How to install handrail posts with stair stringers?

Question

Hello team,

I'm planning to DIY install Peak 5-tread steel stringers to replace some hazardous existing stairs with uneven and tall rises. Not looking for a great fix as we'll likely need to replace the retaining wall in the next 10 or so years.

Preference to install Peak handrails with the steel stringers for look and ease (Peak modular handrail kit or Peak stair baluster kit), otherwise I will just go with timber. Mock-up attached.

My questions are:

* Do the top posts supporting the handrails need some lateral support (such as a short balustrade connected to another post running perpendicular to the handrail), or would the two handrail posts on each side be sufficient? The top posts I plan to attach to a concrete footing.
* Would it be fine to attach the bottom posts to the tread on the first step, or better to bolt to the concrete?

Thanks for your time.

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @tony-h,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

As I'm sure you've already seen, the main documents you'll need to read and understand are the installation guides which can be found on the following pages -

* Australia -

https://peakproducts.com/en-au/peak-aluminium-balustrade/installation-videos-guides/

* New Zealand -

https://peakproducts.com/en-nz/peak-aluminium-balustrade/installation-videos-guide/

.

There is a guide for NSW & QLD, as well as a separate guide for the rest of the states and territories, so make sure you use the correct guide for your location.

With the Peak stair balustrades, there is no requirement for lateral support as long as the correct fasteners are used for the posts. As it seems you've discovered, this means a minimum of 100mm screw embedment into seasoned hardwood. It seems like it would be possible on the top, but at the bottom, you wouldn't be able to achieve this embedment due to the thickness of the tread. This means you would need to attach the posts to the concrete, using appropriate fasteners.

For the timber connection, I'd suggest using these

https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-m10-x-130mm-stainless-steel-304-grade-hex-head-coach-screws_p2310632

. I say this size, because you need to take into account the thickness of the post base. If you were to use a 100mm coach screw, you would not achieve the 100mm embedment you need. I also recommend using stainless steel because it gives you the highest rust resistance possible.

For the concrete connection, I'd suggest using these

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ramset-10-x-100mm-galvanised-ankascrew-masonry-anchor_p2260285

as recommended in the guide.

Using the Peak system, the relevant design considerations and building code compliance is already taken care of, but with timber, you'd need to ensure you're using a compliant design. If you were to go with timber, generally, it is best to use a professional with experience building timber handrails and balustrades as they will have access to and an understanding of the relevant standards.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

tony-h · Answer

Hi @Noyade, thanks for the reply. Yes, that is a good solution if the posts do need lateral support.

The mounting base seems to be 102mm x 102mm. I might have found the answer to my second question from finding that. Looks likes 100mm embedment into seasoned hardwood for the innermost screws.

Noyade · Answer

"(Peak modular handrail kit or Peak stair baluster kit)" - @tony-h

"The top posts I plan to attach to a concrete footing." - @tony-h

How large are the bases on these kits? If the mounts aren't sufficient strength-wise with your footings - would adding one frame either side at the top - be a solution?