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The stair banister is another decorative part of the hand rail. There
are large and small banisters, banisters are made from different types
of materials, like steel or wood. Wood is the most common used in home
building.
The building codes have changed in the last decade and the home stairway
now requires a guard rail, which is at least 42 inches in height,
measuring from the stair nosing to the top of the banister.
The stairway hand rail system also requires a gripable handrail which
should be measured from the stair nosing to the top of the gripable
handrailing. This measurement can be between 34 inches and 38 inches and
you should verify this measurement by contacting your local building
department.
Stair banisters should be made from smooth material and formed properly
to prevent snags or injury to the people running their hands along the
banister while walking up and down the stairs.
The end of a stair banister can become a safety hazard if not
constructed properly. These banisters should not protrude or stick out,
where it could catch someone's clothing or purse.
This seems to be a problem that few stair builders know about.
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