In most cases, you are required to have a railing when the floor of your porch is 30 inches or more above grade. However, 30 inches can be a long to fall; therefore some codes may require railings if your porch is 15 or 24 inches above grade. If you are concerned about safety, consider these lower distances for railings.
When do I need a railing on my porch?
In most cases, you are required to have a railing when the floor of your porch is 30 inches or more above grade. However, 30 inches can be a long to fall; therefore some codes may require railings if your porch is 15 or 24 inches above grade.
Does a deck need a railing?
If your deck is below 30 inches, a railing is not required. With that said, if you choose to build a deck, even if it is only 24 inches off the ground, that is still high enough that even an adult could injure themselves. When you take your kids and pets into account, the risk is even higher.
What is the maximum height of a porch railing in Canada?
In Canada the maximum height from the ground is 24 inches. If your porch floor is over the heights stated, the code requires a balustrade – porch railing. The problem is that the building code porch rail height must be at least 36 to 42 inches. Well, that may not sound high to you but in almost all cases that is entirely too high!
What is the building code for a porch rail?
If your porch floor is over the heights stated, the code requires a balustrade – porch railing. The problem is that the building code porch rail height must be at least 36 to 42 inches. Well, that may not sound high to you but in almost all cases that is entirely too high! Your historic railing is perfectly legal since it is grand-fathered to code.
Can you have a porch without railings?
In most cases, you are required to have a railing when the floor of your porch is 30 inches or more above grade. However, 30 inches can be a long to fall; therefore some codes may require railings if your porch is 15 or 24 inches above grade.
What is the maximum height of a porch without railing?
When Is a Deck Guardrail Not Needed? Some decks are not required to have guardrails, provided those decks are no more than 30 inches above grade. If you see a deck that has no guardrails (also called a low-rise deck), this might be the reason: its height is below 30 inches.
Can you have a deck without a railing?
If your deck is below 30 inches, a railing is not required. With that said, if you choose to build a deck, even if it is only 24 inches off the ground, that is still high enough that even an adult could injure themselves.
How many steps before you need a railing?
Building Codes The building code does not refer to the number of “steps” but it does require a handrail when there are two or more “risers”. For clarification, a “riser” is the vertical portion of a stair. The “tread” is the top of a step. A two riser minimum would translate to two steps.
At what deck height requires a railing?
30"All decks greater than 30" above grade must have a guardrail. If you choose to install a guardrail on a deck lower than 30", you must still meet code requirements. Decks attached to single-family detached homes are regulated under the rules of the International Residential Code (IRC).
How wide can steps be without a railing?
1.2. The clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between handrails is not required for exit stairways accessed from a horizontal exit. The width of stairways shall be determined as specified in Section 1005.1, but such width shall not be less than 44 inches (1118 mm).
Do you legally have to have a handrail on stairs?
Handrails are mandatory. Stairs should have a handrail on at least one side if they are less than one metre wide, and on both sides if wider than this. Handrails should be placed between 900mm and 1000mm above the highest point on the staircase steps.
What are the OSHA requirements for handrails?
The top rail must be at least 42 inches in height (§1910.29(f)(1)(ii)(B)) and the handrail must be 30 to 38 inches in height (§1910.29(f)(1)(i)) (as measured at the leading edge of the stair tread to the top surface of the rail).
How high can deck stairs be without railing?
Do Deck Stairs Need Railings? (Is it Illegal Not To Have Them?) If your deck is over 30 inches from the ground, then by law you need railings for the deck stairs. Low rise (aka floating) decks are less than 30 inches from grade and are exempt. Let's clarify here.
Do 2 steps need a handrail?
(1) Stairways less than 44 inches in width may have one handrail or stair railing except that such stairways open on one or both sides shall have stair railings provided on the open side or sides. (2) Stairways having less than four risers need not have handrails or stair railings.
Do I need a handrail on both sides?
Handrails are required on both sides of stairs and ramps. They are placed between 34 inches and 38 inches above the leading edge of a stair tread, the ramp surface, or the walking surface.
Are risers required on deck stairs?
