ADA Handrails for Outdoor Steps

Are you in the market for ADA handrails for outdoor steps? Designed to provide stability, support, and accessibility, ADA-compliant handrails help people of all ages and abilities navigate steps with confidence. Rain or shine, they provide reliable support. And whether you’re upgrading your home’s entryway, planning a new business’s exterior, or ensuring that your property complies with accessibility codes, ADA handrails can offer both practical protection and peace of mind. Not sure where to get started? Scroll down to explore what makes a handrail ADA-compliant, why it matters, and where to look for high-quality ADA handrails for outdoor steps.

What Makes a Handrail ADA-Compliant

Perhaps you’ve been told that you need ADA-compliant handrails, but you aren’t totally sure what that means. What does a handrail need to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

• The handrail should be 34-38 inches above the stair nosing to ensure it’s comfortable and usable for most people.
• The handrail must be continuous along the full length of the stairs, on both sides, without breaks or obstructions.
• The gripping surface should be easy to hold. It should be smooth, without sharp edges, rough textures, or obstructions like brackets or decorative elements.
• The ADA specifies that circular handrails must have a diameter of 1.25 to 2 inches, and non-circular rails must have a perimeter of 4 to 6.25 inches and a cross-section no greater than 2.25 inches.
• At least 1.5 inches of clearance is required between the handrail and any adjacent wall or surface to allow enough room for fingers to grip the rail.
• The handrail must extend at least 12 inches beyond the first and last riser of the stairs at both the top and bottom.
• The handrail should end in such a way that it won’t snag clothing, catch bags, or cause any other practical issues.

ADA-compliant handrails are necessary in many cases, but even if your property doesn’t technically require them, you may wish to consider them for safety, accessibility, and peace of mind. They’re specifically designed to reduce the risk of slips and falls, which is especially important for seniors, children, and people with mobility limitations. If you’re purchasing handrails for a commercial or public property, ADA compliance is legally required. And if you’re a homeowner, choosing ADA-compliant handrails for outdoor steps can help ensure your house is safe and welcoming to everyone who visits.

In short, ADA-compliant handrails help create safe and accessible spaces for everyone, and since they’re also attractive and cost-effective, what have you got to lose?

What to Look for in ADA Handrails for Outdoor Steps

As you begin shopping for ADA handrails, it helps to have some key factors in mind. To balance code compliance, durability, usability, and more, keep an eye out for these features:

• A Handy Kit: By purchasing an ADA-compliant handrail kit, you can ensure that your railing has a fully compliant design and perfectly complementary hardware. If you’re planning to DIY it, a kit is the way to go, ensuring convenience and easy installation.
• ADA-Compliant Features: If you don’t choose an ADA-compliant kit, you’ll need to check for yourself that the handrail meets all the standards for height, diameter, clearance, extensions, a smooth and continuous grip, and more.
• Weather-Resistant Materials: Since this handrail will be located outdoors, it needs to be made of a material that can resist corrosion, rust, and UV damage. Powder-coated aluminum is an ideal choice.
• Sturdy Mounting System: Look for a top-quality handrail with strong brackets and posts that won’t loosen over time. To ensure that this railing will stand the test of time, purchase it from a reputable company with excellent reviews.
• Minimal Maintenance: Who wants to spend their free time painting, sealing, or otherwise maintaining a handrail? Look for options that require virtually no maintenance to save yourself time and money.
• Beauty: Look for a handrail that complements your property’s architecture, landscaping, and colors. Just because it’s ADA-compliant, that doesn’t mean it needs to be bland or industrial. Many sleek, modern designs comply with ADA standards.

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Are you planning to install new ADA handrails for outdoor steps? It’s easy with the right kit by your side. If you’re looking for a beautiful, long-lasting, and durable aluminum handrail, check out Aluminum Handrail Direct. We offer high-quality, maintenance-free aluminum handrails and accessories, and we would be happy to help you understand more about our options. Plus, our installation guides make installing your handrail a breeze. For more information, call us at 417-409-3179 or contact us online.