![]() ![]() It states that any set of stairs with four or more risers must have a continuous graspable handrail on at least one side of the stairs. Similar to the requirements for railings, there’s a separate code for handrails on your deck stairs. Note: These codes and regulations are part of the IRC – Section R311. Any deck without railings may not be considered “market-ready” in some situations.Railings add to the overall design of your deck and improve curb appeal. ![]() They provide an extra layer of protection for those aging in place or if you have any older adult guests over who could take a wrong step.They allow you to install a lockable gate that provides another layer of security for children or pets.Even falling from a short distance could break bones. Railings offer extra fall protection for children and guests who are unfamiliar with your deck.But even if you aren’t required to install them, we still recommend doing so. Safety is the driving idea behind railings’ rules and regulations, and those aren’t the only reasons. Why You Should Consider Installing Railings, Even if You Don’t Need To If you happen to own a small enough pet that could slip through an opening smaller than 4 inches, there’s a solution! You can have a custom railing built, or commonly use chicken wire as a temporary measure if needed. But if you can only move it less than 3 inches, then it’s a pass. Essentially, if you can grab the top of a railing post and move it by more than 3 inches, then it fails the 200-pound load test. But the easiest way to put it to the test is through railing post-deflection. And a space that’s too wide between the balusters would make it more likely for pets or small children to slip through and fall.Īs for measuring if a railing can withstand 200-pounds, it’s a bit tricky. A railing that’s too short would be easy for someone to fall over accidentally. Insect screens will not pass as an acceptable guard.Must withstand a 200-pound load applied in an outward direction.There must not be an opening where a 4-inch diameter sphere could pass through any part of the railing.All railings/guards must be 36 inches or taller measured from the surface of your deck.If you install a railing, whether because of code or personal preference, it will need to meet these requirements: So it’s understandable that you’d want to make sure your deck’s railings are up to par. Railings keep you and your guests safe during social gatherings or when you’re spending the afternoon on the deck with your family. The local building official of your municipality will have the final say if they feel your deck would be unsafe without one (even if it technically meets code), they’ll require it. In most scenarios, you’ll need railings (also referred to as guardrails in the codebook) on any deck where the grade around the deck is 30 inches or higher from the deck’s surface at any point within 36 inches from the deck’s edge. In even simpler terms, if your deck is 30″ or higher off the ground, you need to install railing.īut depending on your project and landscape, it may not be 100% clear if you need to install railings. The height of your deck will determine whether or not you’re required to install a railing, but the specifics vary from state to state. Note: These codes and regulations are part of the IRC – Section R312.1 We’re diving into the deck railing requirements you need to know about during your build. Today, that’s what we’re going to talk about in simple, easy-to-understand terms. What kind of requirements are there? And does your deck really even need railing? What about stair railing, is that different? It’s no different when it comes to railings. We can all agree that it’s common for the codes and regulations to cause a bit of confusion when you’re building a deck. ![]()
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