How to make stairs toddler safe?

Ona-Budget

I’m looking for ideas to make our exterior stairs toddler-safe without installing a full handrail. These stairs will be replaced next year as part of a bigger renovation, so I just need something cost-effective and safe enough to get us through until then.

We mainly want to prevent our toddler from falling off the open side. I was thinking of attaching a few vertical timber posts along the side using some kind of bracket? Im concious it would need to be strong enough in case an adult leaned on it to.

JacobZ

Hi @Ona-Budget,

Thank you for your question about installing a safety barrier on your stairs as a protective measure until further renovations occur.

I'll start by saying that handrails can be complex to get right, as there are fairly strict regulations set out in the National Construction Code Part 3.9.2 Barriers and handrails. If this handrail were being installed as a permanent solution, then I would suggest that you need to align yourself closely with these regulations. As a short-term solution, you could put in something simpler; however, I think it is important that you are aware of what the standard is.

You might like to check out the discussion - How to build an outdoor stair handrail, which shows a method of creating a sturdy handrail for some outdoor stairs. This is a solid solution that would comply with the NCC.

In your situation, instead of concreting in the posts, I would suggest you attach a VUEPRO 90mm Galvanised Tradies Bolt Down Post Support to the bottom step using galvanised bolts. This anchor should be in line with the outside post at the top of the stairs. I'd then suggest attaching an 88 x 88mm H3 LOSP Pine Post to that post anchor using galvanised bolts.

You could then attach two lengths of 90 x 42mm 3.6m F7 H3 Treated Pine Primed LOSP to the posts with Buildex® 14G x 100mm Class 4 Bugle Batten Screws. These posts will act as the rails for your handrail. The lower rail could be around your toddler's hand height, with the top rail being more at the height of an adult. As a simple solution, this would work to add a barrier and a higher level of safety to your stairs.

If you were building something more long-term, you'd need to add Balusters between these rails so you are more in line with the NCC.

After installation, you should paint your newly installed handrail with 3 coats of exterior paint to ensure it is protected.

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

Jacob

Ona-Budget

This is perfect thanks! Completely understand there are standards and appreciate the link! Unfortunately this isn't the only issue with the stairs (and deck) hence why we are replacing them next year... the pot plants are there because there is a decent gap, perfect size for a toddle leg lol when you step off the deck, not sure what the previous owners were thinking.

Can the bunnings store cut the timber to length for me as not sure how i would get these lengths hone and am not confident using electric saws?

JacobZ

Hi @Ona-Budget,

Our cutting service can cut timbers to the nearest 100mm increment, so if you work around that restriction, then you can get things pretty close to what you need.

If you aren't confident with power tools, a decent hand saw is more than capable of making the cuts you would need for this project. You'll just want to measure twice, mark carefully and take your time when cutting.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob