What is the Standard Height of Stair Railing?

Stair railings are an important safety feature in any building because they help people who are going up or down stairs find their way. Not many people are aware of this but the builder and architects are required to follow a standard stair rail height while constructing stairs for a building.

What is the standard height of stair railing?

Building codes dictate the height of stair railings to ensure the safety of occupants. The National Building Code (NBC), which is a set of guidelines for building construction and safety, determines the standard height of stair railings in India.

From the nosing of the treads—also known as the edge of the stair step—to the top of the handrail, this height is measured. In India, the minimum height of a stair railing is 900 millimetres, but it can be raised to 1100 millimetres (43.31 inches) for special applications like public buildings, hospitals, and schools.

The NBC likewise determines the prerequisites for the distance across the handrail, the separating of the balusters, and the strength of the railing framework. The handrail must be able to withstand a force of at least 1.5kN/m (100 pounds per linear foot) and have a diameter of at least 32mm (1.25 inches) and a maximum of 50mm (2 inches). To prevent small children from slipping through, the handrail's balusters, or vertical posts, must be spaced at least 150 millimetres (6 inches) apart.

So, according to the National Building Code, the ideal railing height stairs in India is 900 millimetres (35.43 inches). This height can be increased up to 1100mm for special applications and is measured from the tread nosing to the top of the handrail. In order to protect occupants' safety and avoid legal action, building owners and architects must adhere to these regulations. I hope this helps you understand the standard stair rail height.