I'm reviewing handrail code online and this jumped out at me:


Type I. Handrails with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of at least 11/4 inches (32 mm) and not greater than 2 inches (51 mm). If the handrail is not circular, it shall have a perimeter dimension of at least 4 inches (102 mm) and not greater than 61/4 inches (160 mm) with a maximum cross section of dimension of 2 1/4 inches (57 mm). Edges shall have a minimum radius of 0.01 inch (0.25 mm).

Type II. Handrails with a perimeter greater than 6 1/4 inches (160 mm) shall provide a graspable finger recess area on both sides of the profile. The finger recess shall begin within a distance of ¾ inch (19 mm) measured vertically from the tallest portion of the profile and achieve a depth of at least 5/16 inch (8 mm) within 7/8 inch (22 mm) below the widest portion of the profile. This required depth shall continue for at least 3/8 inch (10 mm) to a level that is not less than 1 3/4 inches (45 mm) below the tallest portion of the profile. The minimum width of the handrail above the recess shall be 1 ¼ inches (32 mm) to a maximum of 2 3/4 inches (70 mm). Edges shall have a minimum radius of 0.01 inches (0.25 mm)
So most handrails in modern houses / expensive houses don't meet code? How do the houses in architecture / interior design magazines meet code?

Anyway, here is a cool railing that definitely doesn't meed the above code. Is there a loop hole? There is someone interested in having me build a railing so I'm looking into the code and trying to figure out what's going on. Clearly, wealthy people are getting a pass. I want to be certain that I understand everything sufficiently so that I am not producing something will cause her problems in the future.


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Code:

http://www.co.stevens.wa.us/landserv...WAYSECTION.pdf