Can you have a deck without a railing?
If your deck is below 30 inches, a railing is not required. With that said, if you choose to build a deck, even if it is only 24 inches off the ground, that is still high enough that even an adult could injure themselves.
Do you need hand rails on decking?
So whether you’re constructing a residential composite deck, lumber deck or a deck made from other decking material, you’re typically required to install a graspable secondary handrail on one side of the deck’s stair railing when there are four or more stair risers present.
How high can I build a deck without a rail?
I went to a friend’s house a while back to admire his new deck. This friend was very excited, especially by how much time he saved by not adding a railing. He’d made a point of building his deck so as to stay under the 30-inch requirement–which is the maximum deck height you can have without a railing.
Does decking need a balustrade?
For all but the most basic low-level deck, the incorporation, design and construction of a decking balustrade (parapet) should be treated as an integral part of the overall project and not a feature to be added at a later date. It offers a reassuring safety element to any raised edge, even when the level is quite low.
How high can a platform be without a railing?
Specifically, all platforms 4 feet or more above the adjacent floor or ground must be protected by a standard guardrail on all open sides.
Can a 2×2 be used as a handrail?
According to the IRC (2018), you can use a 2×4 to make a handrail, but you must cut finger recesses along both sides of the board and position the lumber lengthwise on its end. Using a 2×4 as a handrail laid vertically is not allowed. Porch and deck guardrails made from 2x4s laid horizontally are permitted.
Do I need a balustrade on my deck UK?
ALWAYS check if you need a balustrade in any project or renovation you complete. Building regulations require that when there are flights of stairs, landings or raised areas in a single-family dwelling, there must be a balustrade if the difference between the adjacent levels is more than 600mm.
Does raised decking need planning permission?
Putting up decking, or other raised platforms, in your garden is permitted development, not needing an application for planning permission, providing: The decking is no more than 30cm above the ground.