Interior Balcony Railing Height Code

Railings must withstand at least 200 pounds of pressure in either direction.

Interior balcony railing height code.

If your local laws follow the international residential code then balconies in your area that are 30 inches or more above the surrounding floor must have guardrails. Minimum required guardrail height r312 1 2 when a guardrail is required per the above explanation it must meet a minimum height requirement of no less than 36 inches for it to serve the purpose of minimizing a fall. The height is measured vertically above the walking surface or the line that connects the nosing of a set of stairs. Residential properties typically require a railing of 36 inches while commercial properties should have railings between 42 and 48 inches.

Even if your balcony has additional supports potentially categorizing it as a porch or deck it must have guardrails based on the same 30 inch rule. Stair rails on decks should be between 34 inches and 38 inches high measured vertically from the nose of the tread to the top of the rail. The top of the handrail should be at least 34 inches. Treads must be at least 10 inches deep measuring from front to back.

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.