Re: Building Code for Railings

The basics are this:
Any raised platform 24" or more above the surface below must be guarded by a railing. The height of that railing varies with the height above the grade, but 42" should be safe. At no point should a 4" ball be able to squeeze through (or under) the railing.

There are many fiddly little bits of code, though. There are minimum cross-sections for pickets and balusters, and there is a magical 'zone' between 100 and 900mm above the deck surface where you must not have any horizontal members. This is to make sure the deck isn't 'climbable'. So if you're using pickets then your bottom member needs to be squat and low to the deck so that the top of it is less than 100mm above the surface.

Just make sure that it doesn't look like a kid could climb the railing, use reasonably beefy parts, and make it 42" or more high, and you should be golden. At least, that's my recollection. Let's see if anyone else recalls differently...

Re: Building Code for Railings

Mike gives a good answer.

Re: Building Code for Railings

I guess I will throw this one out there as it's along the same line.

I had a railing from my living room along a section of wall that overlooked my front entrance way. It's made of Oak, the same as you get with most hand rails on a set of stairs.

When I filled in that section with a wall, the railing came out and went into the garage for later consideration. Out of my kitchen, I have a patio door that leads to a non existent deck. Right now there are ugly 2x4 with 2x2 boards nailed up for slats. It's a real eye sore both from the road and looking out the kitchen.

As this existing railing from my living room is the perfect side to fit onto this door, would it be up to spec? are indoor railing specifications any different than outdoor?

Matt.

Re: Building Code for Railings

First floor railings are 36" , second floor 42"

Re: Building Code for Railings

Note also that if you are using glass, aluminum, or plastic railings that you need them stamped by a structural engineer.

Here is Waterloo's information on decks. It is probably useful as a guideline. Either way, your building department will be glad to give you the information. I used to be scared to call them, but they really want to make sure you know what is going on before you start :)





Ian

Re: Building Code for Railings

Callee?

:D

Re: Building Code for Railings

:shock::rolleyes:

Re: Building Code for Railings

Deck heigth greater than 24" above grade but less that 5'10" requires 36" high railings. Deck height greater than 5'10" above grade requires a 42" high railing.

C

Re: Building Code for Railings

That depends on jurisdiction. The BC Building code requires ALL guard rails to be 42" in height for exterior if the height above ground is greater than 600 mm. Interior guard rails are to be 32" - 38" in height (830-1040mm) for single residential dwellings. Multi-family dwellings and commercial require 42" across the board.

Max 4" gap between vertical members (so a small child can't get their head stuck), and no horizontal members that could allow a child to climb the railing.