Building Codes for Deck Railing
- Handrails. Install railings on any deck that is 30 inches or more from the surrounding surface and on at least one side of a stairway leading to the deck.
- Baluster Spacing. Balusters, the vertical guards that support the handrail, must be installed close enough that the space between them is no greater than 4 inches.
- Support Posts. ...
- Bottom Rail. ...
What is code for deck railing?
The IBC code for structural designhas some very specific requirements for deck stairs:
- Stair rails on decks should be between 34 inches and 38 inches high, measured vertically from the nose of the tread to the top of the rail.
- Treads must be at least 10 inches deep, measuring from front to back.
- Stair treads must sustain a weight of at least 300 pounds in an area no more than four inches square.
How to install a deck railing?
Working with Pressure-Treated Lumber
- Use fasteners and hardware labeled for treated lumber — stainless-steel or hot-dipped, galvanized screws.
- If the lumber is wet — it typically is when delivered from the store — butt it together tightly when building. ...
- Drill pilot holes in the ends of boards to prevent splitting when you nail or screw them together.
What height deck requires a railing?
There is no maximum height. A railing is only necessary if the deck is 30” or more off the ground, and 24” in certain jurisdictions. Many states and provinces mandate deck railings to be at least 42” if the deck is 6’ or more off the ground.
What is the standard height of a deck rail?
Deck railing height should be a minimum of 36” for any platform elevated to 30” and more from the surface. The maximum space between the bottom rail and the surface is 4”. The same gap is allowed between the decorative elements of the deck railing .
How far apart can rails be on a deck?
U.S. building code requires support posts for the rail structure to be no further apart than 6 feet on a deck with 4×4' deck rail posts and no more than 8 feet apart for decks with 6×6' deck rail posts. Posts should be no further apart than 5.5 feet on stairs.
How far apart should deck railing posts be placed?
Spacing of Deck Posts The two most common sizes used for deck posts are 4×4 and 6×6. When using 4×4 posts, place them no more than 6 feet apart, and when using 6×6 posts, no more than 8 feet apart. The reason for these standards is that the railing system won't have proper support if the posts are too far apart.
What is code for distance between spindles on a railing?
4-inchU.S. building codes mandate that balusters have no more than a 4-inch gap between them. This relatively tight amount of spacing still allows for visibility between spindles, but also stands as a safety measure to prevent small children from becoming stuck between spindles or from slipping through the balusters.
How much space should be between deck and bottom rail?
If a deck baluster must be placed against a lower railing, the 4-inch rule also applies to the space between the bottom of the railing and the deck surface. To test out the spacing, find a 4-inch diameter sphere (such as a bocce ball) and ensure it can't pass between the balusters.
How do you calculate railing spacing?
1:184:36How to Calculate Your Deck Baluster Spacing and Total - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFind your unit width which is the width of one balusters. Plus the space between two balusters.MoreFind your unit width which is the width of one balusters. Plus the space between two balusters.
What is the maximum distance between handrail posts?
OSHA requires guardrail posts to be spaced no more than 8-feet apart on center, no matter if it's wood, pipe railing, or structural steel. If posts are spaced more than 8-feet on center, it will no longer be OSHA compliant.
What is the maximum gap between spindles?
99mmThe building regulations state that a 100mm sphere cannot pass through any opening and this includes between spindles. So your maximum space between spindles is 99mm.
How do you calculate deck spindle spacing?
Deck Spindle Spacing – The FormulaIf you are using 41mm decking spindles - divide the above measurement by 121.35mm spindles - divide the measurement by 115.32mm spindles - divide the measurement by 112.
What is code for horizontal deck railing?
The IRC (International Residential Code) requires that deck railing be at least 36″ in height. This should be measured from the deck or porch surface to the top of the railing.
Can you use 2x4 for deck railing post?
On some decks, it's possible to use 4×4 or larger posts that run continuously from the railing to the footings, supporting both the deck structure and the railing. As long as the posts are not notched, these easily meet the most stringent deck codes.
What is the best height for deck railing?
36 inchesDeck guardrails (guards) should rise to at least 36 inches above the residential deck level. This is a minimum required height for residential structure—higher guards are acceptable.
Can a 2x4 be used as a handrail?
According to the IRC (2018), you can use a 2×4 to make a handrail, but you must cut finger recesses along both sides of the board and position the lumber lengthwise on its end. Using a 2×4 as a handrail laid vertically is not allowed.
Is cable railing safe?
When built to code, cable railing is a very safe option for railing. However, building code can be hard to navigate. Here you’ll find helpful infor...
What are the Codes Affecting Cable Railing?
A number of code stipulations will apply to your project given its environment: residential or commercial. While there are some standards for raili...
What is the 4 inch Sphere Rule?
The 4 Inch Sphere Rule refers to gaps & spaces within a railing system. The rule states that a 4” sphere should be unable to pass through any gap i...
What is the spacing for cable railing?
To ensure your system performs as well as designed, be sure to space structural posts 4ft apart center-to-center. If you’re using a wood post syste...
