Guardrails for decks must meet specific requirements as are laid out in theInternational Residential Code.The most basic regulation is that all guardrailsmust be at least 36” in height.
A variety of styles are allowed as long as the interior sections of the rail don’t possess any openings large enough to pass a 4” diameter sphere through.Inthe case of guardrails for stairs there is an exception that allows up to a 6”diameter sphere through the triangle opening formed by the stair riser, stairtread, and bottom rail.The guardrails must be strong enough to withstand aconcentrated 200 lb force anywhere along the top of the rail.To achieve thisyou should space rail posts no greater than 6' apart.
Handrails are required for stairs and must meet standards as specified byR311.5.6.3 in the IRC code.The top edge of the handrail must be placed between34” and 38” above the nosing of the stair treads.Handrail ends must be returnedand terminated at rail posts.The handgrips must allow a minimum of 1-1/2” spacebetween the handrail and the guardrail or wall.A variety of gripping surfacesmay be acceptable but must meet requirements for gripping surface.Flat 2x4 and2x6 handrails are not acceptable.A circular cross section of a handrail musthave an outside diameter of between 1-1/4” and 2”.
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