| Railings are the most visible element of any deck. | | | | level of the deck. |
| They make an instant design statement for all to see | | | | Step #3 - Railing Construction: |
| and admire from a distance and close up. Deck railings | | | | Railings are made up of vertical posts capped and |
| do more than add a safety feature to a deck. They | | | | joined by a cross member laid flat. The cross |
| establish the style and limits of the deck space itself. | | | | member may be the same width or wider than the |
| Local building code standards won't affect the nearly | | | | posts. The spacing distance between the posts |
| endless number of deck design choices and | | | | depends upon the cap's size and the horizontal rail's |
| construction choices to be used. Railings are not | | | | length. For example, 4x4 posts can be spaced up to |
| necessary on all decks but when they are, usually | | | | 4 feet apart under a 2x4 cap while 4x4 posts can be |
| because of the deck's height above ground level, it is | | | | spaced up to 6 feet apart under a 2x6 cap. |
| important to make a wise choice as to their design | | | | The strongest and simplest railings are those with |
| and structure. | | | | horizontal parts secured by bolts or screws to the |
| Step #1 - Deck Height: | | | | outside faces of the posts. For a cleaner, more |
| Railings are generally required for decks over 36 | | | | streamlined railing, the horizontals would be placed |
| inches high above ground level and for any set of | | | | between the posts. Building codes specify the |
| stairs. However, 24 inches might be a better | | | | maximum space between balusters, often 4 inches. |
| minimum because in today's society people are more | | | | Screws and bolts are always a better choice for the |
| likely to sue a homeowner in the event of a fall. All it | | | | construction of railings. |
| takes is one too many drinks and no railing for an | | | | Railings should coordinate with the architectural style |
| accident to occur. In many cases the injured parties | | | | of the home in some way. This can be done in terms |
| who launch these lawsuits are relatives or friends | | | | of materials used, detailing and connections. It is |
| who just happen to be the individuals most likely to | | | | important to check with local building code bylaws to |
| be on your deck. It's better to be safe than sorry! | | | | clearly determine the requirements in terms of railing |
| Step #2 - Railing Height: | | | | height, material types, lumber sizes, distances |
| Railings are generally 36 to 42 inches above a deck's | | | | between support posts and distances between |
| surface. They can be as low as 30 inches or as high | | | | balusters. |
| as 48 inches depending upon the height of the deck | | | | The important things to do in the building of deck |
| above ground level. The rule of thumb is: The higher | | | | railings are to create a railing that complements your |
| the deck; the higher the railing. This is all done for | | | | overall deck design, to comply with local building |
| safety considerations. Deck railings can have wood, | | | | codes and to take the time to do the job as well as |
| vinyl or aluminum balusters as well as louvers. They | | | | possible. In no time you'll have a railing system in |
| can be built with solid facings that can include | | | | place on your deck that will be the envy of the |
| plywood siding, plastic panels or tempered glass. | | | | neighborhood. |
| However, they need to be a safe height above the | | | | |