Deck Railing Requirements

Depending on where you live and the height of your deck, certain standards must be met when constructing a deck railing. It must be safe and comply with the applicable building code.

Here’s what you need to know about deck railing requirements.

Local Regulations May Differ

Each state will have its own laws about the railing requirements on a deck. Before you build or decide on your deck design, make sure you check with your local municipality to ensure you are following the relevant building code and local regulations.

Residential Deck Railings

Typically, in most U.S. states, any platform that is more than 24 inches off the ground requires some type of guardrail. For a residential deck, the required guardrail height is usually a minimum of 36 inches. Additionally, the space between the deck surface and the bottom of the guardrail cannot be more than 4 inches. For a deck that sits more than 5 feet above grade, a 42-inch rail is required.

The guardrail can be any design you want, but elements of the design cannot be spaced more than 4 inches apart and must not be considered climbable.

Commercial Deck Railings

The requirements for guardrails on commercial decks are the same as for residential decks: the elements of the guardrail cannot be more than 4 inches apart.

How Are the Rules Determined for Deck Railing Height Requirements?

The main purpose of deck railing requirements is to ensure people stay safe when using the deck. If the railing is too low, someone could trip or fall over the edge, resulting in serious injury.

Additionally, if the spaces in the railing are more than 4 inches apart, it can create a safety risk for children who might get stuck between or slip through the balusters.

Do I Need a Handrail for the Stairs to My Deck?

While you do need a railing when decks are more than 24 inches off the ground, some homeowners are unsure whether they need handrails for the steps leading up to their deck.

As a general rule, handrails should be installed when there are more than two stairs. Additionally, handrails should also be installed on both sides of the stairs whenever possible.

At Hickory Dickory Decks, when we install a new deck, we make sure it meets all U.S. building codes and any local regulations that apply.