Deck Railing Height Requirements

Deck railing height should be taken into account when designing and building your deck, both as an aesthetic consideration and safety precaution.

Dependent upon your location, code requirements for deck railing height can differ significantly and this can make this an extremely complex topic to navigate.

Building codes differ depending on your location; therefore, it's crucial that you conduct due diligence prior to purchasing or installing new deck railing. It is a best practice to consult local building codes prior to making purchases for installation purposes.

Here are a few considerations when it comes to deck railing height:

Residential Decks and Stairs

The ideal height of handrail for your home depends on the number of stairs present; in general, single-family residences should have between 34" to 38" of handrail from stair tread nosing height.

Commercial Decks and Stairs

A commercial deck's handrail should be between 46" and 55", as a safety measure to help ensure people don't trip or fall off the deck.

Cable Railings

Cable railings are an excellent way to add robust horizontal lines to their deck or balcony, with their stainless steel wire railings coming in a wide selection of colors and styles that will perfectly compliment the design of any home or outdoor space.