FAQs about the Best Practices for Building Guardrails on Decks & Porches:

This article series describes recommended construction practices for deck safety, deck railing requirements, guard railing construction and building codes, and critical safe-construction details for deck and porch rails, guardrails, and exterior stair guard railings and handrails.

FAQs about Building Safe, Legal Deck, Porch Railings

These questions and answers about deck railings or guardrails were posted originally at DECK & PORCH GUARDRAILINGS - be sure to see that article.

[Click to enlarge any image]

On 2019-01-06 02:34:33.121519 by (mod) -

4-inches

On 2019-01-06 00:49:24.286924 by Aaron Britt

What are the distances between each spindle?

On 2018-08-28 20:11:15.154261 by (mod) -

GUARDRAILS on BALCONIES, DECKS, LANDINGS https://inspectapedia.com/Stairs/Guardrailing_Codes.php should help you out. States generally adopt the model building codes, though often at a later date.

Fulton County GA offers a currently-adopted codes list at http://www.fultoncountyga.gov/fcpcsd-permits-a-plan-review/inspection-information-ecd/2913-inspection-codes-adopted-for-georgia

You'll need to research backwards to which model codes the state and your local community had adopted that would have applied in 1992.

On 2018-08-28 18:56:47.840606 by Duane Ellis

What was the Residential deck handrail picket spacing requirements in Georgia in 1992?

On 2018-07-27 21:07:45.680655 by (mod) -

4"

On 2018-07-27 20:48:02.717195 by Anonymous

how far apart can the spindles be on a railing for an outside deck

On 2018-06-01 01:38:38.246057 by (mod) -

Martin:

My opinion the model codes certainly do permit some guardrails to be built without posts - depending on the type and design. The model codes specify the strength of the railing or guardrail that's required not the details of How It's to be constructed.

Your guardrail needs to be able to withstand certain loads.

Reasons for using posts (or not) when installing a guardrail are detailed at GUARDRAIL POST CODES & SPECS - https://inspectapedia.com/decks/Guardrail-Post-Codes.php please take a look and let me know if questions remain.

On 2018-05-31 15:25:03.270574 by Martin Alper

Then why all the time spent on post, especially 6 foot spacing versus 0 feet for balister supported rails.

On 2018-05-31 by (mod) - not all guardrails require posts for support

Martin:

My opinion the model codes certainly do permit some guardrails to be built without posts - depending on the type and design. The model codes specify the strength of the railing or guardrail that's required not the details of How It's to be constructed.

Your guardrail needs to be able to withstand certain loads.

Reasons for using posts (or not) when installing a guardrail are detailed at GUARDRAIL POST CODES & SPECS - please take a look and let me know if questions remain.

On 2018-05-30 by Martin Alper

You post a photo of a deck where the rail is supported by the balusters only. No Posts. Do the codes allow this?

On 2018-04-11 by (mod) - There are no handrails on either side of the steps. The seller’s agent says that it wasn’t a code requirement

Steve

In my OPINION the seller's agent does not have your daughter's safety in mind and is simply trying to speed and simplify the sale and perhaps to maximize his or her commission.

It doesn't matter if the steps are "grandfathered" in without a railing. If someone falls off they'll be just as hurt, grandfather or not. It's a valid safety concern.

The cost of curing this is not a show-stopper expense, it's a safety hazard.

In my OPINION the absence of a hand railing would not be a reason to stop the purchase of a home I wanted (which is why I hold the naysayer realtor in low esteem). The cost-to-cure is a tiny fraction of a percent of the value of the home. If the seller doesn't want to spring for that safety correction the buyer should do so.

If for other reasons your daughter goes ahead with the purchase, just as I'd have advised the seller and listing broker I warn that a stairway without guards and handrails is a trip and fall hazard.

Hazards might be even greater when many strangers are visiting the property: prospective buyers, realtors, appraisers, movers, repair people called in to tune up the home for its new owners.

So I'd like to see a handrail installed promptly, and I'd expect your daughter to warn her movers to take extra care on the railingless stair if she's moving in before that's done.

On 2018-04-11 by Steve

My daughter is buying a home where you have to climb five steps to reach the front porch. There are no handrails on either side of the steps. The seller’s agent says that it wasn’t a code requirement in Fulton County, Georgia when the home was first built and purchased in 2001.

Seems like it would have been required. Anyone know where I can find this out.

On 2018-01-09 by (mod) - 3 ft or below the frost line is pretty standard.

Mike

3 ft or below the frost line is pretty standard. But I recommend using masonry piers and keeping the actual wooden post above ground for a longer post life.

On 2018-01-09 by Mike Tree

Contact me at mikestreeandlandscaping@gmail.com

How deep must post be put ingriund, when installing a patio deck.

On 2018-01-09 by (mod) -

Dave G

Baluster spacings (typically 4") are given in detail at https://inspectapedia.com/decks/Deck_Railing_Install.php

On 2017-10-05 by Dave G

How much space is required between verticals, between each other on handrail?

On 2017-09-26 by (mod) - lattice enclosures of space below the deck - for safety?

