When do deck stairs need a gripable handrail?

Posted 9 December 2011 8:24 PM by cfox@ufpi.com

You need to install a gripable / graspable handrail on one side of the deck stairs when you have four or moresteps / treads or when your deck is elevated more than 30 inches off the ground. (R311.7 2009 IRC book)

Gripable / graspable secondary handrails are required by more and more building codes / deck codes in areas across the country, so please refer to your local building code.

Deckorators features an attractive secondary handrail system in its deck railing products lineup.

A cap rail is NOT considered a secondary handrail.

Deckorators tropical hardwood cap rail is not considered a gripable handrail. Deckorators cap rail is an add-on accessory piece installed on the horizontal top portion of the Deckorators aluminum deck railing.