Porch Hand Rails - Options and More

Metal or Aluminum Porch Hand Rails are Popular

Aluminum handrails are extremely popular as they not only provide safety but also are very versatile and aesthetically pleasing.

Metal porch hand rails

Typically, metal porch hand rails and safety handrail systems are made from extruded aluminum and specifically coated to ensure longevity with minimal maintenance. Unlike wood stair hand rails, aluminum porch hand rails can be easily installed making them a perfect DIY project.

Now you can ensure the safety of family members and visitors by installing them anywhere someone might fall, whether you have only two steps or twenty.

What About PVC or Vinyl Hand Rails?

Custom stair railings by The Porch Company

If you want low maintenance and durability consider PVC or vinyl hand rail systems.

They are also very popular and fairly easy to install. Most PVC railing systems have wood or metal inserts. Vinyl railings usually do not.

Most kits come with everything you need, top and bottom rails, pickets, and mounting brackets.

Often times they are pre cut to save time and for easier installation.

They advertise their kits are designed for standard sized steps (7" to 11" rise to run) and include adjustable step adapters which are used to adjust for various angles.

Custom vinyl step and porch railings by The Porch Company

Composite Hand Rails

Composites are another option you might want to consider. Composite materials last longer than wood and are maintenance free. They have the look and feel of wood, never need painting, and are resistant to fading.

Learn more about composite step and porch railings at Vintage Woodworks.

Wood

Wood square balusters make up this front porch step railings
Note: Local building codes dictate minimum spacing between pickets

Still the most popular front porch and deck hand rail system, wood can be as simple or as ornate as you would like. I've constructed several wood hand rails and can attest the trickiest part is finding the correct angle for cuts.

Once that's done, assembly is fairly easy given you can use prefabricated wooden top and bottom rails (available at home supply stores). Pickets fit into pre-cut holes making it a simple job.

Wrought Iron Hand Rails

Wrought iron railings add sophistication and unique element of design. Although there aren't too many true wrought iron railings (most are made from other metals), wrought iron does add an element of elegance to a home.

This unique material can be made into almost any design, from the very simple to the most ornate.

Outdoor Hand Rails: Do Yours Meet General Code Requirements?

Many hand rail systems, some pre-assembled, are designed to ensure these requirements are met. Choosing the right system can make building your porch hand rails easy and save you money as well.

It is imperative you check with your local building codes department to obtain the specific requirements for hand rails in your community before you build. Please do that.

Here's a list of general building codes you can use to check with your local codes department.

• Round hand rails must have a minimum width of 1 1/4 and a maximum of 2 inches in diameter. Rectangular shaped handrails must measure between 4 inches and 6.25 inches. Oblong handrails must measure no more than 2 1/4 inches across the widest part of the rail.
• Must be able to bear at least 200 pounds of weight. This applies to your entire railing system to include the stair hand rails.
• Must be at least 30 inches but not more than 37 inches to the top of the hand rail as measured from vertically from the nose(front)of the stair tread. NOTE: In Nashville, TN., the building code is a "grip able" handrail that is not less than 34 inches and not more than 38 inches.
• Stairways with four or more risers or stairs that rise more than 30 inches in height must have at least one handrail. We recommend you install hand rails no matter how many steps you have.
• A minimum of 1.5 inches is usually required between the handrail and another object like a post or wall.
• Handrails should be continuous for the full length of the stairs.
• Stair stringers must be secured at the landing.

Please check with your local building codes department to obtain specific requirements for your area.

Video: Dave Explains Why Handrails Are Important

You can purchase DIY porch hand rails here

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