What is code for railing on decks?

What Is Code For Deck Railing Height? 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.

Do I need railing around my deck?

All decks higher than 30″ above grade must have a guardrail. The IRC requires guardrails to be at least 36″ in height, measured from the deck surface to the top of the rail.

What can I use instead of a 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.

How to build your own deck railings and deck stairs?

Here is how to build your own deck railings: 1. Railing posts We used 4″ x 4″ pressure treated lumber for our railings posts. We decided to build all the railings 42″ high, but cut the posts about 8″ longer than that. This was so we could sink the posts down into the deck framing.

How long does it take to finish a deck railing?

If you plan on finishing your deck rail, go ahead and apply the finish to the posts before installing. Brush the paint or stain on all sides of the posts and let them dry (about 24 hours). Mount the posts.

Where do handrails have to go on a deck?

That means that your deck handrails must attach to a post at the top and the bottom. This is to ensure the solidity of the handrail, assuming the post at the bottom – called a newell post – is properly fastened to a footing in the ground.

How tall should a 4×4 be for a deck railing?

Cut 4x4s to be at least a little higher than the railing will be, plus extra length to hang below the deck planks. For instance, if you want a railing that is 36 inches (91 cm) high, cut posts that are perhaps 44 inches (110 cm) high. Most building codes require deck railings to be between 36 inches (91 cm) and 42 inches (110 cm) high.

What’s the best way to build a railing?

Secure the bottom rail to the posts. Use a couple of scraps of wood to hold the bottom rail up at the height you want it to be. Pre-drill holes at an angle through its bottom, toward the posts. Then drive long screws through these holes and into the posts so that the bottom rail will stay securely in place.