Handrail lengths

[RJP]

Hi
Does anyone know whether there is a maximum uninterrupted run for stair handrails? I've just measured up to replace an old staircase that currently has a handrail around 6.5m long and I'm thinking I may need to add an extra newel halfway up but can't seem to find any regs regarding max lengths.

Thanks
Russ

 

[ChaiLatte]

Part K of the Building Regulations deals with stairs. It has nothing to say on handrail length. However, it limits the maximum continuous number of risers to 36, after which you need a landing before any remaining risers continue. Hence, the maximum handrail length could be inferred from picking numbers for minimum rise and maximum going and multiplying by 36 and some trigonometry.

 

[HOJ]

No reason why you can't have a continuous handrail, The main limiting factor will be set by the length of handrail you can either make or buy, as in how long is a piece of wood!

Can you not reuse the one you have?

 

[RJP]

Thanks

I can't reuse the old one as its knackered & its pine (new stairs are to be oak).
I was kind of hoping there was a max so I don't have to find & machine up a 6.5m length of oak!

 

[Fitzroy]

I’ve a fairly sizeable house and there’s no way I could manoeuvre a 6.5m length around it!