REVIEWED Handout Details FOR RAILING�MyBui ldi ngPermit.com
a service of eCityGov.net Construction Tip Sheet 03
Residential Guards (Guardrails)
This tip sheet reflects code requirements of the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) with
Washington State Amendments.
Open stair handrail Open guard Solid guard
See li indreil Tip Sheet#E2 for:
applicable handrail information.
The top of guards for —
stairways. exclusive of
their landings, must
have a minimum height
of 34" measured
vertically from the
nosing of the tread
Grade or floor level -
Figure 1: Guard Elevation (IRC R312)
Requirements
J%, Guards shall comply with IRC RT12.1; refer to Figure 1 for major requirements.
Guards shall be structurally designed to comply with IRC Table R301.5 (i.e., designed for a
200-pound load in any direction along the top and a 50-pound point load elsewhere).
O For glass guards or guards with glazing, see IRC R308.4.4.
January 22, 2021 MyBuildingPermit.com I Residential Handrails 1
KityGov.net
2005,c c0lpGo-Ahanm
I
Sample Stair Detail
International Residential Code
38" min to top of guard
Provide artificial light .
source per R303.6
Graspable Handrail 1 114" min.
to 2" max.. Handrail ends shall
be returned or shall terminate
at a newel post or safety
terminals.
i
i
r
InterraWlete rails
i spaced so that a
4" sphere shall not
pass through
Handrail height above I I I I J/ 10" in.
stair 34" to 38" Max Jy/ -.
A 4" sphere cannot
pass through the I r'
space between i '',I•
treads. ,• Rise -run -roll opening
spaced so that a 8" sphere
36" min. landing ✓' shall'not pass through
Guard and handrail to
sustain 200 lb. load
Guard balusters to
sustain 50 psf load
°/i' to 1-1/4' nOSe,
or min. 11" tread
Install'/i' gypsum
board on walls and
ceilings of all useable
Interior space under
stairs.
• • •1441161�
Rafter/truss Clips
Post -Pier Connectors
Post Cap (PCXX)
• 40 Pressure Treated Post
Post Base (PBXX)
O
O
18"
s
Continuous Footing
m
Post -Beam Connectors
Holdowns
24"
a —r
Typical Crawispace Post & Beam gntry Porch/Deck Post & Beam
EE
Treated Post
X)
Sample Section/Elevation View
I� Lag Baits (typ)
a
�o
44'
Positive Connection required at all
posts and beams (see attached
details)
** All wood exposed to weather
shall be pressure treated or
naturally resistant to decay
** Minimum design loads 70 p.s.f.
(10 live 160 dead)
Joist Hangar
(sae attached details)
Ledger with lag bolts
(provide bolt sizelspacing
Ledger Flashing required
In
** Provide size; spacing, wood species and grade for all
framing members including joists, beams, posts, ledgers,
decking and guardrails
Post -to -concrete pier connection
required (aes attached details)
I F177 I
I I i
Footings shall be placed on firm,
undisturbed, bearing soil (2000 p.s.f. min.)