Exterior Stair Handrails in BC: What the Building Code Expects and How to Choose Aluminum vs Steel

Fortress Fencing Team · October 14, 2026 · 6 min read

What the BC Building Code Covers

The BC Building Code is the provincial set of rules for how buildings are built. Handrails and guards for stairs are covered in Division B, Part 9, Section 9.8, titled “Stairs, Ramps, Handrails and Guards.” We do not list exact heights or measurements here, because the code gets updated and your city may have its own requirements. Always check the current edition.

A few ideas are worth knowing, without getting into numbers:

• A handrail is what you hold on to while using stairs. A guard is a barrier at the open edge of a drop. A set of stairs can need one, the other or both.
• Whether a handrail is required, how many, and how they must be built can depend on the type of building, the number of steps, how wide the stairs are and how they are used.
• Houses, rental buildings, strata buildings and commercial properties are not all treated the same way.
• The code changes over time, so older advice online may be out of date.

When Do You Need a Handrail on Outdoor Steps?

There is no single answer that fits every property. It depends on things like the number of steps, the type of building and who uses it. Even where a handrail is not strictly required, many homeowners add one for safety, especially for older family members, kids and wet weather.

Metro Vancouver rain makes outdoor steps slippery for much of the year, so a good handrail is often worth it either way. See the benefits of installing metal handrails around outdoor steps.

Aluminum vs Steel Handrails

Fortress Fencing installs metal handrails in both aluminum and steel. Here is how they compare.

Aluminum

• Does not rust, which suits BC’s wet climate
• Lighter than steel, so it is easier to handle
• Usually comes with a powder coated finish in a range of colours
• Good for homes, decks and entrances where low maintenance matters

Steel

• Very strong and solid, which many people like for a heavy-duty feel
• Can be made in custom shapes and styles
• Needs a good protective finish, such as galvanizing or paint, and the finish should be kept in good shape
• If the coating is damaged and left alone, rust can start

Which one is right for you?

• Choose aluminum if you want low maintenance and wet weather resistance without much upkeep.
• Choose steel if you want a sturdier, more custom look and you are happy to keep the finish maintained.
• Not sure? Ask for a site visit. The stairs, the weather exposure and the style of your home all matter.

Handrails often sit near a driveway or entry gate, so many owners match the finish across both. If a gate is on your list too, read our guide to sliding vs swing automatic gates.

Strata Handrails and Keeping Them in Shape

Strata properties often have shared stairs and entrances. Handrail changes may need council approval, and the building may have a standard style. If you sit on a strata council or manage a building, check your bylaws, then confirm code questions with the local building department. Our strata fencing comparison covers other exterior choices for strata properties.

Both aluminum and steel last longer with a little care. Rinse them now and then, check for chips in the finish and tighten anything that has worked loose. Our guides on preventing corrosion on metal handrails and the seasonal maintenance checklist cover the details.

Common Questions About Exterior Handrails

Related Services

• Metal Handrails
• Gates
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