My wife has bad knees and asked me to install bannisters (handrails) going down the stairs to her washroom in the basement. She is a short person and I'd like to install them at the best height for her. I read where the standard height is 34 inches. However when I make canes, I measure the individual for proper cane height. Does anyone have any advice before I do this job? Do they always go on the right side?

 

I got lucky and found the old handrails in a basement storage area. Then located the old covered over holes where it used to be. If there is a better place for them, I'd like to know.

 

Thanks

Ron, I am not a professional, but normally, I think there is a standard about the height of cabinet tops.  But, you are doing a custom job and I think you are right to place it at the level that is beneficial and comfortable for your wife.  The next occupant can move the handrails up or down to suit them or remove them completely.  My 2 cents.

Edited August 3, 20197 yr by FlGatorwood

Ron,

There is a standard height, but think of it this way. Who's going to know.

Besides that I've seen them installed at different heights to accommodate the handicapped/disabled.

I've also seen them installed both sides of stairwells.

Ron,

 

Considering why you're installing them I'd see what the best height is for your wife. I would also, based on my experience having had both replaced, consider both sides of the stairs. I did this when we built our house and never regretted it.

 

 

+1 for everything said so far.  All I have to add is to put them on both sides if that is what she would prefer also.  Safety for her and you wins over standards here.

In my county, handrail height is to be no more than 38" and no less than 34" from tread nosing or finish surface.  I installed a rail last year for a home which did not pass the occupancy requirement.  The housing inspector wanted me to install the railing at 36".  Danl

Ron, there is code - and then there is what is practical and needed for your individual situation.

There seem to be different specs for handrails, whether they are interior or exterior; open stairs or against walls.  Also, minimums for size of handrail and width of open stairway with one or two handrails.

 

https://www.ehow.com/facts_7497504_standard-measurements-interior-stairway-railings.html

 

It is your house and y'all's needs that are being met by the handrail.  Place it accordingly.

30 minutes ago, Cal said:

 

As Cal said there is code, and then what is practical. If it's not being inspected do what is comfortable for your wife. We use rosettes screwed to the studs, bracket then gets screwed to the rosette. I highly suggest putting returns on the ends, so she or you don't hook your shirt or clothes basket on the ends, (that is code where I live) and a good one.

What I did on a outside set of stairs was to put one rail at the required height and another lower for kids that had trouble reaching the normal height one.   

 Where practical I prefer railings on both sides, it is a great help when you are older or had surgery for hip replacements.   Roly

 When I asked my wife which side she wanted it on, she gave me an answer that I hadn't even thought about. 

"It depends on which way you are going......up or down"

10 minutes ago, Ron Altier said:

 When I asked my wife which side she wanted it on, she gave me an answer that I hadn't even thought about. 

"It depends on which way you are going......up or down"

Ron,

Now it's your turn to ask her "Which sides up, and which sides down.

1 hour ago, Ron Altier said:

When I asked my wife which side she wanted it on, she gave me an answer that I hadn't even thought about. 

"It depends on which way you are going......up or down"

That reminds me of the old joke about How many sides does a tree have?  Two, inside and outside.

This may be another option.

 

https://www.discountmobilityplus.com/legacy-ii-stair-lift-indoor-chair-lift-with-lifetime-limited-warranty-new/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwp5_qBRDBARIsANxdcilog3U8B5FAEIim7yreoX9i5QeAwHMIcIuGZM6-uL36BdUpByHSzgEaAibOEALw_wcB

 

 

please consider placing support at more frequent intervals and using only solid brass instead of the cheaper pot metal.

On 8/8/2019 at 12:31 AM, p_toad said:

placing support at more frequent intervals

Good idea, you really want this to provide solid support to prevent failure in case the rail really takes a load from someone falling.