529
Appendix B
© 2009, AWI, AWMAC, WI - Architectural Woodwork Standards - 1st Edition, October 1, 2009
(Appendix B is not part of the AWS for compliance purposes)7 - Stairwork and Rails
HANDRAILS - Stair handrails should be mounted in such a
m a nn e r t h at t h e to p of t h e h a n dr ai l b e n o l e s s t h a n 3 4” (8 6 4 m m)
and no more than 38” (965 mm) above tread and landing noses.
Stairways wider than 44” (1118 mm) should include a handrail
on both sides of the stair. Handrails should clear walls and other
o b s t r u c t i o n s b y n o l e s s t h a n 1 -1/ 2 ” (3 8 m m) t o a l l o w f o r a d e q u a t e
finger clearance, but should not project more than about 4-1/2”
(115 mm). Consult all codes and requirements.
Rail HeightL E V E L B A L U S T R A D E - B a l u s t r a d e a t b a l c o n i e s o r l a n d i n g s m u s t
be at least 36” (915 mm) above the finish floor for most residential
applications and at least 42” (1067 mm) above the finish floor for
most commercial applications. Some jurisdictions require the use
of a guardrail in addition to the handrail on the stair.
(32-38 mm)1-1/4 - 1-1/2"(38 mm)1-1/2"(38 mm)1-1/2"(32-38 mm)1-1/4 - 1-1/2"(455 mm)18"(38 mm)1-1/2"(32-38 mm)1-1/4 - 1-1/2"(32-38 mm)1-1/4 - 1-1/2"(38 mm)1-1/2"(38 mm)1-1/2"C U R V E D / C I R C U L A R S TA I R S - I n m o s t r e g i o n a l c o d e s , a c i r c u l a r
stair must have an inside radius that is no less than twice the
width of the stair. Most books also specify a minimum tread run
of 6” (152 mm) at the most restrictive point, but this is not always
practical or possible Curved stairways with tighter radii and more
limited tread run are usually allowed under stair codes. As a
guide, the required tread run should be no less than 10” (254
mm) , measured at a point 12”-18” (305-457 mm) from the most
restrictive (narrow) side of the stair.Rail
Measurement
18"
457 mm
Please consult with the local building department before
committing a stair space to design details and project
documents.B