Most high-end deck projects use closed risers to finish the stairs. Open risers sometimes appear cheap and unfinished. They also are often in violation of IRC code for decks over 30", which maintains that they meet the same requirements as guardrail infill.
How high should a porch railing be?
The top of your porch railing should never be higher than the top of the window sill. That may mean that your original porch railing is only 24 inches high above the porch floor (a common height). When looking out the window from indoors, the porch railing and balusters should never block any of your view.
Why is a porch important?
A porch is a very important feature on a house and must follow the architecture of the home. Many homes have low porch floors that were never designed to have a balustrade.
How high above the floor is a porch balustrade?
In the example above, the top of the balustrade is 25 inches above the floor. Minimal repairs are permitted to the porch as long as repairs do not trigger a building permit. If a permit were required, the current balustrade would not be allowed. The handrail is too low and there is too much space between the balusters.
What is a porch building code?
Porch Building Code, Permits, and Grief! A building code, as stated by Wikipedia, is a set of rules that specify the minimum acceptable level of safety for constructed objects such as buildings and non-building structures.
Can you paint porch railing without a permit?
One choice you have is to build an architecturally correct porch railing, paint it, and then quickly install it without a permit and risk the possibility of being fined. If questioned later, and if the carpenter did a good job and it looks original, the code inspector may think it is a well maintained original railing that is grand-fathered by code.
Do wrong windows make a right railing?
Wrong windows do not make a right railing. There are rules for window sill heights that affect the railing heights, and affect the overall balance of the house. And yes, this harmony (or disharmony) transfers over to how you see the house next door. The height of this enclosed balustrade is perfect.
Can you replace porch floorboards without a permit?
What this means is that you can replace your porch floorboards without a permit, but when you need to replace the boards under the column or post, that column or post that supports the porch roof will have to be removed. This now becomes structural work and triggers the requirement of a building permit.
Why are railings so difficult to install?
In addition, some people feel railings are difficult to install because their decks are an unusual shape. This shouldn’t be a concern, though. There are some great, easy-to-install railing kits available for decks with unorthodox shapes.
Why don't people install railings?
Building a deck is not an inexpensive decision, so when someone is tasked with the decision to spend extra money on something they “don’t need,” like a deck railing, the choice seems obvious: save money . There’s also the aesthetic factor of not having a railing.
What is cable railing?
Cable railing is great for those looking for a chic railing for their deck , as well as a railing that will not hinder any views. They’re versatile and can be used on decks, docks, and even interior spaces for a clean, utilitarian look. Stainless steel gives any deck a super sleek look. Some homeowners and builders expect stainless steel ...
How much force does a Trex deck need?
Uniform Load Test: The top rail of your deck must be able to withstand at least 125 lbs of force (applied vertically or horizontally).
What are the different types of railings?
There are five types of railings—vinyl, cable, stainless, composite, and metal —and they each have their own benefits and style.
Can a deck railing break bones?
It may seem like a short distance, but any fall can lead to broken bones or other injuries. Rather than being ever-vigilant when the kids are horsing around on the deck, deck railing helps give you peace of mind so you can relax and enjoy the view.
Is stainless steel good for decks?
Stainless steel gives any deck a super sleek look. Some homeowners and builders expect stainless steel to be expensive, but it’s surprising how affordable it can be. Plus, stainless steel is made to withstand the test of time, making it a more durable and cost-effective choice in the long run.
How far above grade should I put railings on my porch?
However, 30 inches can be a long to fall; therefore some codes may require railings if your porch is 15 or 24 inches above grade. If you are concerned about safety, consider these lower distances for railings.
How high should a porch railing be?
Porch Railing Installation. Basically, railing height must be at least a minimum of 36 inches from the floor of your porch floor. If your porch or deck is above a certain distance from the ground (over 9 feet for example) you may be required ...
How far apart should I put balusters on a porch?
You may have to add a middle rail to support the balusters if you exceed 36 inches. Balusters can only be a maximum of 4 inches apart (so that a 4" spherical object cannot pass through them. See our porch railings calculations guide. In most cases, you are required to have a railing when the floor of your porch is 30 inches or more above grade. ...
