Q: We need to construct something to run along side the stairway to the basement. There is a family room down there, so we go up and down often. There is one railing on one side, but I'm basically picturing about 3 railings per side, so that there is no gap big enough for him to fall through... the stairway is open, so there is no wall on either side. I could just get some 2 x 4's and put up a hodge podge fix, but I'm looking for some other sugestions, thanks!
A: You want " Guards" close enough NOT to pass a 4" sphere. This is intended to prevent a child's head from getting stuck. I did 3.5 inch spaces on all my deck and stair railings. Copy from the Building code here: Guards required. Porches, balconies or raised floor surfaces located more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below need guards not less than 36 inches in height. Open sides of stairs with a total rise of more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below need guards not less than 34 inches in height measured vertically from the nosing of the treads. Guard opening limitations: Required guards on open sides of stairways, raised floor areas, balconies and porches must have intermediate rails or ornamental closures that do not allow passage of a sphere 4 inches in diameter. The use of horizontal rails may be approved by submitting an Alternate Design, Materials or Methods Request Form to the Building Official.