMO they would slip and fall faster on those narrow marble treads especially at the curve than hurting themselves on the railing. That curve most likely will not meet building code.

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