Ornamental Metal (C-23) · Lesson 3 of 6

Handrail Profile, Clearance, and Extensions

"Handrail Profile, Clearance, and Extensions" is lesson 3 of 6 in the Ornamental Metal (C-23) Learning Hub. It opens with "Where Handrails Are Required" and works through 5 short steps, then a worked example you can check yourself against.

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Steps in this lesson

  1. Where Handrails Are Required
  2. Height and Lateral Position
  3. The Graspable Profile (Type I)
  4. Clearance, Continuity, and Brackets
  5. Extensions at the Top and Bottom

The worked example in the course applies this lesson to a realistic job in 7 steps, moving through "Nosing-to-nosing run", "Sloped length", and "Add the top extension".

What you'll be able to do

  • Explain the main idea of "Handrail Profile, Clearance, and Extensions" in plain language you can use on the exam.
  • Apply this step with confidence: "The Graspable Profile (Type I)".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Clearance, Continuity, and Brackets".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Extensions at the Top and Bottom".
  • Test yourself on the worked example and the quick-check quiz inside the classroom.
Handrail Profile and LengthRail section check (CBC §1014.4.1)A 1-1/2 in OD round1-1/4 to 2 in: PASSB 2-1/4 in OD roundover 2 in: FAILC 2 x 1 in rect tubeperim 6, max 2, min 1: PASSD 1-1/2 x 3/4 rect tubemin 3/4 is under 1 in: FAILRail length on the 16-riser stair15 treads x 11 in = 165 in nosing to nosingAdd one tread below: 165 + 11 = 176 inSlope factor = √(1 + (6.75 / 11)²) = 1.1733Sloped rail = 176 x 1.1733 = 206.5 inTop level extension = 12 inRail = 206.5 + 12 = 218.5 in (CBC §1014.7)Accessible: 12 in more at bottom = 230.5 in11B-505.10.3: bottom extension 12 in minimumHeight 34 to 38 in | 1-1/2 in clear to wall | 4-1/2 in max projectionA and C pass the CBC. B and D fail the CBC.D passes the CRC R320.6 text, which prints no minimum cross-section.Check which code governs the job before you order stock.Sources: 2025 CBC §1014.2-1014.9; 2025 CRC R320.2-R320.6; 2025 CBC 11B-505.7, 11B-505.10CC
The diagram for this lesson, exactly as it appears in the Learning Hub.

The first steps of this lesson

Step 1: Where Handrails Are Required

2025 CBC Section 1011.11 requires handrails on each side of a flight of stairs, with one-side exceptions for flights inside dwelling units and for spiral stairs. 2025 CRC Section R318.7.8 requires a handrail on at least one side of every flight with four or more risers. Accessible routes follow 2025 CBC Section 11B-505.2, which requires handrails on both sides of stairs and ramps.

Step 2: Height and Lateral Position

2025 CBC Section 1014.2 sets handrail height at 34 to 38 inches, measured vertically from the line connecting the stair nosings, and the height must be uniform along the flight. Fittings or bendings that make a continuous transition between flights are allowed to exceed 38 inches. A handrail located outward from the edge of the walking surface must be within 6 inches of that edge (CBC Section 1014.3). 2025 CRC Section R320.2 prints the same 34 and 38 inch limits.

The remaining 3 steps, the worked example and the quiz are in the course. This is a preview. The full lesson, with the step-by-step explanations, a worked example and a quick-check quiz, is inside the classroom.

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