When Do Stairs Need a Railing?

Stairways having four or more risers, or rising more than 30 inches in height, whichever is less, must have at least one grab rail. Handrails with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of at least 1-1/4 inches and not greater than 2 inches.

How many steps until you need a railing?

The building code does not refer to the number of “steps” but it does require a handrail when there are two or more “risers”. For clarification, a “riser” is the vertical portion of a stair. The “tread” is the top of a step. A two riser minimum would translate to two steps.

Do I need a railing for 3 steps?

A: Editorial Adviser Mike Guertin replies: Since your stairs will have only three risers, you don't need to install a handrail. That said, it's important to count the number of risers accurately.