Stair Railings in Durham Region

What height does a stair handrail need to be in Ontario?

The Ontario Building Code sets a required height range for handrails, measured vertically from the front edge (nosing) of the tread. It's a specific range, not a single number, and we build to it on every job — see our building code guide for the current figures rather than an estimate here.

How far apart can spindles or balusters be spaced?

The code limits the gap between spindles so a small child can't fit through — the maximum spacing is specified in the Ontario Building Code's guard requirements. Glass panel railings sidestep this question entirely since there's no gap to measure, which is one reason some homeowners choose glass.

Can you replace just the handrail without touching the spindles?

Yes, if the existing spindles and guard already meet code and you only want to update the handrail material or finish, we can replace just the handrail. We'll check the existing spindle spacing and post connections during the site visit to confirm this is actually code-compliant before treating it as a handrail-only job.

What's the difference between iron and glass railings?

Iron (wrought iron or powder-coated metal) spindles give a traditional look and are typically less expensive to install than glass. Glass panel railings give an open, modern sightline and eliminate spindle-spacing questions entirely, but require different structural attachment points and more careful installation. We'll walk through both during the design consultation.

Do railings need a permit?

Replacing a railing like-for-like in the same location generally doesn't require a permit, but changing the guard height, moving the railing's location, or altering the staircase structure it attaches to can. We'll flag it directly if your specific project crosses that line.

Can newel posts be refinished instead of replaced?

If the existing newel post is structurally sound and you like its shape, it can often be sanded and refinished to match a new stain colour or paired with new spindles, which costs less effort than full replacement. We'll assess this during the design consultation alongside the rest of the railing plan.