ADA Standards, Guidelines, Manual & Recommendations
How to Use this Manual
This manual is not meant to provide comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for installing your railing. Each railing is different in application and arrangement. This manual is designed to give you the general principals necessary for installing a Simplified ADA Railing. Please read the basic principals and then refer to the diagram that is most relevant to your application.
Free ADA Railing Manual
This manual will give you a basic overview of both the ADA guidelines and what is needed to install a Simplified ADA Railing system. This manual contains basic tips, tools and helpful pictures to show you how to work with the Simplified ADA Railing components.
ADA Handrail Principals & Basic Guidelines
Look at the diagram and close up images to get an idea of what the ADA standard requires for handrail. We have pointed out the major considerations when building an ADA compliant handrail.
A) Railing: Railing must be a continuous smooth surface. A railing must be on both sides of ramp or stairs.
B) Railing Height: Railing must be 34"- 38" in height.
Learn more about ADA handrail height requirements.
C) Edge Protection: When there is a drop off, ramps require a curb or curb rail to prevent wheel chairs from slipping out from under the railing. In some cases a mid rail is sufficient to provide this protection.
D) Clearance: A ramp must have a minimum clear width of 36".
E) D Returns: Railing ends need to be rounded or return smoothly into a floor, wall or post.
F) Extensions: Stairs: Railing should extend the width of one stair tread and then level out for 12". Ramps: Railing should extend parallel to walking surface 12" past the top and bottom of the ramp.
Installation Tools, Materials, & Tips
Below is a list of tools, materials and tips for installing Simplified ADA handrails built with Kee Access ADA railing fittings.
Recommended Tools
You do not need many tools to install an Simplified ADA handrail.
- Allen Wrench - Both a 1/4" and 5/16" allen wrench are required for tightening set screws in the fittings
- Saw to Cut Pipe - A chop saw, ban saw or hack saw will be required to cut pipe to length on site. We recommend using a gas powered or electric saw.
- Drill - A standard drill will be used to drill into pipe and wood. A hammer drill will be required when drilling into brick or concrete.
Required Materials
The pipe and fittings required to build your railing will be furnished to you as a part of your Simplified ADA handrail. You will need a few other bolts and screws that will depend upon the surface to which you are mounting the handrail.
- Self Drilling Screws (No. 12) Or Multi-Grip Pop Rivets - You will need these to attach the pipe to the brackets. In general you'll need two screws or rivets for each bracket.
- Mounting Hardware For Base Flanges
- 1/4" For All Mount Brackets (generally 3 each)
- 1/2" for Base Flanges (generally 2 each)
The type of connection you use will depend on what you are mounting your railing into. Lag screws, chemical anchors, Tapcons and concrete anchors have been used to mount the base flanges to various surfaces.
Installation Tips
- Cut the pipe at the job site.
- Use base flanges instead of core drilling to prevent rust to upright.
- Center uprights no more than 6' from each other.
- Beware of placing base flanges too close to an edge.
- Uprights must be offset from corners and bends in the railing.
- Consider pre-drilling the holes for the self-drilling screws.
Need Help with Your ADA railing?
Need help with your ADA railing? Our team of experts are here to help you.
Top, Middle & Bottom Rail ADA Diagram
This diagram illustrates building an ADA handrail that has a top, middle and bottom rail. A bottom rail is required when there is no curb on a ramp. Please investigate the drawing below to learn how the different fittings for each assembly go together.
A) Standard Upright: The 62-8 base flange is for mounting to level surfaces. The 518-7 connects to 10-848 and 10-840C fitting.
D) D Returns: D returns are constructed with 520-7s and 514-7. The 520-7s are connected vertically with a small piece of pipe. This assembly is then joined to the top and midrail with 514-7s.
Top & Bottom Rail ADA Diagram
This diagram illustrates building an ADA handrail that has a top and bottom rail. A bottom rail is required when there is no curb on a ramp. Please investigate the drawing below to learn how the different fittings for each assembly go together.
A) Standard Upright: The 62-8 base flange is for mounting to level surfaces. The 518-7 connects to 10-848 and 10-840C fitting.
D) D Returns:The D-return connects to the post using the 567-7 and 10-848. The 10-848 receives the small end of the 567-7. The 567-7 is then joined to the 520-7 using a 514-7.
Additional ADA Handrail Diagrams
The diagrams below illustrate other scenarios that come up when installing a Simplified ADA handrail.
Bottom Rail Railing End: Connect the bottom rail to the wall with a 61-8 wall flange.
Bottom Rail Vertical Change: The vertical change on the bottom rail of a ramp is typically done using a BC53-8 or a 55-8.
Post Mounted Ramp Bottom Rail End:The bottom rail on a ramp terminates into a railing post using a 86-8. When the set screw is tightened, the angle of the bottom rail will be fixed.
Post Mounted Bottom Rail End: The bottom rail on a flat surface terminates into a railing post using a 10-8.
Handrail Railing End: Mount the 561-7 to the wall. The handrail or mid-rail pipe is then connected to this fitting using a 514-7.
Handrail Bracket Attachment: Brackets attach to the handrail pipe with two No. 12 self drilling screws or pop rivets. Use high quality hardware for the best results.
ADA Railing Examples
Top Rail ADA Railing
Top/Mid/Bottom ADA Railing
Complex ADA Ramp Railing
Wall Mounted ADA Ramp Railing
Top/Mid ADA Ramp Railing
Post Mounted ADA Ramp Railing
ADA Ramp Railing - Wall & Ramp
Top/Mid/Bottom ADA Railing - Ramp & Stairs
ADA Stair Railing
Deck Mounted ADA Railing
Top/Mid Rail ADA Railing - Ramp, Wall & Stair
Top Rail ADA Railing - Ramp & Stair
Still Have Questions?
We offer more than a product, you also receive the technical support you need to get the job finished.
