How High Should You Hang a Stair Rail?

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- Stair rails offer safety when hung at the proper height.
Follow Established Guidelines
- Stair handrails serve a safety function and proper installation is necessary to provide the optimum benefit. Install the rail 30 to 34 inches along the angle or rake of the stairs. Leave at least a 1 1/2 inches of clearance between the rail and the wall so that hands and fingers can easily grasp the rail.
Codes Differ by City, County and State
- Check with the building codes and inspection division of your county to determine exact codes for your area as they can vary. According to Westfire Inc. a stair rail should not be lower than 34 inches or higher than 38 inches, measuring from the nose of the stair tread to the top of the handrail.
Bottom Line
- A handrail should be hung between 30 and 38 inches high. Consult your county building codes and position the rail within the guidelines.

Photo Credit stairwell image by Larry Roberg from Fotolia.com

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How High Should You Hang a Stair Rail?

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Follow Established Guidelines

Codes Differ by City, County and State

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