The Ontario Building Code | Height of Handrails
9.8.7.4. Height of handrails
(1) The height of handrails on stairs and ramps shall be measured vertically from the top of the handrail to,
(a) a straight line drawn tangent to the tread nosings of the stair served by the handrail, or
(b) the surface of the ramp, floor or landing served by the handrail.
(2) Except as provided in Sentences (3) and (4), the height of handrails on stairs and ramps shall be,
(a) not less than 865 mm, and
(b) not more than 965 mm.
(3) Whereguards are required, handrails required on landings shall be not more than 1 070 mm in height.
(4) handrails installed in addition to required handrails need not comply with Sentence (2).
In Plain Language
Handrails must be installed within the height range set out in this article, positioned to be comfortably graspable by most users.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.