Not many homeowners realize that there are certain codes to follow when building deck railings. There could be a number of restrictions placed upon you depending upon the area you live including height restrictions and what can actually go on the deck restrictions. So, always check with your local state officials to see exactly where you stand with your deck railing requirements.



If you have never heard of code on deck railings, basically it is something that was designed to protect any home owners and visitors from any harm. To give you a couple of examples, think about the distance of the railings from the ground, the distance between the balusters and the railings height. All of these examples are worth bearing in mind and this will help you when it comes to installing the deck railings.

The Codes Which May Apply

In different states there will be different codes. You have to ensure when you are constructing your railings that they are not going against the code for your area. There may not even be one in your area but you will not know unless you check in with your local state officials. You can also usually see various codes on the Internet if you do a quick search.

The code could relate to not only the deck regulations, but also the height restrictions, any mechanical issues and any possible structural requirements as well as other issues. You basically need to submit a proposal and a plan to the local Department of Building and Development and they will either approve the decision or reject it if it fails to meet the necessary requirements.

Not only do you have to worry about the Department of Building and Development code however, you also have to follow zoning requirements as well as health department requirements too. Unfortunately not many homeowners realize this and they often end up with various hefty fines.

An example of a code rule could be that the wood railings are not to be over a specific height and they can only be used for residential purposes. Also if you are building a deck you may only be able to create a single level one due to regulations.

What the Code May Further Include

Not only does the code specify what you cannot build, but it also specifies what you can put on the decking once it is constructed. For example, you may have nice ideas about including lots of furniture, perhaps even a hot tub, yet there could well be a restriction saying that you can't. Also, you may not even be able to have the deck separated form the house.

Overall it is always better to check the code within your area and ensure that the wood railings you put up are not breaking any rules and regulations.