Question 1

Handrail clearance from a rough brick wall on Ottawa deck stairs?

Accepted Answer

Leave 60 mm: the 2024 Ontario Building Code sets that clearance between the back of the handrail and a rough or abrasive surface, under section 9.8.7.5(1). If the wall behind the handrail is smooth, the minimum drops to 50 mm. If the brick behind the handrail is rough or abrasive, the 60 mm figure is the one to design to. A few things shape how this plays out on your stair run. Required handrails are 865 mm to 1 070 mm high, under section 9.8.7.4(2).

Question 2

What rise and run should my Stittsville deck stairs use?

Accepted Answer

For exterior stairs serving a single dwelling unit, the 2024 Ontario Building Code sets the rise between 125 mm and 200 mm, and the run at a minimum of 255 mm and a maximum of 355 mm. Each rectangular tread's depth must be no shallower than the run and no deeper than the run plus 25 mm. Those are the outer limits. Where your stairs actually land within that range depends on a few things specific to your deck.

Question 3

Deck stairs with 3 risers in Ontario: handrail needed?

Accepted Answer

No handrail is required on exterior stairs serving a single dwelling unit that have not more than 3 risers. That is the rule in the 2024 Ontario Building Code, section 9.8.7.1. Once the stair has more than 3 risers, one handrail is required on exterior stairs serving not more than one dwelling unit, and required handrails are 865 mm to 1 070 mm high. That height range comes from section 9.8.7.4(2) of the 2024 Ontario Building Code.

Question 4

Deck stair tread depth limits in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Under Ontario's 2024 Building Code, a private exterior stair tread has a minimum run of 255 mm and a maximum run of 355 mm. A rectangular tread must be no shallower than its run and no deeper than its run plus 25 mm. Those numbers come from Ontario Table 9.8.4.1 and section 9.8.4.2(2), which apply to private stairs, including exterior stairs serving a single dwelling unit. The rise rules sit alongside them: minimum 125 mm, maximum 200 mm per step.

Stairs & Handrails

Handrail clearance from a rough brick wall on Ottawa deck stairs?

What rise and run should my Stittsville deck stairs use?

Deck stairs with 3 risers in Ontario: handrail needed?

Deck stair tread depth limits in Ontario?