ADA Handrail 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 an ADA Handrail. Please read the basic principals and then refer to the diagram that is most relevant to your application.
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.
Smooth And Continuous
Railing must be a continuous smooth surface. A railing must be on both sides of ramp or stairs.
Railing Height
Railing must be 34"- 38" in height. Learn more about ADA handrail height requirements.
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.
Clearance
A ramp must have a minimum clear width of 36".
D Returns
Railing ends need to be rounded or return smoothly into a floor, wall or post.
Extensions
Stairs: Railing should extend the width of one stair tread and then level out for 12". Ramps: ADA Ramp Railing should extend parallel to walking surface 12" past the top and bottom of the ramp.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 Handrail Diagram
This diagram illustrates building an ADA handrail that has a top, middle and bottom rail. A lower 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.
Standard Upright
The 62-8 base flange is for mounting to level surfaces. The 518-7 connects to 10-848 and 10-840C fitting.
Ramp Upright
The 67-8 base flange is for mounting to angled surfaces. The angle is fixed by tightening the set screws. The railings are attached in the same manner as the Standard Upright. The bottom rails are connected with 89-8 on mids and 86-8 on ends.
Wall Mount
The 570-7 is connected to the wall or wood posts using 1/4" screws or bolts. The 570-7 is attached to the railing with No. 12 self-drilling screws or pop rivets.
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.
Adjustable Angles
In order to accomplish angles with a smooth surface, use the 554-7 and 514-7s. These are frequently used at the top and bottom of ramps and stairs.
Wall Returns
The 565-7 wall return flange is connected to the wall and then connected to the pipe with a 514-7.Top & Bottom Rail ADA Diagram
This diagram illustrates building an ADA handrail that has a top and lower 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.
Standard Upright
The 62-8 base flange is for mounting to level surfaces. The 518-7 connects to 10-848 and 10-840C fitting.
Ramp Upright
The 67-8 base flange is for angled surfaces. The upright angle is fixed by tightening the set screws. The railings are attached in the same manner as the Standard Upright. The rails on the bottom are connected with 89-8 on mids and 86-8 on ends.
Wall Mount
The 570-7 is connected to the wall or wood posts using 1/4" screws or bolts. The 570-7 is attached to the railing with No. 12 self-drilling screws.
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.
Adjustable Angles
In order to accomplish angles with a smooth surface, use the 554-7 and two 514-7. These are frequently used at the top and bottom of ramps and stairs.
Wall Returns
The 565-7 wall return flange is connected to the wall or wooden posts with 1/4" screws or bolts. It is then connected to the pipe with a 514-7.
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Additional ADA Handrail Diagrams
The diagrams below illustrate other scenarios that come up when installing an ADA compliant handrail from Simplified.
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 lower rail of a ramp is typically done using a BC53-8 or a 55-8.
Post Mounted Ramp Bottom Rail End:The rail on the bottom of 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 lower 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 ada handrail pipe with two No. 12 self drilling screws or pop rivets. Use high quality hardware for the best results.
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.
Installation Tools, Materials, & Tips
Below is a list of tools, materials and tips for installing our ADA handrails built with Kee Access ADA railing fittings.
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
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