Most codes require railings only when a deck is more than 30 in. off the ground. But you may want to build a rail on a lower deck anyway, for appearance if not for safety. The basic structure of a typical deck or porch railing consists of posts, rails, and balusters, which are also called uprights or pickets.
Even with basic PT lumber, many designs are possible. For example, you can eliminate the bottom rail, extend the balusters down, and fasten them to the rim joist. You can
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include a 2×6 “cap” installed over the tops of the posts and over the top rail. And you can use a chopsaw to bevel one or both ends of each baluster to give your work a sleeker appearance. There are even decorative FT balusters, along with shaped top and bottom rails that are grooved to hold baluster ends. Also available are quality vinyl railings that are attractive and maintenance-free. As I mentioned at the beginning of this chapter, it’s worthwhile to investigate the design possibilities, so take a drive around your neighborhood and visit a lumberyard or home center that carries these building supplies. No matter what the design, make sure the railing meets code requirements (see the sidebar below).
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POSTS, RAILS, AND BALUSTERS MUST BE PRECISE. The clean lines on a finished porch or deck depend on accurate railing installation. Here, the posts are notched to fit against the rim joist. The ends of the decking boards overhang beyond the rim joist, even with posts.
[Photo © Larry Haun.]
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TO MAKE PORCH RAILINGS and stair handrails both safe and legal, you need to know the basic rules and regulations that dictate how they’re built. The specs below cover most areas of the country, but codes do vary from region to region, so always check with your local building department.
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In most regions, any deck higher than 30 in. off the ground needs a railing.
Stairs with more than three risers (three steps) need a handrail.
Stairs that are 44 in. wide or more need a handrail on both sides.
The height of a handrail, measured from the nose front edge of the stair tread, should be between 32 in. and 36 in. The handrail should extend the length of the stairs.
The width of a handrail must be between 1 in. and 2 in. so that it’s easy to grab.
The railing height on a deck guardrail should be between 36 in. and 42 in.
The balusters used on porches and stairs should run vertically, so children can’t climb on them. The spacing between them must be 4 in. or less, so children can’t squeeze through.
The bottom rail must not be more than 4 in. above the deck.
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Hold balusters down 2 in. so handrail is easy to grasp.
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4×4 4 in. from
post deck maximum
4-in. maximum space between balusters
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Height of rail must be between 32 in. and 36 in.
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Building codes regulate heights of rails and spacing of balusters. Check with your local building department for your area’s requirements.
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