When spacing the interior posts, make sure to measure from the center of each corner post as opposed to the corner of the framing to achieve proper spacing.Īs most decks are attached to a home, you’ll need to account for the corners of the deck that attach to the deck ledger. Just keep in mind that each style requires the addition of blocking in the frame to meet code. This decision is an aesthetic one, as each option will provide adequate. If you want the posts to be close together, mount each post an inch or two from the corner of the framing.Īnother option is to mount each post 12 to 16 inches in from the corners with the top rails extending beyond each post to meet at the corner. You have a couple of options for the corners of externally-mounted posts. If you are attaching posts to the inside of the frame, you’ll need one post on each corner.įor decks with deck rail posts on the outside, you’ll need two posts on each corner. Since the posts will determine the spacing of the balusters and the structural integrity of your railing, correctly installing the posts is critical to ensuring the rest of the railing installation goes smoothly.īegin by measuring the distance between the corner posts of the deck, making sure to measure each side of the deck that will have railings. Calculating the Space Between the Railing PostsĬalculating the space between the railing posts is the first step in the railing installation process.
DECK STAIR RAIL CODE HOW TO
Below, we’ll discuss how to properly space your deck posts. To achieve an aesthetically pleasing result, you need to space the posts uniformly. Unless your deck dimensions are evenly divisible by six, you’ll end up with odd and rather unappealing deck rail post spacing. How to Space Railing PostsĪlthough your minimum spacing might be 6 feet, that doesn’t mean you start with the first corner post and move six feet outward from there. If it doesn’t, even a fall of a couple of feet can cause serious injuries. If there’s a railing, people will lean on it expecting it to hold them. Keep in mind that although you may add a rail to a deck that’s less than 30 inches above grade, that railing still needs to adhere to these safety requirements. of pressure from any direction at any single point on the post or railing.ĭecks 30 inches or more above grade require a safety railing that is at least 36 inches high. What is the reasoning behind this spacing? A deck railing should withstand up to 200 lbs. Sometimes local building codes will have more stringent regulations, so check your local building department for post spacing requirements.
DECK STAIR RAIL CODE CODE
Building Code Deck Railing Post Spacing RequirementsĪccording to the International Building Code, deck railing posts should be spaced no further than 6 feet apart. When you consider that more than 6,000 people suffer serious injuries and even death every year from failed decks and balconies, this is something that should be taken very seriously. Whereas people may not venture to the edge of a structure with no rail, most will generally lean on a railing, expecting it to hold their weight. One could even make the argument that a weak deck railing due to poor post spacing is worse than having no deck railing at all. Improperly spaced posts can make a railing weak, creating a hazard that can cause serious injury and even death. Deck railing posts are what support your deck rails, which in turn keep people from inadvertently falling off the deck. The importance of deck post rails is pretty straight forward. Why Deck Railing Post Spacing is Important? Calculating the Space Between the Railing Posts.Building Code Deck Railing Post Spacing Requirements.Why Deck Railing Post Spacing is Important?.
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