How much does a new stair railing cost?
It depends on the length of the run, the material, and what the posts mount into - concrete, brick, wood framing or drywall. There are no prices on this site because two staircases are rarely alike; you get a written quote after a measure.
Do I need a permit to replace a porch railing?
Often. The Michigan Residential Code requires a permit to construct, alter or repair, and its exemption for small decks and porches only covers ones that are detached, low, at least 36 inches from the house and not serving a door - so a front porch never qualifies. Whether a like-for-like repair counts as an ordinary repair is up to your city's building department. In Detroit that is BSEED; in the suburbs it is each city's own office.
What height should a stair handrail be in Michigan?
The Michigan Residential Code calls for a handrail 34 to 38 inches above the stair nosings on any flight of four or more risers, guards where a walking surface is more than 30 inches above the ground, and baluster gaps a 4-inch sphere cannot pass. Some local handouts ask for a handrail at three risers, so check with your building department.
My porch railing wobbles - does it need replacing?
Not always. The usual problem is a post rusted through at the base where it enters the concrete. The post can often be cut back, sleeved or re-set in fresh anchoring and the rail kept, though badly spalled concrete may need patching first.
Iron, aluminum or wood for outside steps?
Steel and wrought iron are heavy and can be matched to old work, but need paint to fight salt. Powder-coated aluminum will not rust and needs little upkeep. Wood suits covered porches and most interiors. Before choosing horizontal cable or bar infill for a required guard in Detroit, check with BSEED: the city's own deck handout has prohibited ladder-style horizontal infill.
Does a railing contractor need a licence in Michigan?
Michigan licenses residential builders and maintenance and alteration contractors through LARA. Ask any contractor which licence they hold, get the number, and check it on LARA's licence lookup before work starts.
What about old railings that might have lead paint?
Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint on old porch rails and balusters, and work that disturbs it falls under the EPA's lead-safe (RRP) rule. Ask any contractor how they will handle it before old painted rails are cut, sanded or removed.
