What can I use instead of a deck railing?

Consider stainless-steel cables, metal tubes, or composite railings if you’re looking for low-maintenance alternative to wood balusters and railings for your deck. For many deck installations, selecting the railing requires the homeowner’s undivided attention.

What is the minimum height for a deck railing?

36″
The IRC requires guardrails to be at least 36″ in height measured from the deck surface to the top of the rail. Commercial decks attached to multifamily buildings regulated under the International Building Code (IBC) require 42″ high guardrails.

What are the different types of deck railings?

Types of Railings

Chippendale. A Chippendale railing uses an X-shaped pattern.
Rustic. A rustic look will feature a more informal style.
Craftsman. A craftsman style uses a series of slim lines that are typically organized in a vertical pattern.
Sawn Baluster.
Turned Baluster.
Sunburst/Fan.
Wrought Iron.
Cable.

What is the easiest deck railing to install?

The Easiest Deck Railing to Install

Steel panel railings are the original panel railings.
Aluminum panel railings are very close to their steel counterparts, and are generally manufactured in a similar range of styles.
Cable railings are a development of the new millennium.

Do low decks need railings?

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.

What is standard railing height?

The IRC required the top of all Handrails must be between 34 and 38 inches measured from the walking surface or the nose of the stairs.

What is code for deck spindle spacing?

4 inches
In order to comply with building regulations and codes, balusters must be spaced no more than 4 inches apart on center. The general rule is that your railing must have three balusters per foot (every 12 inches), although you can place them closer together if you’d like.

What is the most popular deck railing?

The Deck Railing Cost Comparison seems to show that Iron and Aluminum are the best valued deck railing options. Composite Railing with aluminum balusters or composite baluster infill is more expensive than all-aluminum rail, and Cable infill with composite railing will be more expensive than cable with aluminum rail.

What kind of deck railing is the best?

The best kind of wood for a deck railing is cedar because it is durable and beautiful. Spruce, pine, or fir are much cheaper options that look very similar when a colorant is applied in addition to anti-rot chemicals. A wood deck railing is a good option as long as upkeep is not a problem.

How tall should deck railing posts be?

Cut the Posts Standard rail height is 36 to 42 inches; posts will need to be 10 inches longer.

How do you secure a 4×4 post to a deck?

The quickest and most secure way to mount a wooden 4×4 or 6×6 deck post to an existing deck surface is via an OZCO Post Base Kit or a Titan Post Anchor. Both of these items provide a solid, powder-coated steel connection point for your wooden post to attach to surface below.

Should you add a railing to your deck?

Should You Add a Railing to Your Deck? Building to Code. For many homeowners the question of whether or not they should add a railing to their deck is not open for debate. Aesthetics. For decks both under and over thirty inches off the ground railings can be a great addition to add to the overall aesthetic of the deck. Safety. Finally, railings are an important safety feature on a deck.

What is the maximum span of posts for railings on a deck?

Maximum spacing is 4 feet on center if posts stick up above top rail, if you have a continuous top rail then 6 feet. Unless you have a pre engineered rail system going in then these are the guidelines.

What is a deck rail?

Deck railing is a guard rail to prevent people falling from decks, stairs and balconies of buildings. Over time, many different styles of deck railing have been developed.