DECK RAILS HOW TO
DECK RAILS CODE

DECK RAILS HOW TO

You can enlist the aid of a professional contractor to help you install deck railing, but if you’re wondering how to build a deck railing and plan to do it yourself, browse through our collection of articles that walk you through how to install deck & porch railing. To protect children and pets from falling between balusters, the space between balusters should not be large enough to allow a 4” sphere to pass through.

DECK RAILS CODE

This code requires guardrails to be at least 36” high, although some states and local codes require them to be as high as 42” high. Like decks themselves, deck railing systems must also meet specific codes set forth by the International Residential Code (IRC). All of our deck railing, porch railing and stair railing systems, are national building code approved for all. Top horizontal rails are reinforced with aluminum for commercial strength. Styles can range from modern cable to a simple rustic deck railing or ornate curved railings. The Cardinal Vinyl Railing System features 1.5 x 1.5 square balusters as well as our commercial grade heavy duty 2 x 3.5 top and bottom rails.

Deck railings can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, composite, metal, or even glass. While deck railings and handrails can certainly add polish, personality, and a distinctive touch to your deck, their primary function is to prevent slips and falls when climbing deck stairs, as well as provide a safety barrier on elevated portions of the deck. We have even seen post caps blow off of decks during heavy winds.Deck railings are an essential part of your deck, making it both functional and safe to use. Over time, the post cap is bound to loosen up. Remember, post caps will probably be touched by any and all passing people. Some post caps can be delicately nailed in place. Post caps can be attached in a number of ways.

Some builders fasten a 4x4 block to the top of post caps to allow for a continuous rail cap. Even wood rails require you to install taller rail posts. Some rail systems don't even allow you to use them. However, they can offer a nice option for deck projects that seem to be missing something. Some are very detailed and interesting, while others are playful (we're talking squirrels and cherubs). Why Because they ultimately transform outdoor spaces. You can choose from hundreds of pre-manufactured post caps made from wood, metal, composite, glass and ceramics. We are committed to designing groundbreaking products to enhance the decking and railing industry. Some deck builders bevel the tops of the rail posts themselves to soften the sharp corners for a stylized finish. Post caps are decorative tops that can be attached to the top of rail posts to add a customized look. These can come in a number of materials, shapes and sizes.

The infill section of rails is usually constructed of the repeated use of pickets or balusters. You can use a router with a roundover bit to create a nice edge detail. 2圆 boards laid flat work well and provide a level surface to place drinks. Likewise, the bottom rail is usually raised above the surface to allow a sweep space for snow and leaves, but it may not extend beyond 4” from the floor.Ī top cap may or may not be used. The top rail must be set so the top of the guardrail is at least 36” above the floor. With wood decks, 2x4s are often used for this purpose. Most rail systems use horizontal members running between the posts as top and bottom rails to create the frame for the infill. The 4x4s must be long enough to project the railing at least 36” above the frame and must extend below the deck surface for attachment to the frame as a means of support. Some composite systems require you to install a wood post that will be covered by a hollow sleeve. Usually, 4x4 wood posts are attached to the deck frame to provide the support for the rail. There are different methods for building guardrails with a variety of materials for decks, but most rails built from wood share a common set of components. Guardrails are composed of an assembly of parts.

Deck rails