This deck railing height code also applies to commercial decks and balconies such as restaurants bars and museums as well as multi family homes condos and any deck on a third story or higher.
Balcony railing height code.
If your local laws follow the international residential code then balconies in your area that are 30 inches or more above the surrounding floor must have guardrails.
In certain areas of the country such as california and washington state deck raiilng much reach a height of 42 inches above the deck surface.
The top of the handrail should be at least 34 inches.
The minimum height of the railing varies based on the height of the deck.
Stair rails on decks should be between 34 inches and 38 inches high measured vertically from the nose of the tread to the top of the rail.
The top edge of the handrail must be placed between 34 and 38 above the nosing of the stair treads.
The height of the railing is also specified by city building code.
In some states such as california the minimum height is 42.
Even if your balcony has additional supports potentially categorizing it as a porch or deck it must have guardrails based on the same 30 inch rule.
A railings shall be not less than 42 inches in height from floor or ground level to the top of the top railing and shall be provided with an intermediate railing the center of which shall be midway between the floor or ground level of the space guarded and the top of the top railing.
Install railings on any deck that is 30 inches or more from the surrounding surface and on at least one side of a stairway leading to the deck.
Decks 24 to 5 10 180 cm need 36 guards and anything above 5 10 requires a 42 high railing.
Deck railing height is a minimum of 36.
For business or fencing use the railings should be 42 or 48 inches.
Handrails are required for stairs and must meet standards as specified by r311 5 6 3 in the irc code.
The sweep space between the deck surface and the bottom rail must be less than 4.
Respect minimum height requirements safety is important and something that should always supersede style.
There is no maximum height.
A 4 inch diameter ball should not be able to pass between them.
A railing is only necessary if the deck is 30 or more off the ground and 24 in certain jurisdictions.
Railings must withstand at least 200 pounds of pressure in either direction.
Residential properties typically require a railing of 36 inches while commercial properties should have railings between 42 and 48 inches.
Each community has different height requirements to determine if the porch or balcony requires railings.
Requirements for deck stairs the code has some very specific requirements for deck stairs.