Do you know what the height of a stair railing should be? If you want to renovate, replace, or add a railing to a staircase in your home, it’s essential to know the regulations of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec. For safety when using the stairs and to ensure the railing’s compliance, discover our complete guide on the subject. Our wood flooring and staircase specialists are happy to share their knowledge with you.
Why is it important to know the height of a stair railing?
Stairs, whether interior or exterior, are high-traffic areas. You use them daily; therefore, it’s crucial that they are as safe as possible. Beyond compliance and safety, this information is useful for private homeowners who wish to renovate their stair railing. Whether you want to give it a new look or replace it, it’s essential to inform yourself about the regulatory height.
The RBQ regulations for railing height
First, it’s good to know that when you renovate your staircase, the difference in railing materials has no influence on the height. The regulations are the same for wood, glass, aluminum, or other railing materials. The RBQ is clear about passive protection elements like stair railings. Here are the construction standards to follow for installing a compliant stair railing.
What is the height of an interior stair railing?
It is mandatory to install a railing for any interior staircase project with more than two risers. Regarding the standards, here are the most important elements to keep in mind:
- The space between the top of the interior handrails and the tip of the stair nosing is 36 inches in height.
- A minimum distance of one and a half inches separates it from the wall when you install it on the side of the staircase that touches the wall.
What is the height of an exterior stair railing?
If you’re wondering about the height of exterior stair railings, you’ll need to check with your municipality. There is no “fixed standard,” as it varies from city to city. We recommend contacting your local urban planning department to learn about the standards and comply with the current code. However, here’s what the average regulation in Quebec looks like:
- For staircases with more than 3 risers, your municipality might require the installation of a handrail, which, like a guardrail, protects against falls and guides people with reduced mobility by providing support.
- The exterior railing should be installed at an ideal height, generally around 35 or 36 inches.
Why use a professional service for your stair railing work?
Knowing the height of a residential stair railing is good, but you still need to know how to do your railing work. Even if you’re a DIY enthusiast, we recommend calling on a staircase expert to repair, renovate, or finish your stair railing.
Artisan du Plancher supports you
Don’t hesitate to contact Artisan du Plancher. Our team specializes in floor, staircase, and railing renovation for many years. We will help you comply with new requirements and current standards and make your stair movements safe while preserving the aesthetics and finish of your railing.
