Mount the rail on top step or ground level slab

5 years ago

Older folks are starting to have issues with our front step. It is unusually high. In fact a fixed rail that would mount in two spots does not work well, I'd need a more expensive adjustable rail and we did not like the way they looked so I bought what you see in the picture.

So it can be mounted upper right or left or lower right or left.

Mounting on the lower and coming in the requires 2" does not really line up great with the door esthetically, but it is not horrible. The lower slab is 4". It does not say I can't mount to that. Stepping up is easy as you can almost put your weight on the rail as you step up. Stepping down requires a little crouching.

Mounting on the top step allows me to mount a little further left or right which looks better. There is no crouching going down. Coming up though you are perhaps pulling your self up a bit as oppose to putting your weight on the rail to step up.

I am a little concerned with mounting top left or bottom left, would the rail be in the way for a furniture delivery...perhaps not.

Thoughts? FYI: The rail

is 39" high at its highest point.

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Comments (10)

HU-867564120
5 years ago
If your step is "unusually high" like you say, that is probably a code violation. Split the current step height in two by adding a step.
socalgal_gw Zone USDA 10b Sunset 24
5 years ago
Where did you get that railing? I could use something like that!
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sgcgmc
5 years ago
I believe you really need to address the high step. Even if it is not a code violation where you live it is a safety issue for anyone coming to your house. I’m sure you don’t want anyone falling. The step needs to be re- done and then a railing.
Andre Laplume
Original Author
5 years ago
I'll assume its not a code violation since the house was sold with an inspection. Todays code may not have been what was grandfathered in.

Lets just say its higher than my indoor steps. Since the rail is the same height as my banister in the house, it would seem it lines up similarly when place on the top step.

I got it on amazon.
Ingrid Riseley
5 years ago
You'll need a railing on the lower and higher step. Older people tend to reach up to give themselves a lift to step up and reach down when stepping down ward. Have one railing installed that flows continuously without interruption to avoid falling in between or getting caught on.
User
5 years ago
If you're dealing with elderly navigating one step get rid of the step by making the path a ramp with a long, gentle upward slope. Then wheel chairs will also be able to enter.
bpath
5 years ago
It looks like the sidewalk has sunk a bit, ours did. You can have it raised by a concrete raising or concrete lifting company. That will also help keep the mulch from washing onto the sidewalk in the rain. And yes, you'll still need a railing. My seniors liked one higher, so they could pull up, and so they didn't have to lean forward and down when descending.

As to which side, functionally it probably doesn't matter. I think it looks better on the left.
HU-867564120
5 years ago
Re: "I'll assume its not a code violation since the house was sold with an inspection." - Some inspections are worth the sheet of paper they are written on, about $0.02, and no more. Watch some of the Mike Holmes TV shows on what inspectors miss and you'll understand my statement.
Stax
5 years ago
You need TWO railings. one on either side of the walk. I like the mounting with the rail on the porch stoop.
Bob F
5 years ago
The rail is in. It works well for the occasional guess who does not enter from the garage. I will note we installed two rails on indoor stairs at a friend's home. Their parents are not in great shape and it works well for them. If you find you need two rails outside, look into adding a second rail inside...you won't regret it. Perhaps that should be added to building codes too! Thanks all.