Deck Railing Spacing
However you can go higher for architectural or privacy needs.
Deck railing spacing. Maximum spacing of posts is 72 inches on center. Guards are required when then deck is 24 60 cm above grade. Deck baluster spacing using a template use a measuring tape.
The deck railings consist of 2 x 4 top and bottom rails attached to the back of the posts a 5 4 x 6 rail cap and 2 x 2 balusters. For a composite railing system slide the post sleeve over the wood post then the post sleeve skirt over the post sleeve. Decks 24 to 5 10 180 cm need 36 guards and anything above 5 10 requires a 42 high railing.
Decks attached to single family detached homes are regulated under the rules of the international residential code irc. Once you know your baluster. Both should rest on the decking.
Sometimes local building codes will have more stringent regulations so check your local building department for post spacing requirements. Railings should always reach at least 36 inches high to meet code requirements. The code has some very specific requirements for deck stairs.
The minimum height of the railing varies based on the height of the deck. Treads must be at least 10 inches deep measuring from front to back. The irc requires guardrails to be at least 36 in height measured from the deck surface to the top of the rail.
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. Respect minimum height requirements. To make sure your baluster spacing is up to code follow the best practice to include three balusters for every foot of railing.