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Porches & Decks Design Dilemma

Front Steps and Porch Railing Advice

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

We have a bit of a dilemma. During a final inspection of our home, we've been advised by the inspector that according to R311.7.8 residential building code (we live in New York) handrails need to be installed on at least one side of the stairs since we have four or more risers. Because our front porch height is less than 30" off the ground the inspector said that we are not required to put a railing around the porch. The inspector also advises that the required handrails should provide graspability (he provided us some handrail profiles that can be used).

Frankly speaking, we were not planning on putting railing on the stairs/porch. We like the open feel look and feel of the stairs/porch. Any suggestions on what kind of railing we can install that would not ruin the aesthetics and make it look like an add-on? White Azek to match the columns? Black wrought iron to match the windows? Should we put a railing on just one side of the stairs or both? Should we continue to railing around the whole porch for continuity?

Thank you in advance!

Comments (6)

Seabornman
3 years ago
Whose inspector and for what purpose? Are you buying or selling the home? IMO the code section referenced is not applicable. Most building codes do not require a residence to be brought up to new code. There are exceptions, like smoke alarms, swimming pool fences and the like. The code that shows those requirements is the Property Maintenance Code. This is all assuming your state has adopted all of the family if International Building Codes.
This is from that code: note that more than four risers is five, therefore you are exempt.
houssaon
3 years ago
I would do a plain metal railing.
Aspen Metals Exterior Metal Railing · More Info

Sasser Construction LC Farmhouse Smithfield Virginia · More Info
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R D
Original Author
3 years ago
@Seabornman thank you for your comments. This inspection was for a major renovation of our home. The wrap around porch and stairs are new. The inspector cited R311.7.8 which reads "Handrails shall be provided on not less than one side of each flight of stairs with four or more risers.", so I think we might not be exempt.

@houssaon thank you for the suggestion. The black rail is definitely a consideration.
ptreckel
3 years ago
As houssaon shows, a simple railing on the left side of your steps. It will be unobtrusive and, with your plantings, nearly invisible. Older visitors will appreciate its presence. Trust me!
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
Simple black
R D
Original Author
3 years ago
A simple back railing is what we’re hoping for but the inspector said that the required handrails shall be of one of the following types or provide equivalent graspability.

1.Type I. Handrails with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of not less than 11/4 inches (32 mm) and not greater than 2 inches (51 mm). If the handrail is not circular, it shall have a perimeter of not less than 4 inches (102 mm) and not greater than 61/4 inches (160 mm) and a cross section of not more than 21/4 inches (57 mm). Edges shall have a radius of not less than 0.01 inch (0.25 mm).

2.Type II. Handrails with a perimeter greater than 61/4 inches (160 mm) shall have a graspable finger recess area on both sides of the profile. The finger recess shall begin within 3/4 inch (19 mm) measured vertically from the tallest portion of the profile and have a depth of not less than 5/16 inch (8 mm) within 7/8 inch (22 mm) below the widest portion of the profile. This required depth shall continue for not less than 3/8 inch (10 mm) to a level that is not less than 13/4 inches (45 mm) below the tallest portion of the profile. The width of the handrail above the recess shall be not less than 11/4 inches (32 mm) and not more than 23/4 inches (70 mm). Edges shall have a radius of not less than 0.01 inch (0.25 mm).

He also provided the picture below. I’m now wondering if a simple black railing meets the above requirements for “graspability”.

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