What diameter should a handrail have?

Question

Accepted Answer

Handrails must be easy to grip -- the diameter is crucial for comfort:

**Recommended diameters:**
- **Residential:** 40--45 mm (round or oval) -- ergonomically comfortable to hold
- **Accessible design:** 40--45 mm, round or oval
- **Children's handrail:** 35--42 mm, mounted at 60--75 cm height

**Regulations (DIN 18065):**
- Grip range: **25--65 mm** diameter
- Minimum clearance from wall: **5 cm** (so the hand can fully wrap around the handrail)

**Surface:** The handrail should be finely sanded and treated (lacquered or oiled) so it feels comfortable in the hand and does not splinter.

**At HTS:** The handrail is made by default in the same wood species and finish as the staircase but can also be chosen as a contrasting element (e.g. stainless steel).