What is the standard size of a deck railing?

What is the standard size of a deck railing?

Deck stair railing should measure at least 34 inches high. The IRC specifies that deck stair railing should measure between 34 and 38 inches high, so homeowners may wish to use railing that is even higher than 34 inches for their deck stairs.

How far apart should deck handrail posts be?

Spacing of Deck Posts The two most common sizes used for deck posts are 4×4 and 6×6. When using 4×4 posts, place them no more than 6 feet apart, and when using 6×6 posts, no more than 8 feet apart. The reason for these standards is that the railing system won’t have proper support if the posts are too far apart.

How wide is a deck handrail?

The handrail, itself, should be easy to grip, with a minimum diameter of 1 1/4 inches and a maximum diameter of 2 1/4 inches. You can’t use a two-by-four but a two-by-two as a handrail would meet code.

What is a good deck railing height?

36 inches
Deck guardrails (guards) should rise to at least 36 inches above the residential deck level. This is a minimum required height for residential structure—higher guards are acceptable.

Can you use 2×4 for deck railing post?

On some decks, it’s possible to use 4×4 or larger posts that run continuously from the railing to the footings, supporting both the deck structure and the railing. As long as the posts are not notched, these easily meet the most stringent deck codes.

Can I use a 2×2 for a handrail?

Circular handrails can have an outside diameter of no less than 1 1/4 inches and no more than 2 inches.

How wide should a handrail be?

If the handrail is not circular it shall have a perimeter dimension of at least 4 inches and not greater than 61/4 inches with a maximum cross-section dimension of 2 1/4 inches. Edges shall have a minimum radius of 0.01 inch per CBC Section 1012.3.

What is the height of a porch handrail?

Porch Railing Installation Basically, railing height must be at least a minimum of 36 inches from the floor of your porch floor. If your porch or deck is above a certain distance from the ground (over 9 feet for example) you may be required to install 42 inch balusters or longer.

Can you use 1×4 for deck railing?

Building supply dealers usually have a choice of pales for a deck railing in different shapes and styles. You can also make up your own design of deck railing from 1×4 or 1×6 stock. Some choose for their deck railing a 2×2 plain balusters or fancier turned spindles, similar to the indoor newel post and spindles.

Can you use a 2×4 as a handrail?

According to the IRC (2018), you can use a 2×4 to make a handrail, but you must cut finger recesses along both sides of the board and position the lumber lengthwise on its end. Using a 2×4 as a handrail laid vertically is not allowed.

How tall should deck railing be?

Deck Guardrail Height Deck guardrails (guards) should rise to at least 36 inches above the residential deck level. This is a minimum required height for residential structure—higher guards are acceptable.

How thick should a handrail be?

The minimum thickness for guardrails, midrails and vertical members is 1/4 inch in diameter. The ends of top rails and midrails of a guardrail system must not extend past the final post.