How high should a railing post be?

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Cut the Posts
Standard rail height is 36 to 42 inches; posts will need to be 10 inches longer.



Moreover, what is the standard height for a newel post?

between 34 and 38 inches

Beside above, what is the standard height of a balcony railing? 36 inches high

People also ask, what is the maximum height of a deck without railing?

30 inches

What is the standard height of a banister?

Non-circular handrails must have a perimeter of between 4 and 6.25 inches, with a maximum cross-section of 2.25 inches. Assuming a handrail thickness of 1 inch and a handrail height of 36 inches, the height of the stair banister is 35 inches from the top of the stair step to the bottom of the handrail.

23 Related Question Answers Found

How far apart can newel posts be?

But if the balcony is eighteen feet, then it would require four newel posts as the distance between each post would be greater than eight feet if only three newel posts were used. Also, it is important to always check local building codes, as they may have additional requirements.

How high should posts be above railings?

Cut the Posts
Standard rail height is 36 to 42 inches; posts will need to be 10 inches longer.

How far apart should newel posts be?

But if the balcony is eighteen feet, then it would require four newel posts as the distance between each post would be greater than eight feet if only three newel posts were used.

What is the difference between newel and baluster?

is that baluster is (architecture) a short column used in a group to support a rail, as commonly found on the side of a stairway; a banister while newel is (architecture) a sturdy pillar at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs, supporting the handrail.

How do you measure the height of a handrail?


Handrail height on the stairs should be no less than 34 inches and no greater than 38 inches. The way this is measured is to begin at the leading edge of the stair nosing and run an imaginary vertical line upward until it reaches the top of the railing.

What is code for cable railing?

In most states, the residential code is 36 inches high. There are some exceptions, though, like in California the required height for residential railing is 42 inches. On the other hand, the commercial International Building Code requires the railing to be at a minimum of 42-inch height.

How many steps can you have without a railing?

To get to your question - the code doesn't refer to the exterior in steps but states from finished floor or platform to finished grade in excess of 30" requires a guard rail. It's with interior they mention any stairway with more than 3 risers (2 steps) will require a handrail.

How far can deck railing span?


If the balusters will run horizontally along your deck, the 4 by 4 railing posts cannot be more that 6 feet apart. As with any deck, remember that any deck that is 2 feet or more above the ground must have a railing system. Deck railings must be a minimum of 36 inches high from the deck floor to the cap rail.

Do you need a permit to replace deck railings?

Do I need a permit to repair a deck? If you are just replacing some deck boards and maybe some railing then a permit is not required. If you are replacing anything structural like joists then yes you should get a permit. You will also want the deck inspected when you are finished.

Do you have to pull a permit to build a deck?

As a simple rule, you need a permit for any deck that is higher than 30 inches off the ground. This rule applies to most decks. Anything lower than 30” is often considered a patio or “porch deck,” and no permit is required.

Are horizontal railings safe?

As we noted earlier, modern railing systems made and installed in the United States must follow the IRC or IBC, so they're safe for you and your family. However, horizontal railing styles can be dangerous to children because of the 'ladder effect.

What is code for balcony railings?

Handrails cannot be less than 30 inches nor more than 42 inches above the nosing of the treads (see Figure PM-702.9). Guards are required on the open side of stairs and on landings and balconies which are more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below.

What is the maximum gap between spindles?


The building regulations state that a 100mm sphere cannot pass through any opening and this includes between spindles. So your maximum space between spindles is 99mm.

Do I need railing on both sides of stairs?

Handrails for staircases
Stairs should have a handrail on at least one side if the stairs are less than 1 metre wide. A handrail on both sides of the stairs will be required if the stair width is greater than this. You do not need a handrail on the first two bottom steps.

What height should banister be?

You should fit a handrail at a height between 900mm and 1000mm from the pitch line of the stairs, or the floor for landings. This is approximately 35.4–39 inches. Staircases require at least one handrail: If the stairs are less than 1m wide: provide a handrail on one or both sides.