[TheForge] railing in country home

[Cindy and James]

Jonathan,

Regardless of the style, etc. be sure your finished project adheres to 
the current building code for the applicable locale, city, etc. Failure 
to do so could cause you problems later. Generally, this is referred to 
as the "4 inch rule" or "baby-head rule" but that can vary depending on 
location, it might be less and also covers the tread space at the bottom 
of each step (there is a name for that but I can't recall what it is) 
which may be 6". I recently had a client who wanted a railing in a 
building but they did not want side panels, just the top rail (the bldg 
was built in the late 1800's). Our jurisdiction uses the 1993 or 94 
code, which is 4" w/ 6" allowable at the bottom. A copy will normally be 
available from the inspector, the local library or local bookstores, but 
be sure you know which one is applicable as a new one is published every 
year. I have been "told" that one can obtain permission from the local 
building code dept, inspector, whatever, for "allowances or exceptions" 
to the code. Anything like that, in my opinion would need to be in 
writing and signed by a LOT of people in power... rules and thought 
processes in government can change and change quickly.

There are also considerations which may or may not apply such as: 
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The Americans with Disabilities 
Act adopted by Congress in 1992 required handrails to be 11?4" minimum 
and 11?2" maximum. However, the ADAAG Manual— July 1998, published by US 
Architecture and Transportation Barriers Compliance Accessibility 
Guidelines, has now clarified the intent of the dimensional requirements 
to be 11?4" minimum to a nominal 2" maximum. It is important to note 
that Section 4.26.2 Size and Spacing of Grab Bars and Handrails of the 
ADAAG Manual states in part, “Standard IPS pipe designated by 11?4" to 
11?2" is acceptable.” ADAAG also allows handrails which provide an 
equivalent gripping surface. ANSI117.1-98 defines this alternative: 
equivalent gripping surfaces are permitted provided they have a 
perimeter dimension of 4" (100mm) minimum and 61?4" (16mm) maximum and 
provided their largest cross-section dimension is 21?4" (57mm) maximum.

Yes, Ries is correct, Dover is a wonderful source. My designer uses them 
daily and we have an extensive collection of their books. Plus, the King 
Arch. Co. publishes the Koenig Eisen design elements book which is 
either free or nominal in cost. Julius Blum offers catalogs, downloads, 
drawings, etc. free.

I am a rank beginner in this business... having only built 2 stair rail 
projects, both by hand. There is LOTS to learn and so far I have done 
most of my learning the HARD WAY! For me, the hard part is the design, 
get the steel hot enough and it will bend the way you want it!

My 2 cents.

James Allcorn
Paris, TX