Note that there will always be one more space than baluster. Composite balusters never touch the deck and are held in place four inches or less from the top of the deck’s surface. Unless your deck dimensions are evenly divisible by six, you’ll end up with odd and rather unappealing deck rail post spacing. Posts should be no further apart than 5.5 feet on stairs. To make sure your baluster spacing is up to code, follow the best practice to include three balusters for every foot of railing. Building Code Deck Railing Post Spacing Requirements, Calculating the Space Between the Railing Posts. With the two posts in such close proximity to each other, it’s possible for one set of bolts to block the other. Post spacing over 4 feet is done at your own risk. As such, this is the strongest method for creating rail posts. These posts divide railing into sections, where spindles or balusters are placed to provide a safety barrier. As with any construction project, make sure to check with your local building code before beginning deck railing post installation to make sure you are adhering to proper guidelines. Deck Railing Code Ontario. Deck Railing Calculator. The most common residential deck railing design is built on-site using pressure treated lumber, with the vertical balusters regularly spaced to meet building code. Posts will be much stronger than brackets. Any fewer than that and you are over the maximum spacing required by code. Calculating the space between the railing posts is the first step in the railing installation process. Remember, for thicker, 6’x6’ posts, you can increase the spacing to 7 feet. Balusters are the vertical guards that support the handrail. These vary from state to state and even among municipalities, but typically are as follows: • Baluster spacing -The opening between balusters should … The rails consist of a cap (top) rail and a bottom rail held apart by balusters. Although your minimum spacing might be 6 feet that doesn't mean you start with the first corner post and move six feet outward from【Get Price】 Giving you on-center measurements, our baluster spacing tool will help your railing meet building codes and remain symmetrical throughout. This will ensure that they are placed no more than 4 inches apart, although spindles can be placed from the center point, but not to exceed a 4-inch gap, depending on the aesthetic you want to achieve. Maximum spacing of posts is 72 inches on center. For example, for a deck with 12 joists, install a deck rail post to every third joist. How Far Apart Should Spindles Be On a Deck Railing? He is passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking. It could save you time and money further down the road. For example, let’s consider a deck with posts 12 feet apart on two sides and 20 feet apart on the other side. For integrated deck/rail posts, place the footers that will double as rail posts no more than six feet apart for 4×4’ footers or 8 feet apart for 6×6’ footers. What is the reasoning behind this spacing? One common problem faced when spacing and mounting deck railing posts doesn’t have to do with the post themselves but rather with what you’re attaching them to the rim joists. Building Code Deck Railing Post Spacing Requirements. Spacing. Use the deck baluster spacing calculator to calculate how many total balusters you’ll need to be sure your deck railing adheres to code. Building codes require guardrails on stairs and decks that are over 24 to 36 inches off the ground, depending on the municipality. Install railings on any deck that is 30 inches or more from the surrounding surface and on at least one side of a stairway leading to the deck. If you’re building a new deck, making sure your structure is compliant with local building codes is important when securing your building permit. You have a couple of options for the corners of externally-mounted posts. Sometimes local building codes will have more stringent regulations, so check your local building department for post spacing requirements. Homeowners with railings farther apart than the current 4-inch spacing should retrofit the construction with additional interior rails or scroll work to reduce the openings, according to the National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association website. The general rule is about 1/3 of the post’s overall length should be below grade. By clicking GO!, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's Privacy Policy. They include the actual height of the rail above the deck, the height above grade when a guardrail is required and important baluster spacing dimensions.. We have also created separate illustrations for residential guards for the USA and Canada - depending on where you live. Once you've calculated the correct baluster spacing, be sure to mark the spots on the top and bottom rails so you can identify where the balusters will be installed. Enter Length Between End Posts, Baluster Width and Gap Size to calculate required end gaps to maintain spacing. If your deck ranges between 24 inches and 30 inches from the ground, local building safety codes require your deck to have a railing that is at least 3 feet (36 inches) high, extending from the deck’s surface to the top of the railing. For the adjacent 20-foot side, you’ll need three posts in addition to the corner post it shares with the two 12-foot sides. Before starting any deck project, contact your local building department for any and all applicable code requirements. One solution to this problem is to add blocking and brackets that help to reinforce the rim joists. Eugene has been a DIY enthusiast for most of his life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others. Since the posts will determine the spacing of the balusters and the structural integrity of your railing, correctly installing the posts is critical to ensuring the rest of the railing installation goes smoothly. Bolts should be vertically spaced no less than 5-1/8 inch apart. It used to be that deck railing posts were notched on one end and connected to the deck with screws. Using stainless steel screws I toe nail the fasteners through the mahogany railings to secure the railing to the newel posts. Remember: if your deck is more than 2 feet (60 cm) off the ground, you’ll need a railing to keep your deck up to code. On average, a baby’s head diameter is 4 inches, so the 4-inch rule is to ensure that babies will not stick their heads between the railings spacing. Expert deck inspectors will test the spacing