Expert: Dan Griffin - 11/8/2007

Question
I recently replaced 36" exterior concrete porch steps with 48" precast steps.  The new steps are centered in a 56" opening between an existing step railing on one side and just a porch railing on the other side, with no step railing.  The porch is 33 inches high.  Now I see that the steps are 4" to 5" from the step railing and I fear this is dangerous gap.  A miss-step could result in a serious accident.  Can I just secure a wood 4" x 4" beam in the gap, at the same angle as the steps, so at least a person cannot get their foot between the steps and the step railing?  Do I also need a 2nd railing on the side with only a porch railing and no step railing?

Answer
Tou are correct that the gap could be hazardous.  Code allows you to extend hand rails 4" toward a stair, though that may not be your easiest solution.  The board, if well secured, would at least keep someone from catching a leg.

I can't see your situation, so I can't tell what would work.  Perhaps you could extend a new hand rail, new mid rail, and new low rail from your existing posts by drilling through the posts and using all thread to hold wood or pipe  rails over at the stair edge.  If you are a welder, it's a no brainer.