Creating A Stronger Fence

Posted on: 25 July 2017

If you're installing a deck railing and wish to ensure that your space is accessible to everyone, consider following ADA guidelines for its height and positioning.

The ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act, sets regulations for commercial spaces that will be used by the public, but even if you're planning a deck at your residence, following these rules can help ensure your deck will be usable by any guest to your home. It can also help improve your home's resale value, because your space will be open to more potential buyers.

Adhering to Residential Building Regulations

Any deck railing that you install on a residence must first adhere to building codes in your municipality. Most cities and towns use International Residential Code (IRC) to set their building code. Regarding deck railings, this means that:

• A deck railing is necessary for any deck that is more than 30 inches from the ground, to protect against falls.
• The deck railing has to be at least 36 inches high from the deck surface to the top of the highest rail to help prevent anyone from falling over.
• Railings must be positioned at or closer than 4 inches apart so children can't slip through.
• The top rail has to be able to hold at least 200 pounds of force, or the weight of a typical adult falling against it.

Before you begin your deck railing installation, call your city's building division to ensure that these are the standards they use and to find out whether you will need a permit. 

Adhering to ADA Regulations

In addition to strictly following your city's building codes during a deck railing installation, you may also consider making your railings ADA compliant. You are not required to meet these guidelines, but doing so can make it so that visitors to your home who use wheelchairs or walkers can enjoy your deck space. Consult a qualified deck builder like Rainier Fencing & Decking for specifics on ADA compliance, but in your initial planning stage, you can keep these in mind:

• Any railing along stairs or ramps should be one smooth surface without interruptions, so visitors can easily grip it anywhere. Some railings in aluminum or other metals are sold specifically for this type of installation and are made to coordinate with composite decking materials.
• Hand railings should be between 34 and 38 inches in height. If your deck railing must be at least 36 inches to comply with building code, this means you can make it that height or up to 2 inches higher.
• Railing ends need to be rounded or connect with a wall or post.

Ensuring that your deck railing installation adheres to ADA regulations may take a little extra work, but your finished deck area will be more accessible and easy for visitors with disabilities or elderly visitors to enjoy.