What is the standard handrail height?

The standard height of a stair handrail is between 34 and 38 inches above the front edge of the stair treads. Before installing a handrail, homeowners should check local building codes to determine the appropriate height.

Because the handrail is a safety device to help prevent falls on the stairs, the installer should attach the brackets that hold it in place to the studs of the stairwell if possible. If the studs are not in the correct location, toggle bolts provide an alternative method of attachment. Predrilling the holes to attach the handrail to the brackets helps to prevent breaking the screw heads off of the screws.