Safety and aesthetics, a decking railing is as much a safety requirement as a beauty feature for above ground deckings.
You will soon install a deck above ground? Do not forget to take care of the railing as well! Don’t you need somewhere to put your wine glass while enjoying the view after all?
Decking with a view, and fully safe - “Bvlgari Bali” Kaltimber project
What is a deck railing exactly?
Deck railing is essentially a fence designed to prevent people falling from decks, stairs and balconies of buildings. Deck railing includes posts, rails, and infill. Posts are the thick, vertical pieces that give your railing strength. Rails are the long, horizontal bars at the top and bottom of the deck railing.
What does the law says:
It is a hard question to answer in regards to the fact that regulations vary from country to country. However, the International Building code (IBC), while mostly used in the US, can give a good idea of what you can and can’t do.
The IBC states that any deck above over 30 inches above ground needs railing. Additionally, no space on the railing be greater than that through which a 4" sphere could pass and that the railing assembly be able to withstand a load of 50 pounds per square foot.
Ocean view for this rail at Melase Hill Lombok
How high should it be?
For a railing to be efficient, it obviously needs to be high enough to prevent adult-size people from falling. In that regard, the IRC requires all residential deck railing to be at least 36 inches high. But once again, the local regulations might differ, so please be really mindful about asking your city council what their requirements are.
What materials should be used?
The typical deck railing is generally built from pressure treated lumber. Wrought iron and other metal railing systems are also a possibility but will usually require a skilled blacksmith as a lot of welding will be required.
Even when well taken care of, wood railing will eventually rot and need replacing. It will of course depend on the type of wood. With hardwoods such as Ironwood we specialise in, it might outlive you!
Reclaimed Ironwood railing - Melase Hill Lombok
But overall, depending on the quality of workmanship and the weather, this could happen anytime between 2 years and 20. On the other hand, low-maintenance glass and aluminium railing can resist corrosion, rot and insect damage for durable and beautiful deck railing.
The most important thing when contracting a company to get a railing done is to check on their referrals. There is a strong safety element here so extra care has to be done when selecting the right installer
