Code For Deck Rail Height
The sweep space between the deck surface and the bottom rail must be less than 4.
Code for deck rail height. Commercial deck guardrails such as those found at restaurants bars and at multifamily homes such as apartments or condos are required to be 42 inches high. The irc requires guardrails to be at least 36 in height measured from the deck surface to the top of the rail. Canada residential rail height and dimensions. The handrail itself should be easy to grip with a minimum diameter of 1 14.
Railings are required in raised areas and stairways and in maine their height is regulated by the maine building code. Guards are required when then deck is 24 60 cm above grade. Interior railings are called handrails and are generally required in maine on any stairway that includes more than three steps. Deck guardrails guards should rise to at least 36 inches above the residential deck level.
The same height rules apply to stairs and the inspector measures the handrail height from nose of the stair tread. This is a minimum required height for residential structurehigher guards are acceptable. Decks 24 to 5 10 180 cm need 36 guards and anything above 5 10 requires a 42 high railing. If you choose to install a guardrail on a deck lower than 30 you must still meet code requirements.
Decks attached to single family detached homes are regulated under the rules of the international residential code irc. The top edge of the handrail must be placed between 34 and 38 above the nosing of the stair treads. Handrails are required for stairs and must meet standards as specified by r311563 in the irc code. The handrail should reach a height of 34 to 38 inches above the stair nosing.