Which statement describes the components of a standard rail?

• A. Top rail, intermediate rail, and posts
• B. Top rail and posts only
• C. Posts and braces
• D. Top rail, posts, and cross braces

Answer: (A)

A standard rail is built as a three-part assembly: a top rail, an intermediate (mid) rail, and vertical posts. The top rail provides the primary handhold and forms the upper boundary of the barrier. The intermediate rail fills the space below the top rail to reduce gaps so that passage is unlikely. The posts are the vertical members anchored to supports that carry the load and keep the rails in place at proper spacing. Some structures include braces for extra stability, but those aren’t counted as the standard components of the railing itself. So the combination of top rail, intermediate rail, and posts best describes a standard rail.