Handrail Requirements in Queensland (QLD)

Handrails are a critical safety feature on every staircase. Queensland's building regulations set specific requirements for handrail height, graspability, extensions and placement to protect building occupants. This guide covers everything homeowners and builders need to know about handrail requirements in Brisbane, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast.

When Are Handrails Required?

Under the National Construction Code (NCC), handrails are required in the following situations:

• Staircases with a total rise exceeding 1 metre — At least one handrail is mandatory
• Stairs wider than 1,000mm — Handrails required on both sides
• Stairs wider than 2,000mm — An intermediate handrail is also required
• Ramps — Handrails required on both sides for ramps with a gradient steeper than 1:20
• Commercial staircases — Handrails always required on both sides regardless of width

Height Requirements

Handrail height is measured vertically from the nosing line to the top of the handrail:

• On stair flights — Between 865mm and 1,000mm
• On landings — Between 865mm and 1,000mm from the finished floor
• On ramps — Between 865mm and 1,000mm from the ramp surface

The handrail height must be consistent along the full length of the flight. Where the handrail also serves as a balustrade top rail, it must meet both handrail and balustrade height requirements simultaneously.

Graspability Standards

The handrail profile must allow users to maintain a firm grip:

• Circular profiles — Diameter between 32mm and 65mm
• Non-circular profiles — Graspable perimeter between 100mm and 200mm, with no single cross-section dimension exceeding 70mm
• The handrail must have a smooth, continuous surface free from sharp edges or obstructions
• Brackets and fixings must not obstruct the continuous gripping surface

Timber handrails are shaped on our woodturning lathes and profiling machines to achieve compliant, comfortable graspable profiles.

Handrail Extensions

Handrails must extend horizontally beyond the top and bottom risers:

• Top extension — At least 300mm horizontally beyond the top riser nosing
• Bottom extension — At least 300mm horizontally beyond the bottom riser nosing plus one tread going
• Extensions must maintain the same height as the handrail on the stair flight
• The end of the extension must be returned to the wall or terminated safely to prevent clothing or bags catching

Continuity Rules

• Handrails must be continuous for the full length of the stair flight
• At landings, handrails must continue around the turn or a new handrail must begin within 75mm of where the previous one ends
• Handrails must not rotate within their brackets or fixings
• Wall-mounted handrails must maintain a clearance of at least 50mm from the wall surface

Compliant Materials

• Hardwood timber — Spotted Gum, Blackbutt, Tasmanian Oak shaped to compliant profiles
• Stainless steel — 42mm or 50mm round tube, brushed or polished finish
• Aluminium — Powder-coated round or profiled sections
• Wrought iron — Traditional profiles with smooth, graspable top rails

As QBCC licensed staircase builders (Licence #69007), Craftsman Stairs ensures every handrail installation across Brisbane, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast complies with all NCC requirements. Contact us for a free quote.

Frequently Asked Questions