Building A Deck
Deck building detail pages:
Guards & Stair Rails
All decks greater than 30 inches above grade are required to have a guardrail to protect occupants. Guard posts must be minimum 4x4. Stair guards must include a graspable handrail on at least one side. See complete requirements and details in the Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide.
The guard (posts, rails, balusters) should be installed as an independent system. Do not incorporate ground support posts as part of the guard rail system. Guard posts should be properly connected to the rim joist. Upper ends of railing posts should be covered with caps or cut at an angle to shed water. Coat all cut ends with copper naphthenate.
Guard & Stair Rail Components
Railings must include a baluster system that prevents the passage of a 4" sphere.
Check with local building codes for specific railing requirements.
|
Selection |
Balusters |
2x2 |
Balusters |
2x2 |
|
|
Railing & Rail Caps |
2x2 |
Railing & Rail Caps |
2x2 |
|
|
Posts |
4x4 |
Posts |
4x4, 6x6, 4x6 |
|
Durability |
Pressure treated for Above Ground Use |
Pressure treated for Above Ground Use
with built-in water repellant |
|
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