How far from the ground do you need to install balusters?
If your porch or deck is above a certain distance from the ground (over 9 feet for example) you may be required to install 42 inch balusters or longer. It's extremely important to check with your local building codes department to determine your local requirements.
Can you use horizontal railings on outside joists?
Some railing codes specify types of fasteners that can be used and some restrict notched posts on the outside joists. Horizontal railings are allowed in some geographical areas but exercise caution as horizontal railings invite children to easily climb on them posing a potential safety hazard.
DECKING CODES
If your deck is below 30 inches, a railing is not required. With that said, if you choose to build a deck, even if it is only 24 inches off the ground, that is still high enough that even an adult could injure themselves. When you take your kids and pets into account, the risk is even higher.
REASONS PEOPLE DECIDE NOT TO INSTALL A RAILING
Building a deck is not an inexpensive decision, so when someone is tasked with the decision to spend extra money on something they “don’t need,” like a deck railing, the choice seems obvious: save money. There’s also the aesthetic factor of not having a railing. For some, the look of uninterrupted deck space is what they want.
WHY YOU SHOULD INSTALL A RAILING
As previously mentioned, safety is the biggest concern when it comes to deciding whether or not to install a railing. Railings can serve to protect children, pets, and even adults. It may seem like a short distance, but any fall can lead to broken bones or other injuries.
WHAT TO DO IF THERE ARE NO REQUIREMENTS
Let’s say you have a deck that’s below 30 inches and there are no guardrail requirements by the IRC (International Residential Code). You could take the chance and go against the recommendations by the individual railing manufacturers.
CODES TO KEEP IN MIND
According to decks.com, a site maintained by Trex, your deck will be required to pass these tests during an inspection.
TYPES OF RAILINGS
Whether you want a modern, industrial, or traditional railing to enhance the look of your deck, Great Railing has something for you (plus everything you need to install it).
Does my deck need to have a railing?
A question we get asked all the time is “Does my deck need to have a railing?” This is a great question. The answer is, if your deck is less than 24″ off the ground, then no, you don’t need a railing. You can have one if you want one of course, but it’s not required.
More questions?
If you have more questions about railings or related issues we’re happy to answer them. Call 613-736-1122 or hit the chat button on the right during business hours.
How tall is a deck railing?
The IBC ( International Building Code) requires commerical deck railing systems to be at least 42 inches in height. In either case, you are allowed to build taller guardrails as long as they conform to all other requirements stated in the code.
How high should a deck rail be?
The IRC ( International Residential Code) notes that deck railing systems must be at least 36 inches in height from the decking surface to the top of the top rail on homes. Outdoor living spaces connected to larger buildings such as multi-family buildings, apartment buildings, businesses, or restaurants are regulated under a different code.
How far off the ground should a deck be?
If you're learning how to build a deck and start designing a deck space, remember that porches and decks built even 12 inches off the ground, can still be enough for injuries and accidents. Considering children and pets, the risk of a fall from that low a height could be even more serious.
Do I need a railing for a deck?
If your deck is lower than 30 inches from the ground, a railing is not required for your space. It's still important to keep in mind as a homeowner and DIY deck builder, however, that a deck railing system can still be beneficial even if not necessary by law.
How much space between handrail and guardrail?
Handrail ends must be returned and terminated at rail posts. The handgrips must allow a minimum of 1-1/2” space between the handrail and the guardrail or wall. A variety of gripping shapes may be acceptable but must meet requirements for the gripping surface.
How strong are guardrails for stairs?
The guardrails must be strong enough to withstand a concentrated 200 lb. force anywhere along the top of the rail.
What size handrail should I use for a circular cross section?
If you are using a circular cross section, then the handrail must have an outside diameter of between 1-1/4” and 2”. Engineered railing systems must be tested and certified to meet IRC and IBC building codes. The tests include:
How tall is a guardrail?
The IRC requires guardrails to be at least 36" in height, measured from the deck surface to the top of the rail. Note that some local jurisdiction or state require higher, such as 42" in California.
