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Deck Handrail
Handrails are required on at least one side of all deck stairs. Many deck inspections fail because of a missing handrail or an improperly installed handrail. Follow these instructions and contact your local building department for more information. The top of the handrail must be placed between 34" to 38" above the nosing of the stair treads. The handgrip must have a smooth surface with no sharp corners and must be continuous the full length of the stairs and returned to the newel post or wall at the ends. The handgrip portion of the handrail shall not be less than 1-1/4" or more than 2-1/4" and shall provide a graspable surface. There are many styles that meet the minimum requirement.
Some deck builders router out a 2x4 to create handrail. The wood must be pressure treated or naturally resistant to decay such as Cedar or Redwood. Metal handrails with adjustable joints and mounting hardware are available for most manufactured rail systems.
Glass Rails
Installing glass rails will usually require you to build the rail frame first and take precise measurements to custom order the tempered safety glass...
How to Build a Deck Privacy Screen
In some deck design situations, you may feel that it is important to block certain views to increase privacy. This can usually be achieved by building a privacy wall or fence.
Handrails
Learn about the code requirements for installing a grippable handrail for your deck stairs.
Deck Skirting and Fascia
Skirting can be an attractive feature that can be added to any low-level deck.
Deck Bench Ideas
Whether built-in or stand alone, deck benches are an excellent seating option. Get ideas and inspiration for your deck bench design with Decks.com.
Best Deck Stains
Looking to breathe new life into your deck by staining it? Check out our recommendations for the best deck stains to protect your wood deck.
More Helpful Resources
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Create a free account and get instant & exclusive access to all that Decks.com has to offer:
|
1,000+ How-To articles |
|
80+ Free Deck Plans |
|
Deck Planning Calculators |
|
Free & Simple Deck Design Tool |
Deck Handrail
Handrails are required on at least one side of all deck stairs. Many deck inspections fail because of a missing handrail or an improperly installed handrail. Follow these instructions and contact your local building department for more information. The top of the handrail must be placed between 34" to 38" above the nosing of the stair treads. The handgrip must have a smooth surface with no sharp corners and must be continuous the full length of the stairs and returned to the newel post or wall at the ends. The handgrip portion of the handrail shall not be less than 1-1/4" or more than 2-1/4" and shall provide a graspable surface. There are many styles that meet the minimum requirement.
Some deck builders router out a 2x4 to create handrail. The wood must be pressure treated or naturally resistant to decay such as Cedar or Redwood. Metal handrails with adjustable joints and mounting hardware are available for most manufactured rail systems.
Glass Rails
Installing glass rails will usually require you to build the rail frame first and take precise measurements to custom order the tempered safety glass...
Handrails
Learn about the code requirements for installing a grippable handrail for your deck stairs.
Installing Deck Stair Railings
Step-by-step instructions for how to install deck stair railings. Learn about the code requirements and construction tips with images.
Deck Skirting and Fascia
Skirting can be an attractive feature that can be added to any low-level deck.
How to Install a Shade Sail
Shade sails are a stylish way to keep your deck cool and shady. Learn how to install a shade sail in your backyard.
Hot Tub Deck
Hot tub or spa decks should always be "overbuilt". The average 8' x 8' hot tub weighs over 5,000 lbs when filled with water and people.
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights