Balcony Railing Height Code
The height of the railing is also specified by city building code.
Balcony railing height code. Deck railing height is a minimum of 36. Decks 24 to 5 10 180 cm need 36 guards and anything above 5 10 requires a 42 high railing. The minimum height of the railing varies based on the height of the deck. Handrails are required for stairs and must meet standards as specified by r311 5 6 3 in the irc code.
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. Commercial properties do not include rental homes duplexes or any other property that is zoned r 1 4. The minimum height of the railing varies based on the height of the deck.
Railing systems require regular inspection to ensure they are. The top of the handrail should be at least 34 inches. In some states such as california the minimum height is 42. Treads must be at least 10 inches deep measuring from front to back.
Decks 24 to 5 10 180 cm need 36 guards and anything above 5 10 requires a 42 high railing. Residential properties typically require a railing of 36 inches while commercial properties should have railings between 42 and 48 inches. Railings must withstand at least 200 pounds of pressure in either direction. The sweep space between the deck surface and the bottom rail must be less than 4.
Handrail ends must be returned and terminated at rail posts. 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. Requirements for deck stairs the code has some very specific requirements for deck stairs. 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.
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. There is no maximum height. Respect minimum height requirements safety is important and something that should always supersede style. A railing is only necessary if the deck is 30 or more off the ground and 24 in certain jurisdictions.
For business or fencing use the railings should be 42 or 48 inches.