Your stairs and balustrade are made up of numerous parts, including stair treads, spindles, newel posts and of course, handrails. Handrails are traditional elements that most of us are familiar with. But are they a legal requirement within staircase design?
Keep reading to find out whether you legally need to install a handrail on your property and advice on how to do it yourself, straight from the specialists here at Stair Crazy.
What are handrails and why are these stair parts important?
Running parallel alongside your staircase at arm level, your staircase handrail is a long solid piece of material usually made from woods like oak or metal. These installations have two purposes:
1. Safety
First and foremost, handrail stair parts are an important safety component that supports people using the stairs. Individuals simply grip the supporting rail to steady themselves whilst moving upwards or downwards and prevent falls or trips on staircases.
Handrails can either be installed on your walls or as part of a balustrade or guarding - a structure designed to prevent falls down the edges of flights of stairs. Within this frame, handrails sit above your staircase spindles, supported by the newel posts that make up part of the bannister.
2. Decoration
In addition to safety, handrails also have an aesthetic purpose and are often decorative stair parts that enhance interior decor. Depending on their style preferences, those looking to spruce up their staircase can choose modern cubed designs made from rustic oak, characterised by beautiful natural grains.
Or, more decorative and intricate styles are available for those eager to create an eye-catching display, such as classic grooved designs with unique detailing.
Are handrails a legal requirement?
Is it a legal requirement to have a handrail on stairs? UK law dictates that building regulations made under the Building Act 1984 must be adhered to, or you could face legal and financial penalties.
If you're planning a new staircase project, you should be aware of statutory guidance regarding stair handrail specifications, which are laid out within the UK's building regulations.
The principles that must be adhered to involving these staircase parts are found in Approved Document K - Protection from falling, collision and impact. We've laid them out clearly below:
Domestic properties, including rental houses
According to staircase building regulations, a domestic staircase within a property, including for loft conversions and space saver stairs, must feature handrails by law. Building regulations state the following:
- The staircase handrail height must be 900mm to 1000mm from the pitch line - the line that connects the edges of each tread.
- The handrail can be part of a guarding rail or bannister if it matches the height requirements above.
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A handrail must be installed on both sides of the steps if the minimum staircase width is 1000mm or wider.
Blocks of flats
Staircase regulations in the UK apply to communal flats too.
If you own a residential space, such as a block of flats or apartments, you must ensure that continuous handrails are installed as shown in the diagram below.
These stair parts must be fitted on each side of the flights of stairs and in the landing areas.
Commercial or public buildings
Just like domestic properties, public stairs and ramps are also legally required to follow the same building regulations outlined in Approved Document K.
These premises must also conform to the requirements laid out in Approved Document M (Access to and use of buildings), which requires handrails on both sides of stairs and ramps to ensure accessibility for disabled users, with handrails extending beyond the top and bottom of the flight for extra safety.
For workplaces like offices, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 further instructs 'suitable and sufficient handrails' on all staircases used as traffic routes.
How to install my wall-mounted handrail?
As we've established, handrails are a legal requirement for homes under UK building regulations, so you need to install one if you haven't already.
Fitting a wall-mounted handrail securely at the side of the stairs is fairly simple - by following our easy step-by-step guide, you should be able to install your handrail using the fixings it came with.
You'll need:
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A metal tape measure
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Spirit level
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Pencil
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Scissors and string
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Low-tack tape
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Magnetic stud finder
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Drill
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Screwdriver or screwdriver drill bit
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Handrail (complete with brackets and fixings)
Method:
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Measure the position for your brackets to be installed
To install your handrail, start from the corner of your first tread and measure anywhere between 900mm and 1000mm upwards from the pitch line using a metal tape measure. Mark this position on the wall with tape, and use a spirit level to ensure it's perfectly parallel. Repeat this process for the tread at the top of your stairs.
Then, cut a piece of string slightly longer than your handrail - this will be a guide for where your handrail will be positioned. Stick it in place between the two pencil markings using tape - again, use your spirit level to ensure it's straight.
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Measure the height of your handrail
You'll use this dimension to find where your brackets will be installed. For example, if your bracket is 1 inch high, you'll be looking to install the bracket 1 inch below the string line. -
Find your stud locations
If you're installing on a stud wall, you'll want to screw your brackets into the studs. You can find them using a magnetic stud finder, and the number of studs required will depend on how many brackets you have. If it's a solid brick wall, you don't need to do this.
No matter the material of your wall, ensure you check for wires and pipes using a digital detector during this step to prevent punctures and damage when drilling.
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Screw on the brackets
Take your first bracket and line it up with the initial marking you made earlier, then dot where your first pilot hole will be using a pencil. Next, it's time to drill and insert the screw to hold the bracket in place.
Note - only drill one hole per bracket to start with, as we need the bracket to swivel to ensure our handrail is in the most desirable position.
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Mount your handrail
Position your handrail over the brackets, ensuring it covers each stair corner. Next, use your brackets to mark the drill holes on the underside of your handrail - this is where you will firmly attach it to your brackets.
Now, lay the handrail on a flat surface with the marked side facing upwards, preferably on a workbench and drill the marked holes into the rail.
Once drilled, line the handrail along the wall brackets and screw it into place. Here, you should then drill and screw the missing bracket holes that you left earlier so it is firmly secured to the wall and can't be moved. Then, your installation should be complete!
Seek professional installation instead
Want to ensure your stair handrail is correctly fitted and is safe for use? A qualified builder, carpenter or joiner will have a thorough understanding of building code and will strictly adhere to stair regulations when installing your handrail.
Why choose Stair Crazy?
If you're looking for a beautiful new oak handrail or anything from new treads and spindles, we have you covered. Our stair parts shop provides high-quality products at a reasonable price, as well as prompt delivery, so no project remains unfinished for long.
Our helpful staff offer an excellent service and are on hand to answer any questions you may have about our stunning range of oak stair parts. So, get in touch today!