Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Stair Handrail

I have finished my deck using aluminum handrailing system, the city inspector pointed that the handrail for the steps should be continuos, i.e. no post in between the hand rail, now I want to attach a 1 1/4" diameter, 10 ft long wood, aluminum or galvanized pipe handrail to the stair, the difficult part is two ends of the pipe which should be returned toword the stairs, any idea/suggestion?

I think you and the inspector need to sit down and talk about this so that you both understand each other!!

Posts in the handrail are not a problem, AS LONG AS the railing itself is continuosly grippable. (The post can't interfer with the grippable part of the handrail.) He certainly can't expect you to make a 10' run of hand rail without SOME SORT of support along its length!

I have finished my deck using aluminum handrailing system, the city inspector pointed that the handrail for the steps should be continuos, i.e. no post in between the hand rail, now I want to attach a 1 1/4" diameter, 10 ft long wood, aluminum or galvanized pipe handrail to the stair, the difficult part is two ends of the pipe which should be returned toword the stairs, any idea/suggestion?


Codes like the 2003 IRC require that all handrails return to the wall or post at the top and bottom.

This is required so that someone cannot catch their clothing on the end of an un-returned handrail and have a fall.

Handrails must be continuous and cannot be broken by posts in any run of stairs. Mounting brackets are not considered posts.

If you wish to use pipe for the railing you might be able to use elbows to get the proper 90 degree angle returns reuired by code, but you also need to be careful that by using elbows you do not extend the railing too far into the stairway itself...which is another code violation.

Best to work with your local inspector as has been suggested.