Bert:

In SOME jurisdictions the local building department might have a safety reason to keep kids from wandering under a deck so might want the lattice enclosure, but that's not something I've found in building codes.

The maximum height above ground that a typical inspector permits a deck or steps without a guardrail is 30" but that too will vary depending on local regulations where you live. In my opinion we should always have guardrails even if a deck is just a few inches or a foot above ground, since I have seen people chatting away at a deck party followed by taking a step backwards, falling off of a low deck and suffering an injury.

On 2017-09-26 12:06:09.623758 by bert

Also what is the min height that no steps or porch rail is required ?

if a contractor builds a deck does he have to fram and enclose the porch with lattice?

On 2017-08-04 by (mod) - Calhoun SC requirement for guards on balconies

David,

Using Calhoun SC as an example

R312 Guards:

Required on porches, screened porches, balconies or raised floor surfaces more than 30 inches above the floor or grade (grade is
measured from the lowest point 6’ out) must be 36 “ high [along open stairs] and 4 “ sphere openings -

Watch out: I've read that for Balconies in South Carolina you need to be at 42" - which I recommend anyway as safer. I'm looking for the specific citation.

SC has adopted the 2015 IBC with South Carolina Modifications - http://www.tompsc.com/152/Building-Code

The final legal authority is your LOCAL building inspector, so I'd give them a call.

On 2017-08-04 by David Pickens

How high does the railing need to be on a second story balcony in SC?

On 2017-07-18 13:37:50.081334 by (mod) - The needed guardrail isn't reduced by a planter.

Not in my view. The needed guardrail isn't reduced by a planter.

Someone could easily trip or fall backwards over the planter

On 2017-07-17 by Doris Bachmann

What is an acceptable safe height for a planter on a deck instead of a railing? Will 24" to 28 " suffice if the planter is 16-18" wide

email:doris@dabinteriordesign.com

On 2017-06-27 20:44:59.888345 by Rick

What year did the building Codes adopt the 4" ball criteria on baluster spacing?

On 2017-06-14 19:10:39.566161 by (mod) -

Steve,

Actually the requirements for guardrail vary depending on the jurisdiction that is where you live. It is also the case that you are a local Building Code Compliance inspector is the final legal Authority. However being deemed legal does not mean that a falling Hazard or injury risk are not present.

On 2017-06-14 17:53:05.378978 by Steve B

I was just told by a Va inspector I need a guard rail for deck less than 30" I'm thinking a guardrail is a few 4x4s bolted to deck and 2x4s attached across middle and top. I am not going overboard because I had a building inspector sign off on the height

On 2016-12-20 00:21:18.338069 by (mod) -

Steve I don't quite understand the question. But if you're asking about acceptable spacing between the vertical balusters, where 4" is a common standard, check with your building department about what they'll accept.

On 2016-12-19 16:46:33.447251 by Steve Mccoy

Can i add on to existing iron porch hand rail with 6"between the posts instead of 4"?

On 2016-10-02 20:30:28.739634 by Ann

If porch is 26 inches from ground is it required to have railing?

On 2016-09-15 19:00:47.171808 by (mod) - Currently, we have steel railings and was told that wood is code

Connie

While your local code inspector is by law the final authority, I'm stunned by your note.

I would not expect to find any building code stating that steel handrails or guardrails are not permitted and that only wood guards and rails are permitted. That sounds more to me like arm-waving by someone who just wants to work with familiar materials.

Anonymous:
Guardrail width, meaning thickness? It's not specified unless part of the railing is serving as a handrail. Then handrail graspability rules apply.

Porch:
Shrubs may cushion the fall but they're not a substitute for a guardrail. The requirement for guardrails or handrails does vary by height above ground; at 2 ft. your local code inspector MIGHT not require railings. Ask your local inspector; let us know what you're told and where you live.

Barbara: What sort of fencing? Barbed wire? No. Other fencing that meets the strength, spacing, height specifications can be used. I'd avoid horizontal fencing as it's climbable and may not be accepted by your local officials.

On 2016-09-15 16:46:49.294466 by ConnieJohns

We are upgrading our front steps and have to replace E erything. Currently, we have steel railings and was told that wood is code now. Can we combine both materials?

On 2016-07-09 00:43:10.840925 by Anonymous

What is the legal width of guard rail

On 2016-05-22 18:13:46.518504 by Porch with shrubs around it but 2 ft off ground. Do we need to provide railings

How msmy ft off ground do we provide spindles

On 2016-04-24 03:48:55.349913 by Barbara

Can fencing be used as guard rail on a deck?

On 2016-04-13 11:22:45.177700 by (mod) -

Jim:

Typically most jurisdictions require a handrail at 3 risers or base the requirement on height above grade. However depending on who is using the stairs, a handrail may be recommended even for a single step. For a stairway used by the elderly or people who have trouble climbing stairs, a handrail is suggested for even one step.

