Do I need half newels against the finished wall, or can I attach the rail directly to the wall?
5/19/2014 at 10:31:44 AM
I have two finished walls (pine) that I want to attach a hand rail to. Understanding the height is by code 42.
I have 3 openings of 48" on landing / loft looking down over a family room. I need to install a legal hand rail in these openings. I have seen several pieces of hardware on line to attach hand rails to newels.
Do I actually need half newels against the finished walls or can I just attach the rail directly to the wall?
And what about hardware kits to attach?
5/19/2014 at 12:20:22 PM
BC code requires no more than a 4" space between spindles and a rail height of 34" to 36" on hand rails. This must start at the first step.
As far as finished wall are concerned, just handrails are fine. Secure them to the studs. Any openings on the landings must have spindles/ballisters at 4" and top rails at 42" min. They must be properly secured.
5/20/2014 at 4:45:42 PM
You can attach the handrail directly to the wall. However it has to be screwed into a stud, not your pine finish. There are numerous different systems for the hardware. Check with multiple building centers as each one carries only one or two different manufactures.
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