What to Look for in an Aluminum Handrail for Steps

A handrail is the rail you grasp when ascending or descending stairs or steps, making public spaces and businesses safe and accessible. But when are handrails required for steps? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the International Code Council’s rules for steps and handrails provide guidance and regulations you’ll need to adhere to as a starting point. But once you know these regulations and requirements, what else should you look for in an aluminum handrail for steps? 

When Is an Aluminum Handrail for Steps Required?

Handrail requirements will usually be clearly outlined in local building codes. However, as a general starting point, you can consult the regulations described by the International Code Council (ICC) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

International Code Council (ICC) Requirements

The International Code Council (ICC) is a leading global source for building safety solutions, standards, and codes. Among those standards are the International Codes (I-Codes), a set of 15 coordinated building safety codes adopted by all 50 U.S. states to ensure safety, sustainability, and affordability in building design and construction.

Per the I-Codes, buildings are required to install handrails when there are four or more “risers,” a designation that can be understood to mean stairs or steps. Therefore, wherever a building has four or more steps, the ICC requires that a handrail be mounted on at least one side (if the stairway is less than 44 inches wide). 

ADA-Compliant Handrails for Steps

Where required by law, handrails for steps must meet specific requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

• For buildings that serve the public, handrails are required anywhere that a walking surface includes stairs or steps.
• Handrails must be on both sides of the stairs.
• Handrails must have a gripping height (between 34 and 38 inches) above the nosing of the stairs.
• The height and gripping surface must remain consistent throughout the length of the handrail.
• At least an inch and a half of clearance must be provided between the handrail’s gripping surface and the wall (or any adjacent surfaces).
• Handrails along stairs must have a gripping diameter of at least one and a half inches (two inches maximum).
• Handrails must extend beyond and in the same direction as stair flights. Extensions at the top or bottom of a stair flight should be continuous and return to a wall, guard, or landing surface. 
• Handrails along stairs must be continuous along switchbacks and doglegs.
• Handrails along stairs may not have sharp edges, rough areas, or obstructions that could impede grip or cause injury.
• Handrails must be securely attached and should not move or rotate.

Choosing the Right Aluminum Handrails for Steps

Aluminum is one of the best-suited materials for handrails. While the ADA and ICC do not specify that handrails should be made of a specific material, aluminum’s properties make it a popular choice for ADA compliance. Unlike wood handrails, which are susceptible to rotting, splintering, cracking, and warping, aluminum handrails are durable, rust and weather-resistant, affordable, and easy to maintain. Their durability and weather resistance help ensure that handrails along steps meet the safety requirements of the ADA, ICC, and building codes.

So, what should you look for in an aluminum handrail for steps? To start, always consult your local building code for specific requirements beyond those outlined by the ADA and ICC. Consider the length of railing you’ll need and any other components, like elbows, posts, returns, caps, extensions, and internal connectors.

Colors and Coatings

Finally, as you compare options, look for aluminum handrails with versatile colors and finishes, such as powder-coating. Aluminum powder coating creates a robust, protective shell over your handrail, helping extend the lifespan of your railing and preventing corrosion and damage. Powder-coated aluminum is also a stylish and attractive option, helping you meet safety standards while improving the aesthetics of your space. Powder-coated aluminum comes in dozens of colors and finishes, allowing you to find a custom look that helps your business stand out.

Streamline the Process

Do your research before purchasing and installing aluminum handrails for steps. To simplify the process and ensure you’re selecting ADA-compliant handrails, you can buy handrail equipment designed to promote accessibility, like an ADA-compliant handrail kit.

When searching for the right handrails to accompany your stairs, visit Aluminum Handrail Direct. We stock superior aluminum handrails that will serve you beautifully whether they’re placed inside or out. With distinctive silhouettes, stylish colors, exquisite details, and meticulous craftsmanship, these handrails are designed to stand the test of time. We stand behind our aluminum products with a limited lifetime warranty. To explore your options or learn more about the benefits of aluminum handrails, contact us today.