Handrail post spacing code

In a study conducted over the course of four years, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported nearly 224,000 people injured nationally due to a deck or porch accident.  Nearly 15 percent of those injuries were a result of a structural failure.

While concerning, this data goes to show the importance of adhering to local building code requirements and safety recommendations when planning critical elements of your deck, including the deck railing.

What are the code requirements for deck railings and railing posts?

To establish your deck railing system as safe and fully compliant with building codes, start by making note of the primary factors listed below.

As always, it’s important to note that specific code requirements can vary regionally. For this reason, we recommend first reviewing your local building codes to ensure your deck railings stay code compliant.

Height: According to the International Residential Code (IRC), which is generally adopted by most U.S.

cities, decks more than 30-inc

how far apart should handrail posts be

how far apart can railing posts be