Custom Handrail and Railing Systems, Code Compliant, Structurally Sound, Architecturally Refined

Florida Residential Code requires stair handrails to sit 34 to 38 inches above the nosing of each tread. The handrail must run continuously for the full flight, return to a wall or newel post at both ends, and keep at least one and a half inches of clearance from the wall. Graspable profiles are limited to a 1.25 to 2 inch round shape or an approved equivalent. Every railing we install is measured against these numbers before inspection.

Installed railing in 2026 runs roughly $60 to $150 per linear foot for painted wood or powder coated aluminum, $90 to $250 for stainless cable rail, and $150 to $600 for glass panel systems. A standard 13 step staircase, about 14 linear feet, lands between $850 and $8,000 depending on the system. Custom newels, curved runs and added structural blocking raise the price. Anchoring, patching and finish paint are included in our quote.

Most interior stair railings install in 1 to 3 days. Balcony and terrace railings usually take 2 to 4 days on site, plus 2 to 5 weeks of lead time when panels are fabricated to measured openings, which is normal for glass and cable systems. Add a day for anchoring posts into concrete and for patching and repainting. Permitted balcony railings also need a passing inspection before we hand the job back to you.

Guards are required anywhere the drop exceeds 30 inches. In one and two family homes the minimum guard height is 36 inches, while condominium balconies, townhomes and other multifamily buildings require 42 inches. Openings must reject a 4 inch sphere, which puts balusters at roughly 3.75 inch centers, and the assembly must resist a 200 pound concentrated load at any point. The same standards apply in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando.

For oceanfront and Intracoastal properties in Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach and Boca Raton, marine grade 316 stainless steel and powder coated 6063 aluminum outperform everything else. Standard 304 stainless commonly shows tea staining within a year or two of salt spray exposure. Painted mild steel and untreated iron rust from the inside out. Inland Orlando homes can use 304 stainless safely. Rinse coastal railings with fresh water quarterly and the finish holds for decades.

Yes. Exterior guardrails are structural attachments, so Broward, Palm Beach and Orange county building departments require a permit, and high velocity hurricane zone areas require product approval documents and engineered anchor details for wind load. Your association will also require architectural approval plus proof of contractor licensing and insurance. B8 Home Remodeling pulls the permit, submits the engineering and prepares the HOA application package at no extra charge. Call (561) 668-7778 to start.