It's perfectly normal to have lots of questions about stair railings, as they are of great importance when it comes to safety and design in our living spaces. We'll answer the most common questions about stair railings, to help you understand their essential role in making your home or space safer. 

Whether you're thinking of modifying the banister on your existing staircase, making your choice for a new staircase, or simply want to know more about the different options available, we're here to enlighten and guide you.

What's the difference between a wall handrail and a balustrade?

Although they both make your staircase safer, it's important to understand that interior or exterior balustrades and wall handrails have slightly different functions. The wall handrail plays a crucial role in facilitating the ascent or descent of the person using the staircase. It provides essential support in case of imbalance, and is securely fixed to the wall. If the staircase is between two walls, a handrail on the wall is all that's needed to move safely up and down the stairs. The handrail can be made in a variety of materials to match the staircase, adding an aesthetic touch to your staircase.

The balustrade, on the other hand, plays a major preventive role by preventing accidental falls, while fulfilling a support function thanks to its handrail. Always required by safety standards, it is an essential barrier to protect staircase users. Handrails offer even more robust protection, while also having the potential to enhance the design of your interior or exterior. 

So, while wall handrails and balustrades share similarities in their support role, the need for one or the other, or a combination of the two, will depend on the environment in which it is found.

How high is the handrail?

The question of handrail height is crucial to guaranteeing the safety and comfort of staircase users. According to the standards established by the National Building Code (NBC), the height of a handrail should generally fall within a range of 865 mm (34 1/8") to 1070 mm (42 1/8"). This height range provides an ergonomic grip for most people, facilitating ascent and descent of the staircase while offering adequate support.

However, it's important to note that specific situations may require adjustments. For example, where handrails are required to secure a landing, handrails can be made slightly higher, up to 107 cm (42 inches). This extra height ensures greater protection, while still allowing convenient and comfortable use of the handrail.

Compliance with these height standards is essential to guarantee compliance with current regulations and to ensure the safety of all those using the staircase, while maintaining an optimum level of comfort.

Handrail installation regulations

When installing a handrail, several essential criteria must be taken into account to guarantee its effectiveness and safety. Firstly, the handrail must be easy to locate, which means it must stand out visually from the staircase environment. It must also offer continuous support along its entire length, ensuring constant assistance.

Another crucial aspect is the handrail's profile, which must be easy to grip. It must not be obstructed by protruding elements, and it must provide a firm, comfortable grip. To avoid any danger, make sure that it does not come into contact with a surface less than 5 cm (2 inches) wide, and that it does not exceed the minimum width required for the staircase by more than 10 cm (4 inches). The ends of the handrail must be safe for people with impaired vision, young children, people wearing loose-fitting clothing, or people carrying bulky objects, for example.

It's vital to consider the safety of users with special needs, and to think about safety in different potential situations. Paying attention to these details during installation ensures that the handrail fully fulfills its role of support and safety for all those using the staircase.

Is it mandatory to have a handrail on a staircase?

The need for a handrail depends on several factors, mainly related to the configuration and location of the staircase. Inside a home, a handrail is mandatory when the staircase has more than 2 risers, ensuring adequate safety when ascending or descending.

Outside, standards require the installation of a handrail for staircases with more than 3 risers, also to serve a single dwelling. This is to minimize the risk of accidents, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

The configuration of the staircase will also influence the number of handrails required. When a staircase is less than 110 cm wide, a single handrail is required. However, a wider staircase requires a handrail on each side, except inside a dwelling, where the 2015 National Building Code allows a handrail on one side only. What's more, a staircase turning outside must always be fitted with a handrail on each side, regardless of its width, to guarantee optimum user safety. Compliance with these standards helps to ensure the safety of all who use the staircase, whatever the circumstances.

Where to buy stair railings?

If you're looking for solutions to your staircase and handrail needs, the Intermat team is here for you! With over 40 years of expertise in the field, the Intermat Group stands out as the specialist in staircases, including handrails and all other components. This Quebec-based company's commitment to quality and craftsmanship translates into an impressive range of designs, materials and finishes to meet every aesthetic and functional requirement. Intermat also offers a professional installation service to ensure that your staircase, handrail or other component is perfectly adapted to your space and complies with safety standards.