Adding banister to existing exterior stairs

3 years ago

I'm wondering if anyone can tell me about installing a banister on a set of existing stairs in California. My in-laws home was built 1946 and I'm fairly certain the stairs not to code; they are extremely elderly and use these stairs daily to enter/exit their home and we want to install a new banister. As can be seen in the photo, the stairs are only as wide as the walkway. My question is: do we need to demolish and rebuild the existing stairs to install a banister or can a banister be installed as the stairs exist now? It would obviously be best if we could extend the width of the stairs to more closely align to the width of the landing but I know my in-laws: they won't want to relocate that cute little shrub on the left (insert eye roll here) and they also won't want the width to no longer align with the width of the walkway. Finally, there is a downspout located to the left of the landing that has the potential to create damage from runoff but I suspect my in-laws will be have passed before that becomes an issue. Thanks for any answers!!!

Do we need to demolish and rebuild these stairs or can we just install a banister?

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Comments (6)

mary_montesa
Original Author
3 years ago
I agree it makes sense to widen but I just don't think it's feasible. We can't expand right because of the low brick wall, expanding left is the best option but we run into the issue of the downspout and moving plants. Finally, my husband wants to do this as a gift to his parents but I'm currently unemployed and the expense of demolishing, rebuilding and pouring a new walkway is not something we can afford to take on... and we can't do it ourselves since we live in opposite ends of the state.
mary_montesa
Original Author
3 years ago
Yes, it's been that way since the house was built. Our concern is for their safety... they are terribly unsteady going up and down and it is truly frightening to watch. I have no issue installing a banister of some sort for them - since they won't do it themselves - if that can be done without needing to rebuild the stairs to code. I appreciate your advice! :-)
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Seabornman
3 years ago
it's concrete. You can have a rail fabricated and bolted to the concrete or grouted into holes drilled into the concrete.
mary_montesa thanked Seabornman
Stax
3 years ago
BTW, how much money is it worth to you to make repairs to prevent your parents injuring themselves?

Or worse!
Lyndee Lee
3 years ago
We found a custom ironworker locally who has made several hand railings for one of our friends. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the cost was very reasonable and the length and angle were spot on, unlike a flimsy premade sectional railing. Plus the guy was very helpful with installation instructions. Finding the right person may require some effort, but they are out there.
I would suggest a railing mounted beside the door, running alongside the porch and then turn and angle down alongside the steps. That shape has the added benefit of being easier to install
mary_montesa thanked Lyndee Lee
mary_montesa
Original Author
3 years ago
Stax, if I was working, I would have ZERO issues paying to redesign and install all necessary precautions. However, I am unemployed and have been since April, along with 5,000,000 other Californians... I am concerned about keeping my OWN home. If they had allowed this 2 years ago, it wouldn't be an issue now but they felt it was unneeded... well, now it IS needed, but they will still be opposed. I simply asked if anyone happened to know if we could install without needing to rebuild... I appreciate your consideration in responding, I have taken your suggestion into consideration but I know my in-laws and what their opinions will be. If you can offer nothing more constructive than berating me for my concern for MY financial situation, I offer you the option to not respond.

To Seabornman and Lyndee Lee, thank you. We will need to contact a fabricator and see what he has to say. I appreciate everyone's time.

Adding banister to existing exterior stairs

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mary_montesa
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Adding banister to existing exterior stairs

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