Porch Railing Codes

Porch Railing Installation

• Basically, railing height must be at least a minimum of 36 inches from the floor of your porch floor. If your porch or deck is above a certain distance from the ground (over 9 feet for example) you may be required to install 42 inch balusters or longer.
• It's extremely important to check with your local building codes department to determine your local requirements. You may have to add a middle rail to support the balusters if you exceed 36 inches.
• Balusters can only be a maximum of 4 inches apart (so that a 4" spherical object cannot pass through them. See our porch railings calculations guide.
• In most cases, you are required to have a railing when the floor of your porch is 30 inches or more above grade. However, 30 inches can be a long to fall; therefore some codes may require railings if your porch is 15 or 24 inches above grade.
• If you are concerned about safety, consider these lower distances for railings. You can install railing no matter the distance.










• Railings should be designed to withstand a force of 200 pounds pushing either downward or against it.
• Some railing codes specify types of fasteners that can be used and some restrict notched posts on the outside joists.
• Horizontal railings are allowed in some geographical areas but exercise caution as horizontal railings invite children to easily climb on them posing a potential safety hazard.







• There may also be specific handrail requirements (width dimensions).

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