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.
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.
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.
How high is a guard rail?
It’s required at all points within 36” horizontally to the edge of the open side. Guard Height Requirements: The absolute minimum height requirement for residential guard railing is 36” in some states, although states (like California) have a minimum of a 42” handrail height. Viewrail offers 36”, 39”, and 42” handrail heights to meet every state’s ...
What is a guardrail?
Code For Guardrail. Guard railing is the protective railing that keeps people from falling off open-sided walkways like stairs, ramps, or balconies. Guard railings come in a variety of forms, such as wood or iron vertical stair balusters, horizontal cable railing, or glass panel systems. Where to Put Guard Railing: According to the 2018 IRC, ...
How big of a gap can you have at the back of a step?
The only notable exception to this is often allowed at the back of step for a gap up to 6”. When any horizontal railing is on a diagonal across the rise and run of step, it will almost always exceed 4” gap, and thus an allowance was made.
What is the IRC code?
The IRC also contains energy conservation strategies, to protect and minimize damage to the environment. Finally, the code allows you, the homeowner, to enjoy your dwelling with healthy amounts of light and ventilation.
Do spiral staircases have IRC codes?
Spiral staircases, for example, do not adhere to the basic IRC code for stairways. In addition, the international residential code refers primarily to new builds, with addendums written for alterations and reconstruction.
Is deck railing code in place?
If you’re a homeowner, you might wonder which parts of code actually applies to you, and whether you actually have to pay close attention. Deck railing code is in place for a reason, however. It exists to keep people safe. Though it might be a bit tedious to sift through, in the end, doing your research and preparation will be well worth your time.
What are the requirements for cable railings?
There are specific requirements for each aspect of the railing system, such as handrail height, the amount of pressure that the system must be able to withstand, and how far apart the posts must be spaced. In general, cable railing code requirements come from two different sources: The IRC (International Residential Code) ...
How tall is a guardrail?
A guardrail is typically required for stairs with 4-or-more risers, or for a deck or balcony with 30 inches above grade. Code requires guardrail in residential structures be a minimum of 36 inches. Some areas require taller guardrail. Be sure to check with your code official regarding your area’s guardrail height requirements.
What is the exception to the 4 inch sphere rule?
The exception to the 4 inch sphere rule is the gap created between the bottom run of infill and the 90 degree angle created where the rear of a stair tread meets a stair riser. The rule states a 6 inch sphere should be unable to pass through this triangular gap.
Is cable railing safe?
When built to code, cable railing is a very safe option for railing. However, building code can be hard to navigate. Here you’ll find helpful information about horizontal railing codes, and how Viewrail cable railing products are designed to exceed those code requirements without sacrificing on design.
Do you cut cable railings twice?
Following cable railing code is essential to a cable railing system that will perform optimally for years to come. Measure twice, cut once is an old adage for a reason. The more precise your cuts, the less likely you are to bottom out the threads on your tension receivers.
Do handrails have to go back into the wall?
Code also requires handrails return into a wall or structural member of the railing system. This allows everyone from homeowners to first responders to safely traverse a staircase without snagging clothing or equipment on a handrail and falling down a staircase.
How high should a deck railing be?
The minimum height of the railing varies based on the height of the deck. Decks 24 "to 5-10" (180 cm) need 36 "guards and anything above 5-10" requires a 42 "high railing. READ MORE.
How tall is a guardrail?
USA RAIL HEIGHT FOR RESIDENCES. Guardrails are required once the deck is 30 ″ or more above grade. A 36 ”rail measured from the top of rail to the deck surface is required. California is the one exception where they Require 42 "guards. CANADA RESIDENTIAL RAIL HEIGHT AND DIMENSIONS.
How much space between balusters?
U.S. building codes mandate that balusters have no more than a 4-inch gap between them. This relatively tight amount of spacing still allows for visibility between spindles, but also stands as a safety measure to prevent small children from becoming stuck between spindles or from slipping through the balusters.
What is a baluster railing?
However, posts differ from spindles or balusters in that a post will always make contact with the base of the deck itself . These posts divide railing into sections, where spindles or balusters are placed to provide a safety barrier. Depending on the length of these sections, it will also determine how far apart your spindles should be placed from the center point.
Can a spindle touch a deck?
While a spindle or baluster can touch the deck, they often have a bottom railing to hold them in place. Composite balusters never touch the deck and are held in place four inches or less from the top of the deck’s surface.
How big is a pre cut spindle?
Mark sure and use a tiny mark only right on the edge of the side where the spindle goes. Even though most pre-cut spindles are less than 1 1/2″, the smallest are still only about 1 1/4″. When this is subtracted from 5″, it still leaves 3 3/4″ for the space.
Can a 4 inch sphere pass through a 2x4 block?
The building code states that a 4″ sphere cannot pass through at any point. A common mistake when installing spindles is to use a 2 x 4 block to gauge the space between the spindles at the top and the bottom. Even the most careful of carpenters run into variations when using this technique, no matter what.
