Stairway to Heaven (or at Least the Balcony): How Many Steps Need a Handrail in Ontario?
Living in Ontario, the land of a million (okay, maybe slightly less) staircases, you might be wondering: when does a staircase become so fancy it needs a handrail?
Fear not, intrepid stair-climber! The answer, like a well-made handrail, is there to support you. But unlike a wobbly porch railing inherited from Uncle Doug (bless his heart), the answer is actually pretty clear-cut.
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| How Many Steps Require A Handrail Ontario |
The Great Handrail Divide: Three Steps and Beyond
According to the wise folks at the Ontario Building Code (OBC, for short, because nobody wants to say the whole thing every time), the magic number for mandatory handrails is three.
Yes, that's right. If your staircase has three or fewer risers (the vertical bits you step on), you can skip the handrail. Imagine the possibilities! Rollerblading down the stairs? Acrobatic descents in your bathrobe? (We don't recommend either, but hey, it's your house!)
QuickTip: Pause when something clicks.
But hold on to your banisters, thrill-seekers! If your staircase boasts more than three risers, the OBC says it's time to get railing real. At least one handrail is required on staircases with four or more risers. This is for your safety, of course. Imagine your poor ankles after a tumble down a grand staircase – not a pretty picture (and probably an expensive chiropractor bill).
Bonus Round: Wide Steps and Dwelling Dilemmas
There are a couple of other wrinkles in the handrail regulations, but don't worry, we won't get too bogged down. Here's the skinny:
- For staircases with wide steps (over 110mm wide), you'll actually need two handrails, one on each side. Think of it as a personal cheering section for your stair-climbing endeavors.
- There's a slight exception for single-dwelling units (think detached houses). For these, only one handrail is required on exterior stairs with more than three risers. So, you can ditch the handrail on your backyard steps if you're feeling adventurous (but maybe not after a few beers at the barbeque).
Recap: When Do You Need a Handrail?
- No handrail needed: Staircases with 3 or fewer risers (and you're not planning on any risky descents).
- One handrail required: Staircases with 4 or more risers (and it's not a single-dwelling unit's exterior stairs).
- Two handrails required: Staircases with 4 or more risers and wide steps (over 110mm).
- Exception: Single-dwelling units can skip the second handrail on exterior stairs with more than three risers (but use caution!).
Stairway to Success: FAQ
How to measure the height of a riser?
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
Easy! Just grab a tape measure and measure the vertical distance between the tops of two consecutive steps.
How to choose the right handrail?
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The OBC has some guidelines for size and grip, but your best bet is to consult a professional or browse your local hardware store for options that are safe and stylish.
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
How to install a handrail?
Unless you're a handy superhero, this might be a job for a professional. Improper installation can be dangerous, so it's best to leave it to the experts.
How to convince Uncle Doug his porch railing needs an upgrade?
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
This might require a combination of charm, logic, and maybe a bribe involving his favourite pie.
How to make your stairs the envy of the neighbourhood?
Get creative! Handrails come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. Find one that complements your home's style and makes those stairs a showstopper (in a safe and responsible way, of course!).
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