How to Measure the Railing Height of Stairs
This easy task shouldn’t measure your patience
- Measuring tape
- Laser level
- Tape
- Calculator
- Pencil and paper
Measuring your stairs’ railing height sounds easy enough, but you may need to take more steps than you think. Everything should be checked twice and measured at multiple points, so while it isn’t a difficult job, it can take a bit of focus. This guide will walk you through how to collect all the necessary measurements (and some tips to help save time).
Clean the Stairs
Carpet or wood—doesn’t matter. You need to clean your stairs. This is often overlooked, but the last thing you want to deal with is injury or improper measurements, so make sure your workspace is clean and free of any obstructions.
Ensure Everything Is Level
Photo: Julia Klueva / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesUse a laser level to check your stairs and existing railing (if you have one). This is a good time to check up on your stairwell, making sure there are no sagging stairs or water damage that causes warping in the wood. If you have a railing, check the level to make sure it’s consistent. In most homes, this will be a stable 30-degree to 45-degree angle the whole way up.
Use Tape to Secure Your Measuring Tape
This is a great way to limit frustration. Instead of trying to latch your measuring tape against the lip of the bottom stair, just tape it in place. Walk up the stairs with your measuring tape and write down the measurement. Repeat the process, going back down for your secondary measurement.
Measure the Length of the Stairwell
When measuring the length of the stairwell, you’ll be measuring what’s called the nosing line. This is a measurement done from the lip of the top step to the floor below the bottom step. Consider laying a length of tape along this entire measurement—it’ll make measuring from any point on the nosing line much easier.
Measure the Height From the Nosing Line
From any point of the nosing line, measure from that point upwards. There are guidelines for how high your railing should be, with most residential railings falling between 34 inches and 38 inches high. Remember that you need to measure to the top surface of your handrail, not the bottom.
Consider Your Railing Length
Photo: MR.WUTTISAK PROMCHOO / Moment / Getty ImagesYour railing length is always going to be at least as long as your nosing. Many homeowners extend the railing slightly beyond this line to allow you to raise yourself above the last step or lower yourself further when descending. Note that while commercial spaces require a horizontal extension for safety and compliance, this isn’t a requirement in residential spaces.
Your railing length is always going to be at least as long as your nosing. Many homeowners extend the railing slightly beyond this line to allow you to raise yourself above the last step or lower yourself further when descending. Note that while commercial spaces require a horizontal extension for safety and compliance, this isn’t a requirement in residential spaces.
Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring the Railing Height of Stairs
Houses shift over time, and things can change—even stairs. Measuring multiple times and measuring correctly are a necessity. Avoid the following mistakes when measuring:
Not double-checking measurements: Everything should be checked twice. Mistakes happen.
Not checking levels: Every surface needs to be checked with a laser level (or bubble level) to ensure consistency.
Ignoring building and safety codes: You need to check and make sure your railing is compliant.
Measuring from one point: You need to collect measurements from at least 3 spots along the stairwell.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Most DIYers can measure the railing height on their stairs without the help of a pro. It’s a simple and low-cost project. However, you should hire a local stair pro to repair, replace, or install a handrail. If you’re doing any of these tasks, a pro would come and take accurate measurements for you, saving you the trouble of DIY measuring.
The most comfortable height depends on you and your household, but most railings are between 32 inches and 40 inches. To be more granular, disability requirements require railing heights to be between 34 inches and 38 inches high. For this reason—and to remain compliant—many people find these heights perfectly acceptable and stay within these ranges.
The best way to ensure safe stairs is to make sure they’re clean and in good condition. If you want to increase their safety, make sure your railings are in good condition, and if your stairs are wood, make sure the material is taken care of. Many people find carpeted stairs much safer due to the reduced chance of slipping, which we agree with.
Wood and metal are the two most common materials used. Breaking it down further, homeowners tend to use a slightly higher grade of wood than they might elsewhere—it isn’t uncommon to see maple, mahogany, redwood, and other luxury woods used. Metal tends to be aluminum or steel due to the fact that you don’t need very protective metal, as the material isn’t being subjected to any weather.
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