Getting the right measurements is the first step to a perfect railing installation. Whether you’re adding a guard to your deck or a handrail to your stairs, this guide will walk you through the process. Grab a tape measure, a notepad, and a friend (for safety and accuracy), and let’s get started!
General Tips Before You Begin
- Measure Twice: Double-check all numbers to avoid errors.
- Use Metric or Imperial: Ontario codes use millimeters (mm) and inches interchangeably—pick one and stick with it. We recommend inches for simplicity.
- Sketch It Out: Draw a rough diagram of your space and label each measurement.
- Safety First: For elevated areas, ensure someone holds the ladder or tape securely.
Guards protect elevated spaces like decks, balconies, or landings. Here’s how to measure for a custom Toronto Pro Railings guard:
1. Determine Guard Height
- Check the Drop: Measure from the deck surface straight down to the ground or floor below.
- If the drop is 24 inches to 5 feet 11 inches (610 mm–1.8 m), you’ll need a 36-inch (900 mm) high guard per Ontario rules.
- If it’s over 5 feet 11 inches (1.8 m), you’ll need a 42-inch (1070 mm) guard.
- Record: Note the drop height and the required guard height (36” or 42”).
2. Measure Length
- Total Run: Measure the full length of each side needing a guard, from corner to corner, along the edge of the deck.
- For L-shaped or U-shaped decks, measure each straight section separately (e.g., “Side A: 10 feet, Side B: 6 feet”).
- Posts: Note where posts will go (typically every 4–6 feet, depending on design). Measure between post locations if pre-installed.
- Tip: Include any openings (e.g., stairs) where the guard stops.
3. Check for Angles
- If your deck has angled corners (not 90°), use a protractor or angle finder to measure the degree (e.g., 45°). This helps us cut railings precisely.
- Alternative: Measure the length of each angled section and note it’s not square.
4. Assess Mounting Surface
- Surface Type: Is the guard mounting to wood, concrete, or another material? This affects hardware.
- Width: Measure the thickness of the deck edge (e.g., 2-inch joist) where posts attach.
- Obstacles: Note stairs, walls, or posts that might interrupt the guard’s path.
Example
- Drop: 3 feet → 36” guard height.
- Length: 12 feet (one side), 8 feet (another side).
- Angles: 90° corners.
- Surface: Wood deck, 2-inch edge.
Handrails provide support on stairs or ramps. Here’s how to measure for a Toronto Pro Railings handrail:
1. Determine Handrail Height
- Height Range: Ontario requires handrails to be 34–38 inches (865–965 mm) above the stair nosing (the front edge of each step) or ramp surface.
- How to Measure:
- Pick a spot on a step (e.g., the nosing of the third step).
- Hold your tape measure vertically from the nosing up to 34–38 inches.
- Mark this height on the wall or post with a pencil.
- Repeat at the top and bottom of the stairs to ensure consistency.
- Tip: We recommend 36 inches as a standard height for comfort.
2. Measure Length
- Slope Length: Measure along the angle of the stairs, from the bottom nosing to the top nosing (not the horizontal floor-to-floor distance).
- Hold the tape parallel to the stair slope, following the path where the handrail will sit.
- Straight Sections: If your stairs have landings, measure each sloped section separately (e.g., “Lower run: 8 feet, Upper run: 6 feet”).
- Returns: Decide if you want the handrail to extend beyond the top/bottom step (OBC requires 12 inches extra at each end for safety—note this).
3. Count Risers and Check Width
- Risers: Count the number of steps (risers) to confirm if a handrail is required (3+ risers need one).
- Stair Width: Measure the stair width. If over 43 inches (1100 mm), Ontario requires handrails on both sides.
4. Note Mounting
- Side: Will it mount to a wall or posts? Measure wall length or post spacing (e.g., every 4 feet).
- Clearance: Ensure 1.5 inches (40 mm) between the handrail and wall for grip space (OBC rule).
Example
- Height: 36” above nosing.
- Length: 10 feet (sloped).
- Risers: 8 steps.
- Width: 36” (one handrail).
- Mount: Wall on right side.
Ramps follow similar handrail rules but with a few twists:
- Height: 34–38 inches above the ramp surface.
- Length: Measure the full ramp slope, plus 12-inch extensions at the top and bottom.
- Sides: Ramps over 6 feet long or with a drop need guards (36” high) AND handrails (34–38”) on both sides if wider than 43 inches.
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- Certified and experienced team with years of expertise
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- Top-grade aluminum for lasting quality and minimal upkeep
- Serving Toronto and the GTA with local expertise
Our team at Toronto Pro Railings is here to make every step simple and stress-free.
Our team at Toronto Pro Railings is here to make every step simple and stress-free.
- 647-675-5535
- info@torontoprorailings.com
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