Deck Bottom Rail Height

Handrails are required for stairs and must meet standards as specified by r311 5 6 3 in the irc code.
Deck bottom rail height. Install the 2x4 or 2x6 rail cap over the top rail. Most designs have the top rail flush with the top of the posts so the post cap can rest on it. Make sure your sweep space and all infill openings will not allow a 4 sphere to pass through. Deck guardrail height.
Measure from the deck floor to the top of the rail between posts. Railing height is measured from the top of the deck surface to the top of the deck rail. Sweep space bottom deck rails. This is a minimum required height for residential structure higher guards are acceptable.
The top of the handrail should be at least 34 inches. Notice that the top cap terminates into the rail post at the same height as the deck guardrail. The sweep space between the deck surface and the bottom rail must be less than 4. This must be at least 36 high to meet irc requirements.
Commercial deck guardrails such as those found at restaurants bars and at multifamily homes such as apartments or condos are required to be 42 inches high minimum. The minimum deck railing height allowed is 36 inches in most states and provinces. Guards are required when then deck is 24 60 cm above grade. Secure the top cap through the bottom of the 2x4 or 2x6 into the side of the bottom stair.
Canada residential rail height and dimensions. Installing deck railing is easy if you use an anchored handrail system. The minimum height of the railing varies based on the height of the deck. Decks 24 to 5 10 180 cm need 36 guards and anything above 5 10 requires a 42 high railing.
Sthe bottom rail is typically 3 1 2 to 4 inches above the decking. Pre drill and screw the ends of the top cap into the rail posts and secure the center with additional screws. Posts will need to be 10 inches longer. Typical deck codes say that a railing should have no opening larger than 4 inches.
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. Single family homes require a 36 inch minimum height for deck guardrails whereas multifamily commercial and other kinds of projects require a minimum 42 inch guardrail with a handrail that is 34 inches to 38 inches above the deck. Standard rail height is 36 to 42 inches. For a composite railing system mount the support brackets which the top and bottom rails will rest on using two 5 8 inch mounting screws making sure the hardware screws through the post.
The top edge of the handrail must be placed between 34 and 38 above the nosing of the stair treads.