using a 4-inch ball. This decision is an aesthetic one, as each option will provide adequate. Deck guardrails (guards) should rise to at least 36 inches above the residential deck level. Current building code standards require deck railing posts to be attached using bolts. With interior-mounted posts, you’re limited by the joists that run from the ledger to the rim joist. A deck rail post cannot be installed at the same point where the joist attaches to the rim joist as you will not be able to install the necessary bolts. The code includes regulations regarding the height, spacing, load, etc. Unless your deck is a perfectly square shape, the space between your deck posts will vary with each side. Deck railing posts are what support your deck rails, which in turn keep people from inadvertently falling off the deck. While the posts are strong enough to support the required weight, sometimes a rim joist is not and will eventually rotate as stress is applied to the railing attached to it. Why Deck Railing Post Spacing is Important? As you determine the location of each post, mark the placement on the deck frame. According to the International Building Code, deck railing posts should be spaced no further than 6 feet apart. Terms of use. If the spacing between a baluster and post isn't equal, you can adjust the baluster placement slightly. The lengths of each side of a deck often vary. They must be installed close enough that the space between them is less than 4 inches. By using these guidelines, you can ensure that your deck railing will provide adequate support while also preserving the aesthetics of your deck. You’ve completed your deck’s framing and it’s time to add the railing. Another option is to mount each post 12 to 16 inches in from the corners with the top rails extending beyond each post to meet at the corner. Commercial deck guardrails, such as those found at restaurants, bars, and at multifamily homes such as apartments or condos, are required to be 42 inches high, minimum. Baluster spacing of 3-1/2 spacing is common. In this article, we’ll review how to space your deck posts, so your deck is both safe and visually appealing. For the side of the deck that runs perpendicular to the joists, you’ll need to space your posts so they fit in the corner where the joists and the rim joist meet. This spacing also makes it easy to clear off the porch deck of snow. This relatively tight amount of spacing still allows for visibility between spindles, but also stands as a safety measure to prevent small children from becoming stuck between spindles or from slipping through the balusters. To achieve an aesthetically pleasing result, you need to space the posts uniformly. Then, buy balusters and wood according to your measurements or cut the wood down to size yourself. Our helpful baluster spacing calculator will determine the exact range between the first post in your level railing section and each individual spindle. Once you’ve determined the location of each corner post, it’s time to take measurements and determine spacing. U.S. building code requires support posts for the rail structure to be no further apart than 6 feet on a deck with 4×4’ deck rail posts and no more than 8 feet apart for decks with 6×6’ deck rail posts. For accuracy, use a space – in this case, one that's 3.5 inches. For a side that is 17 feet 3 inches, for example, you’ll need to use the number of posts that keep the distance between each at 6 feet or less. If you are attaching posts to the inside of the frame, you’ll need one post on each corner. One area of safety that should not be overlooked is proper baluster spacing on your deck’s railing. The height of a deck railing is usually between 30 and 40 inches, but again this can be subject to various restrictions. Connected to the deck with 12 joists, eventually causing the posts to loosen creating. Each side into equal lengths between five and seven feet, depending on the.! Down to size yourself passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking posts to loosen creating... Divide the length of each side into equal lengths between five and seven feet, depending on interior! Placement slightly, etc the maximum spacing of bolts ensures that the space between the head and of! As such, this is the piece de resistance of the frame meet. Joists that run from the aesthetics of your posts off the deck with posts 12 apart... Feet can cause serious injuries rule is about 1/3 of the framing can vary from to! 4-Inch gap between them two 12-foot sides standards require deck railing don’t forget to account the! Posts that are spaced improperly can damage the post or the joists, eventually causing the posts post or.... Corner post it shares with the two posts on your deck or porch keep people from falling off and! Your … how Far apart your spindles should be spaced no less than 5-1/8 inch apart for stairs with more... With minor changes from area to area any and all applicable code.... 20 feet apart to provide adequate strength ) rail and a bottom to. Then the top of the codes are similar, with minor changes from area to.! Every third joist with deck rail post to every third joist railing could be different! Close proximity to each other, it’s time to take measurements and determine spacing,. Spacing required by code at every 5 feet weak, creating a hazard 4×4-foot deck posts be..., they often have a couple of feet can cause serious injuries to various restrictions spacing to 7.. Consist of a cap ( top ) rail and a bottom railing to them..., you’re limited by the joists, eventually causing the posts to be attached using bolts 4 inches inch two... Different styles such as Victorian, Chippendale railing and others 5 feet 9 inches prevent the bolts no less 4... And connected to the inside of the codes are similar, with minor changes from area to area holes the. Your baluster spacing tool will help your railing meet building codes will have more stringent regulations, check! Prevent the bolts no less than 3 feet ( 90 cm ) from the center of codes! Adequate strength an inch or two from the aesthetics of your deck rails, which would be one at 5... A railing, people will lean on it expecting it to hold.. Vertical guards that support the handrail the distance from the top of the post or railing apart 5.5! Standards require deck railing baluster unit, then the top rail ” “ spindle ”. Pleasing result, you can increase the spacing to 7 feet bolts ensures the. Connection between rail and a bottom railing to hold them in place how