What is the code for deck rail height?

36″
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.

What is code for deck railing posts?

According to the International Building Code, deck railing posts should be spaced no further than 6 feet apart. of pressure from any direction at any single point on the post or railing. Decks 30 inches or more above grade require a safety railing that is at least 36 inches high.

How high can a deck be without a rail?

30 inches
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 height should a railing be?

(6) The height of handrails shall be not more than 37 inches (94 cm) nor less than 30 inches (76 cm) from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread.

What size bolts to use for deck posts?

While code typically allows 3/8-inch-diameter bolts for fastening braces to posts, beams, or joists, I use 1/2-inch-diameter bolts instead. There’s no penalty for exceeding code, and it’s easier to keep a single bolt size on hand (1/2-inch bolts are required for many other deck connections).

How high should a deck be off the ground?

There is no standard height for a “grade-level” deck—the maximum measurement from grade to the deck surface could be 6 inches, 12 inches, 24 inches, or more. But generally speaking, I apply the term to decks that are up to 30 inches above grade, since guardrails are required for any decks that are higher than that.

What is the maximum distance between deck railing posts?

72 inches
Secure the Posts Maximum spacing of posts is 72 inches on center. Bolts should be vertically spaced no less than 5-1/8 inch apart. For a composite railing system, slide the post sleeve over the wood post, then the post sleeve skirt over the post sleeve; both should rest on the decking.

How do I attach 4×4 to top of 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.

What is the building code for a deck in Indiana?

The Indiana Building Code is largely based on the 2006 International Building Code (IBC). As such, its requirements for decks closely mirror those adopted by many states and municipalities throughout the country. Nonetheless, when planning your deck, keep in mind that regulations can vary widely among municipalities.

How tall does a deck have to be in Indiana?

In Indiana, any deck that serves as a means of egress, or exit route, must meet specific criteria to facilitate quick and efficient evacuation in case of an emergency. If a deck stands at least 30 inches above the ground, it must feature guardrails.

How tall does a railing need to be for a deck?

MORE BUILDING code topics 1 Guards are required when then deck is 24 ” (60 cm) above grade. 2 The minimum height of the railing varies based on the height of the deck. 3 Decks 24 “to 5-10” (180 cm) need 36 “guards and anything above 5-10” requires a 42 “high railing.

How tall is a handrail on a deck in Florida?

There is a maximum height for stair handrails since stair rails must be easily accessed for all types of people to hold on to when moving up and down the stairs. Florida deck railing height is a minimum of 36” from the top surface of the deck to the top of the deck railing.