Building a deck isn’t as simple as you might think. Apart from determining your budget, finding a trusted contractor and procuring the right materials for your project, you’ll also have to understand the building codes that apply to your deck’s components, particularly the railing. While it may be a bit tedious to go through, this shouldn’t be ignored to make sure your deck is safe for people to use.
Professional deck contractors are usually already aware of the local building codes for deck railings, but it also helps to understand what applies to your project so that you can be sure that it passes local safety inspections.
Fencing Isn’t Recommended on a Deck That’s More Than 30 Inches Tall
If you’re building a deck that’s over 30 inches tall, you shouldn’t use fencing in place of guardrails for your project. Fencing isn’t designed to prevent people from accidentally falling off the deck, which is why some local building codes don’t recommend it. Guardrails are much better since they pass different types of safety tests, and they’re meant to keep people safe from injury.
Guardrails Are Required for Decks That Are More Than 30 Inches Tall
A guardrail is different from your typical handrail in that the latter can be horizontal or sloped and are only used for support while the former are already code-tested to make sure they’re sturdy enough for people to lean on without falling over. If you are planning to install a raised deck, make sure to measure its height to determine whether you need a guardrail or not. The railings must also be graspable while meeting your local building code’s size requirements.
Bottom Rails Shouldn’t Be Two to Four Inches Above the Deck Surface
This only applies if you’re planning to add a bottom rail to your deck railing. This will depend on where you live and the local building codes, however, as some areas require only two-inch spacing while others need four. Either way, bottom rail spacing is important to help keep children safe. Some building codes may even require a bottom rail for deck construction regardless of whether the homeowner has kids.
STL Design and Build can help you custom design your deck to your exact specification while respecting your budget constraints. You can count on our team to follow all building codes and safety recommendations for handrails, stairs and ramps. As for materials, we utilize a wide variety, including wood and composite. To discuss your needs for your new deck, give us a call at (314) 736-5800, or fill out our online contact form.