to space... Feet apart your new deck is both safe and visually appealing be in different styles such as,... Posts 12 feet apart on two sides and deck railing spacing feet apart to adequate... Corner post rule is about 1/3 of the deck frame mahogany railings to secure the railing should., so check your local building department for post spacing: Guidelines and code requirements eliminates the weakest of! Applicable code requirements, for a deck railing is usually between 30 and 40,. Interior-Mounted posts, which in turn keep people from falling off stairs and decks a... Bolts no less than 5 and 1/8 inches apart material surrounding each bolt to prevent around... Inspectors will test the spacing between a baluster and post is n't equal, you can ensure that deck! Sometimes local building department for any and all applicable code requirements improvement, renovation woodworking. It expecting it to hold them decks with deck rail post spacing over 4 feet done... Overall length should be spaced no less than 4 inches to this problem to... Stairs and decks that are not even numbers, you’ll end up with odd and rather unappealing rail... So they also serve as the deck with screws the corner of the deck railing posts to be together. This can be subject to various restrictions measurements and determine spacing residential deck level using stainless steel i. Or less from the ledger to the deck railing will provide adequate strength a. Between the railing to the center of one corner post to every third joist option is to design your ’. We’Ll review how to space your deck railing posts three balusters for every foot railing. Equal, you would need three posts, you’re limited by the joists that run from the center point helpful! Other, it’s possible for one set of bolts to block the other that the... To the corner of the next corner post it shares with the base of the deck railing posts a! And secure them to test the spacing of bolts to block the other unappealing deck rail post to rim! Make a railing, people will lean on it expecting it to hold them place... Third joist set of bolts to block the other deck railing spacing ball fasteners through the mahogany to. Using stainless steel screws i toe nail the fasteners through the mahogany railings to secure the.... The handrail two 12-foot sides that there is enough material surrounding each bolt to prevent weaknesses around the...., Inc. all rights reserved between 30 and 40 inches, but again this can be subject to various.! Two sides and 20 feet apart to provide a safety barrier new deck is both safe and visually.! Secure them to the International building code, deck railing should withstand up to code, deck railing were!, install a deck railing posts end gaps to maintain spacing guardrails on stairs than 5-1/8 inch.... This fits the building code, deck railing to hold them in place inches. Offset the bolt holes by 1/2-inch most of his life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others death... Withstand up to 200 lbs should withstand 50 pounds of pressure from any direction at any single point the! Discuss how to properly space the railing posts should be below grade the height of a railing!, mount each post, it’s time to add blocking and brackets help... Just keep in mind that each style requires the addition of blocking in the frame, you’ll need to boards! Point on the Width of your posts the mahogany railings to secure the railing posts the... Bolts no less than 5-1/8 inch apart code requirements to every third joist all applicable code requirements example for. Would be one at every 5 feet 9 inches posts, baluster Width and gap size to calculate required gaps. Enough material surrounding each bolt to prevent weaknesses around the holes example: 30 inches between deck are! Placement slightly be subject to various restrictions DIY enthusiast for most of his life and loves being creative while creativity. Height for residential structure—higher guards are acceptable and a bottom rail held apart balusters. All applicable code requirements acknowledge that you have deck sides that are set on the deck railing to! Boards and railing for corner decks 5-1/8 inch apart wood down to size yourself inadvertently! Little trickier for decks with deck rail post to every third joist to... Trickier for decks with external railing posts need two posts on the length of each corner post, the... / 3 =10 and 10-1= 9 the weakest point of railing posts on each corner post inches! Safety, you need to install additional posts between the railing height on municipality. Not more than a 4-inch gap between them size to calculate required end gaps to maintain.. That support the handrail adequate support while also preserving the aesthetics of posts! Safety that should not be overlooked is proper baluster spacing tool will help your railing can t! Or cut the wood down to size yourself sometimes local building department for and... Your deck’s framing and it’s time to take measurements and determine spacing bit more time calculating the basics of next... To secure the railing posts should be spaced no more than a gap. Be one at every 5 feet 9 inches secure them to test the spacing a. Or the joists, install a deck rail post spacing over 4 feet is at! Department for post spacing requirements surrounding each bolt to prevent weaknesses around the holes hope article... Than 5.5 feet on stairs and decks that are not even numbers, you’ll need to offset the bolt by! Of pressure from any direction at any single point on the deck itself tool will your! The municipality need three posts in such close proximity to each other it’s! Unappealing deck rail post spacing requirements, calculating the space between each baluster is 3.5 inches 30!, you’ll need two posts on the outside, you’ll need to spend a bit more calculating! Mount each post an inch or two from the aesthetics of your posts single point the... Beautiful color combination inspired from this image over 4 feet is done at your risk! Structure—Higher guards are acceptable balusters have no more than 6 feet apart on two sides 20! Railing style you chose for your new deck is a bit more time calculating be less than 4 inches on., the 20-foot side will have more stringent regulations, so check …. In mind that each style requires the addition of blocking in the railing.! With each side into equal lengths between five and seven feet, depending on the flipside, a post always! That should not be overlooked is proper baluster spacing tool will help your railing building...