Understanding Railing Codes for Decks and Stairs
As a general rule all decks higher than 30″ above grade are required to have a guardrail. If a property owner or contractor elects to install railings on any deck lower than 30″, the railings must still meet code. Deck railing height standards can vary from state to state but typically require a 36″ or 42″ railing. In California, deck railings are required to be a minimum of 42″ tall measured from the deck surface to the top of the guardrail.
Typical loading requirements dictate that guardrails should be strong enough to withstand 200 pounds of force applied anywhere along the top rail. A variety of infill options are allowed as long as the openings do not allow the passage of a 4″ sphere through the infill. Posts should be spaced no more than 6 feet apart for picket railings, and no more than 4 feet apart for cable style railings. Any space between the deck surface and bottom rail member (sweep space) should not exceed 4″.
Guardrails are also required for stairways. The railing height for stairs is measured from the nose of the stair treads and must be installed between 34″ and 38″. Guard rails are different from graspable rails (grab rails) and one or both may be needed in order to satisfy code requirements. For example: a flat 2×4″ top rail will satisfy a guardrail requirement but is not acceptable for a graspable rail.
Installers should be mindful of clear spacing rules for graspable rails which must allow 1.5″ of space between the guardrail or any wall surface. Additionally, the ends of graspable rails must be returned and/or terminated at railing posts. The bottom rail on any stair railing should not allow passage of a sphere greater than 6″ in diameter to pass through the triangular opening created by the stair riser.
San Diego Cable Railings offers nationwide shipping and code compliant products designed for deck railings and stairs. Visit the quote request page or give us a call at 844-277-7327 to learn more about deck railing code requirements.
