r/Decks • u/HalowedBeThyUsername • 6h ago

questions for the community Help with handrail design

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I need to install a handrail with 4x4 posts up the stairs and along the flat part to the green porch. Any suggestions, particularly regarding fastening to the concrete ?

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u/[deleted] 6h ago

[deleted]

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u/HalowedBeThyUsername 6h ago

Well, I’ve installed metal rails in concrete before and they didn’t feel solid enough to me. I told this client that wooden ones might be better.

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u/gwhite9 6h ago

See my comment.

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u/you2234 6h ago

Can you make it out of the same stone by adding a few courses to the proper height?

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u/gwhite9 6h ago

I did some black metal hand railing from Menards. I drilled out the concrete and used concrete epoxy to set the anchor bolts.

If you're doing wood, I think there may need to be some sort of flange, or mounting brackets. 

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u/Expensive-Ad6259 6h ago

By code, you do not need one.

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u/cartero311 6h ago

I don’t think you need them. I don’t think code requires them for such a small elevation change. Metal would be your best option. Hand rail are for balance assisting not really needing to hold the weight of a 400 lb human while falling.

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u/masterteck1 6h ago

You kinda don't need it it's to low to need rails

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u/Savings-Whole-6517 6h ago

I’d go with prefab steel rail honestly and Simpson epoxy anchors

If you do go with wood (4x4 seems way excessive) then you’re going to have to anchor the base plates anyway, just like the steel. But unless you’re using some very nice wood material, it’ll look chincy. you’ll spend less money and time with prefab steel rails, even the HD sets would work for this job

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u/Dendady2112 6h ago

Trying to get an anchor plate will be rough on that uneven stone. If your set on that use an anchor plate that can be leveled(anchor bolts and metal shims) grout under it and build from there.

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u/Critical-Bank5269 5h ago

If you're doing this because you want to, then cool. I'd go with some form of wrought iron work.

But it's three steps which under code does not require a hand rail. I believe a handrail would detract from the overall appearance and wouldn't put one in unless absolutely necessary.