On 2016-04-12 23:55:45.238303 by jim burroughs

exterior stair how few risers before handrail required mi. code

On 2016-02-25 19:06:08.082267 by Anonymous

Question can I use wood for upper balcony railings

On 2015-12-10 07:47:47.266846 by (mod) -

Jeff,

Without knowing anything about your building nor deck I can't suggest an exact repair.

In general one does not need a building permit simply to repair a loose railing connection. Your rsil, to be safe, indeed must meet the loading requirements discussed in these articles.

And yes connecting a rail through siding to building framing is ideal. We don't know what's under your stucco nor stucco thickness. Structural fasteners need to be long enough to pass 1.5" or more into a stud.

A stud finder should work if the stucco is not on metal lath.

On 2015-12-10 04:22:06.565703 by JEFF

Balcony railing wiggles a little bit. We would like to reinforce it where it is next to the wall. Do we need a permit in Hayward Ca? How do we find a stud location under stucco. I have a stud finder but I don't think it will work well on stucco. If we find the stud in the wall we can just bolt the railing upright to the stud in the wall?

Question:

(May 9, 2015) Kate Hauserman said:

The question you have answered at DECK & PORCH GUARDRAILINGS about the seating vs. a guard rail doesn't appear to answer the question posted in the sketch.

The question as I understand it, if there is a landscaped area adjacent to the retaining wall, can the guard rail be eliminated? You post a picture of dense planting alleviating the need for a guard rail-does the planting area have to be a specific width?

Reply:

Kate

As as you are asking about guardrailings at retaining walls you'll want to see the specifics about codes, standards, accidents and some suggestions found at

RETAINING WALL GUARD RAILINGS - see inspectapedia.com/exterior/Retaining_Wall_Guardrails.php

and don't hesitate to ask if questions remain.

Thanks

Question: maximum height of a deck before rails are required

(June 8, 2015) Anonymous said:
what is the max. height of a deck before rails are required?

Reply:

The maximum deck height before a railing is required varies by jurisdiction, typically 24-30" from ground level; some jurisdictions state the height as three step risers or more.

Keep in mind however that someone can be injured falling off a deck that's only a few inches high.

See the article series beginning at GUARDRAIL CONSTRUCTION, DECKS & RAMPS for railing height and other specifications.

On 2015-04-15 21:53:45.784790 by (mod) -

No, not that I have found, that is not along horizontal walking surfaces as long as the guardrail meets the strength and height requirements. Unlike a handrailing, a guardrail is to block a fall rather than to provide a graspable handhold to stop or save a fall.

On 2015-04-15 20:24:32.677660 by RICHARD

IS THERE A SPECIFIC PROFILE AT THE TOP OF A GUARDRAIL?

On 2015-02-06 22:58:12.728130 by (mod) -

Alex

The bottom line is the local building inspector has the last word on what's legal in your area. A 3-foot rule is common but in some situations even a 6-inch step can be a fall hazard.

On 2015-02-06 21:35:14.311970 by Alex

What is the minimum height of a deck to require a handrail?

On 2015-01-23 23:45:06.521950 by (mod) -

Steve I have not found a specific residential nor commercial model building code for railings around docks over water; it seems to me that for areas where railings are not deliberately left off to permit access to a water vehicle (boats, canoes, yachts, dredges, barges etc), one would reasonably apply model codes pertaining to decks and balconies.

On 2015-01-22 20:13:54.545010 by Steve

I don't see anything about a guardrail on a dock or pier over water residential ?

On 2014-07-11 00:25:24.080930 by (mod) -

Maria,
My opinion is that as long as the post connections are adequately strong to meet the loading requirements your local official most likely won't care if you set a post in concrete or bolted it to the structure.

On 2014-07-10 16:12:54.423570 by Maria

Replacing porch guard railing, porch front and side. Does the side railing have to be attached to a post secured to the concrete or can it be attached with a wood support to the house front edge.. As in your picture of the front porch railing.

On 2014-07-06 00:20:48.266950 by (mod) -

Sam,
Generally building codes and model codes define a minimum head room allowable for a space to be considered habitable. A typical figure is 7 ft. Give your local building department a call.

On 2014-07-05 01:25:44.662230 by Sam

Is there a legal height your roof that is above you deck/porch can be in Oregon

On 2013-01-18 06:32:57.366530 by Rod Gill

I am rebuilding my deck which is counterleved over my garden below. I want to used 90*90 posts and stainless steel wire @ 50mm apart I would like to know what is the maximum distance between posts

On 2012-10-27 12:50:49.977922 by Anonymous

I am doing an Engineering Graphics and - Design task and i want to know what the minimum requirements are for a wooden deck's railing, the stelts that the deck, as well as the wooden hut will rest on. The measurements.

On 2012-09-03 18:03:00.021536 by Anonymous

Scott, please take a look at the article titled "Cable Railings & Guardrails" found in the stair links at page left.

On 2012-03-18 16:47:40.748350 by Scott Emerson

The stainless steel cables are used in commercial, wjhats the IBC on cables in guards?

...

Continue reading at DECK & PORCH GUARDRAILINGS - topic home, guardrailing specifications & codes, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

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