if you want to keep the railing don't mess w/it. youre grandfathered in as far as code. once you make any change to it, the entire staircase needs to be brought up to code.

Ok that makes sense. I was wondering about that. We are replacing pretty much everything else in the house except this railing so I didn’t know if it would come up?!

you are allowed to be grandfathered in if it original to the home. (but verify w/your local building codes just to be safe. some cities are different)

If you were to do anything to the rail or the treads, then the whole thing has to be brought up to code. (you can paint or stain the treads without changing everything) so if you really like it, leave it as is

Ok so if we recapped the stairs we’d still be ok? The stairs are open (no risers) and I just heard that also has to be brought up to code :/

" Ok so if we recapped the stairs we’d still be ok? "

That will be location dependent and unfortunately up to the inspectors interpretation at the time.

I did use plexi panels once to cover the not compliany spindle spacing but you need to see what is needed . We have a railing around an upper deck on our 1956 MCM and as long as we do not changit t all is original to the house and is fine. So much depends on the rules where you live,

To be certain you should speak to your local building official to see what is allowed. They are often quite strict in their interpretation of building codes.

The last thing I would do is call the AHJ to the site, particularly with your winding treads. I can't tell from the picture, but it's possible your winders don't meet code and making them compliant could mean replacement of everything.

You're grandfathered; relax please.

Thank you all, I appreciate the insight.

If you have young children, you may want to bring the railing spacing up to code, whether it is required or not.