How to Install ADA Compliant Railing 

ADA compliance is critical for every business to incorporate into their building design. Not only is accessibility required by law in many states, but it creates a more inclusive environment for you to grow your community and customer base. An accessible building is a welcoming building, and can make it easier for you to provide service to your entire community.  

A part of ADA compliance includes providing proper handrailing for stairs, ramps, and slopes at the entrance or inside your building. This railing is required for any slope that is greater than a  1:20 slope and should be on both sides of the ramp unless the design meets certain exceptions. For any ADA-compliant handrail, the design must meet the following specifications:  

• Sizing: The handrail must be between 34 inches and 38 inches above the ground unless it is designed for children in which case it should be no higher than 28 inches (such as for playgrounds and schools). There must be at least 9 inches between the upper and lower handrails to prevent entrapment. The diameter should be between 1-1/4 inches to 2 inches, and should have at least 1-1/2 inches of clearance to any wall or adjacent structure.  

• Design: Handrails should not have any abrasive surface or sharp edges to prevent accidental injury. They must also be continuous with no obstructions on the top or side of the rails (supports may be at the bottom). Handrails on stairs must extend past the threshold at least 12 inches both at the top and bottom of the staircase.  

Different guidelines are also required for wheelchair-specific entrances and certain commercial uses such as school and medical facility accessibility. For a full scope of ADA regulations, you can visit ada.gov or speak to your local government to ensure you are meeting the requirements for your business.  

Commercial buildings need accessible railing to ensure the safety and positive experience of their customers. If you would like to learn more about the installation of handrails and other options for your business, contact FloriFence today.