A.D.A Guardrails Cane Detections
About Our ADA Guardrails with Cane DetectionBuilt for Safety. Designed for Accessibility. Trusted by Industry.
At BARE STEEL, we believe true craftsmanship serves everyone—and that includes creating spaces that are safe, accessible, and inclusive for individuals with visual impairments. That’s why we fabricate and install ADA-compliant guardrails with cane detection, purpose-built to meet regulatory standards and exceed expectations in safety and design.
These specialized guardrails are engineered to be detectable by a white cane, helping visually impaired individuals identify hazards before coming into physical contact. Ideal for stairways, pathways, and areas with overhead or protruding objects, our cane-detectable systems are a subtle yet powerful way to ensure your site is ADA compliant, people-focused, and liability-conscious.What Are Cane-Detectable Guardrails?Cane-detectable guardrails are safety barriers designed with a lower horizontal component no higher than 27 inches (685 mm) above the floor—perfectly aligned with the cane sweep zone used by those navigating with a white cane. These rails offer an early-warning system that prevents accidental collisions with stairs, drop-offs, or low-clearance objects.
Whether integrated into stair rail systems or installed as standalone barriers near protruding features, they’re an essential solution for any property prioritizing public accessibility and safety.Why ADA Guardrails MatterPrevent Accidents: Alert users to drop-offs or overhead obstructions before contact occurs
Ensure Compliance: Meet U.S. Access Board and ADA guidelines with confidence
Promote Inclusion: Provide safer, smarter environments for visually impaired individuals
Reduce Liability: Protect your property from costly code violations or accessibility claims
Built by BARE STEEL — Strong. Compliant. Custom.
As steel specialists, BARE STEEL brings decades of experience in structural and architectural metalwork to every project. Our ADA guardrails are built using premium-grade steel or aluminum, precision-welded and finished to your exact design requirements.
We offer:
Fully welded cane-detectable barriers
Custom integration with stair handrails or wall protection
Powder-coated, galvanized, or stainless finishes
On-site measurements, fabrication, and professional installation
Code-compliant designs with stamped drawings available
Applications:
Stairwells with low vertical clearance
Corridors with protruding objects
Transit stations, schools, medical buildings
Commercial, industrial, and multi-family properties
At BARE STEEL, we don’t just build barriers—we build trust, accessibility, and long-term safety into every structure.
Let’s create a safer future, one detail at a time.
Contact us today to get started on your ADA guardrail project.
Our Story
ADA Guardrails with Cane Detection
Accessible. Detectable. Built to Protect.
At BARE STEEL, we’re committed to building access solutions that don’t just meet code—they protect lives. Our ADA-compliant guardrails with cane detection are specifically designed to enhance safety and accessibility for individuals with visual impairments by ensuring hazards are detectable before contact occurs.
Whether installed along stairways, walkways, or near protruding objects, these guardrails serve as low-profile, high-impact safety features that seamlessly integrate into any architectural environment.
Purpose of Cane-Detectable Guardrails
The primary goal of cane-detectable guardrails is to help individuals with visual impairments safely navigate public and private spaces. These barriers are constructed with a lower leading edge positioned within the standard “cane sweep” zone—a critical detection range used by white cane users to identify potential obstacles.
By making hazards like stairwells or protruding fixtures detectable at ground level, these guardrails prevent accidents, enhance mobility, and support ADA compliance.
ADA Compliance & Specifications
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and U.S. Access Board guidelines, guardrails must be constructed with the following standards in mind:
Cane Detection Zone:
The leading edge of the barrier must be no higher than 27 inches (685 mm) from the finished floor or ground. This height ensures detectability within the typical arc of a cane sweep.
Vertical Clearance Requirements:
Any circulation path—such as a hallway, corridor, or stair landing—must maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 80 inches (2030 mm) to avoid head-level hazards.
Protruding Object Guidelines:
Wall-mounted or freestanding objects between 27 and 80 inches above the floor may not project more than 4 inches (100 mm) into walkways unless a cane-detectable barrier is installed below them.
Where They’re Used
Stairways with Low Headroom
Where vertical clearance is less than 80 inches, guardrails must include cane-detectable elements to warn of open stairs or overhead hazards.
Circulation Paths with Wall Projections
In corridors or public walkways where objects (like fire extinguishers or lighting) protrude into the path, a cane-detectable barrier must be placed below to alert users.
Public Buildings, Transit Stations, Educational Institutions, Healthcare Facilities
Anywhere that prioritizes universal accessibility and public safety.
How It Works
A person using a cane sweeps the area in front of them as they walk. When the cane contacts the lower edge of a guardrail within the sweep zone, it sends an immediate signal to the user: there’s a barrier ahead. This interaction allows the person to stop, reorient, or adjust their path before encountering the hazard physically.
BARE STEEL Solutions: Strong, Compliant, and Custom-Built
We fabricate ADA guardrails with cane detection using durable materials like powder-coated steel, stainless steel, or aluminum, with custom design options to match your environment while maintaining compliance.
Our offerings include:
Welded steel cane-detection bars
Integrated guardrail + handrail combinations
Custom finishes and powder coat colors
Mounting hardware and ADA-approved spacing
Why Choose BARE STEEL?
At BARE STEEL, we understand the intersection of code, design, and real-world use. Our guardrails are fabricated with precision, built to last, and tailored to meet both architectural goals and ADA accessibility standards.
Every detail matters. Every person counts.
Let’s make your space stronger—and more inclusive.