My house is anything but country but thats the staircase design problem I'm having.
I'd like new railings...or an open staircase without rails (innerwall rail only) but don't know what I'd do for the top. see pic's attached. any ideas?
Any staircase like that must have a railing. In California:
the height of stair rails shall be not less than 34 inches nor more than 38 inches from the upper surface of the stair rail to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread.
Also, there must not be more than 4" of open space in any direction between the rail and the
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stair. This is to prevent babies from crawling between the balusters and falling to their injury. If you want an open feeling, the closest you can come is to have glass installed and have a railing installed on top of that.
Paul is right to remove the rail is asking for a law suite. By code all elevated areas above 33" must have a rail. And even though you don't want one your home insurance will not cover you if anyone falls from there with out them.
Take the old balusters out, paint the posts and wall cap to match the rail and have a licensed contractor install new iron balusters. This will match the decore seen in your home.
I like Sally's idea, but may I suggest having a custom art railing created just for your space....any style, any design, all done to 4" code compliance. Visit www.naturerails.com for idea's.
the height of stair rails shall be not less than 34 inches nor more than 38 inches from the upper surface of the stair rail to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread.
Also, there must not be more than 4" of open space in any direction between the rail and the ...»
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kmswoodworks/45...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kmswoodworks/45...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kmswoodworks/45...