What handrail height is code?

34 to 38 inches measured vertically from the stair nosing to the top of the handrail.

Do I need a handrail on both sides?

Code requires at least one handrail on stairs with 4 or more risers. Stairs wider than 44 inches require handrails on both sides.

Stair HandrailsGenerating image…

Stairs & Railings

Handrails

Budget: $3-$6/ft (hemlock or pine round) | Mid-range: $6-$12/ft (oak colonial or traditional) | Premium: $12-$25/ft (wide profile or custom)

Stair Handrails: Wood Handrail Profiles for Staircases & Railings (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Building Materials Team

|Last updated May 25, 2026|Sources & methodology

Stair handrails provide the graspable safety rail along staircases, landings, and balconies. Available in multiple profiles (round, oval, colonial, contemporary), they connect to newel posts and wall brackets. Proper graspability and code-compliant height are essential for safety.

Key Features

Multiple graspable profiles; Round
oval
and shaped sections; Oak
poplar
and primed options; Connects to newel posts with rail bolts; Wall-mount with brackets available

Specifications

Profiles: round 1-1/2" and 1-3/4" dia.

6010 colonial

6210 traditional | Species: red oak

poplar

hemlock

primed | Lengths: 6 ft

8 ft

10 ft

12 ft | Graspable: 1-1/4" to 2" cross-section

Applications

Staircase railing handrails; Wall-mounted stair handrails; Landing and balcony railings; ADA-compliant grab rails; Porch and deck handrails

Installation Overview

Cut handrail to length. Attach fittings (easings, gooseneck, volute) as needed for transitions. Connect to newel posts with rail bolts. For wall-mount, install brackets at 32-36 inches apart, attach rail. Maintain 34-38 inch height from stair nosing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

✓ Essential safety feature; Wide range of profiles; Natural wood beauty; Code-required on most stairs

Cons

✗ Fittings for transitions are expensive; Must maintain precise height; Angled cuts require skill; Quality wood rails are costly

Top Brands

L.J. Smith

House of Forgings

W.M. Coffman

Code Requirements

IRC R311.7.8 requires handrails on stairs with 4+ risers. Height 34-38 inches from stair nosing. Must be graspable (1-1/4" to 2" cross-section). Must support 200 lb concentrated load. Continuous without interruption.

Buying Tips

Choose a profile that feels comfortable to grip - visit a showroom to test before buying; Wall-mounted handrails are a simpler DIY project than full balustrade railings; Buy all handrail sections and fittings from the same manufacturer for profile compatibility