Deck Railing Post Height
The sweep space between the deck surface and the bottom rail must be less than 4.
Deck railing post height. Building stairs that comply with safety standards requires not only that you apply local code standards to constructed stair rails heights but also to constructed stair post heights. Standard rail height is 36 to 42 inches. Deck railing height is a minimum of 36 in some states such as california the minimum height is 42. Mark with light line.
Center upper bracket on post above marked line and attach using three 2 wood screws. Measure from the deck floor to the top of the rail between posts. Although there is an international residential code for handrail heights 34 to 38 inches local codes may require sizes that are different from those of the international code. Discover our high quality deck rails to add the finishing touch to your deck.
Rail and post height codes. Maximum spacing of posts is 72 inches on center. Handrails are required for stairs and must meet standards as specified by r311 5 6 3 in the irc code. This must be at least 36 high to meet irc requirements.
Make sure your sweep space and all infill openings will not allow a 4 sphere to pass through. Sweep space bottom deck rails. These deck railing height diagrams are a great reference for your design and building portfolio. Then measure up from decking surface 33 15 16 for 36 rail height or 39 15 16 for 42 rail height.
The same height rules apply to stairs and the inspector measures the handrail height from nose of the stair tread. Posts will need to be 10 inches longer. Installing deck railing is easy if you use an anchored handrail system. 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. They include the actual height of the rail above the deck the height above grade when a guardrail is required and important baluster spacing dimensions. Center lower bracket on post above the marked line and attach using two 2 wood screws. Deck railing height requirements.
We have also created separate illustrations for residential guards for the usa and canada depending on where you live. The handrail itself should be easy to grip with a minimum diameter of 1 1 4. Find the perfect deck railing system to complete your design. Step 3 secure the posts.
Bolt the posts to the inside of the rim joists.