Decks definitely need deck railings. In most cases, deck railings are necessary due to the building codes. If you are not going to follow the building codes, then you need to realize that you are setting yourself up for some painful consequences, including lawsuits, fines, and more. By simply adding railings to your deck, you will be able to save yourself the unnecessary harassment and the financial drain that may occur. A lower deck railing height than is required by the building codes is sometimes the corner that some people cut and there are some reasons why this is not safe.
Railings and Building Codes
Building codes are different depending upon where you live, but most of them have a law that says that if the deck is more than 3 feet from the ground or another horizontal surface, that you will need to have a way to protect from falls. A wall is an acceptable way to protect from falling, but a wall can be an obstruction to your view. This is a very costly way to meet the building code and it does not make you any safer than deck railing would.
Deck Railing Choices
Safety is the major reason for deck railings, but they can also add character and visual interest to your deck and home. You can even create an unusual look by using multicolored railings that will draw the eye. There are several different materials that you can use, including wood, PVC, aluminum, or even a combination of materials.
Railing Requirements
In railing installation, you need to keep two things in mind. These things are:
1. Railing Height: This is usually dictated by the building codes of your particular area. The height is usually at least 30 inches, but check with your local city or state building commission to ensure that your railings are the correct height.
2. Railing Construction: Depending upon the building codes, you will need to place your posts at intervals that are dictated to you. A proper deck railing needs to have a few different components, including a bottom rail, vertical rail, and a top rail. The bottom rail helps to make the railing look more complete. The vertical rails need to be spaced so that a child cannot get through the railings. A top railing may be one piece or two and they are used to give additional strength to the railing structure and to attach the verticals to. This is the piece that sees the most wear from hands and from weather.
