What type of wood is used for deck railings?
The most popular lumber we see used for deck railing frames is PT (pressure treated). Most PT lumber is made of soft wood, usually southern yellow pine, that is relatively inexpensive compared to other species. The treatments provide protection against the elements that soft pine doesn’t have naturally.
How high should handrails be on decking?
For low-level decking, balustrades should be a minimum of 900mm higher than the deck. For high-level decking, they should be at least 1100mm high. In addition, regulations state that for domestic use, handrails should be a minimum of 900mm above the parapet of the deck, and for commercial use, 1100mm.
Which side should handrail be on deck stairs?
A landing is required for every 12 feet of vertical stairway rise. If the landing is not enclosed or has an open side, then there should be a handrailing along the open side. Ideally, the railing should not have any interruptions so that it could be held onto during a fall without the hand slipping off.
Do I need pressure treated wood for deck railing?
As long as there’s a good chance that moisture can reach the wood, it should be pressure treated. This is why the International Building Code requires that siding and structural lumber used for the last six inches of the structure above the ground is pressure treated.
Do I need a rail on my deck?
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.
Does decking need a handrail?
It’s important to bear in mind that if your wooden decking is of a considerable height, along with planning permission you will also be required to install a handrail. For safety purposes regulations state that anything built over 600 mm will require a handrail with a height of at least 110 mm above the decking board.
Do deck stairs need 2 handrails?
Do I Need Handrails On Both Sides of Deck Stairs? Nope. You don’t need a handrail on both sides, but you may need a railing if your deck is higher than 30″. Many contractors construct a combo handrail and stair rail system, installed on both sides, to cover all safety requirements.
Do you need handrails on both sides?
Handrails are required on both sides of stairs and ramps. They are placed between 34 inches and 38 inches above the leading edge of a stair tread, the ramp surface, or the walking surface. Where children are the primary users of a facility, the ADA recommends a second handrail for children.
Can you use pine handrail outside?
Common railing materials such as redwood and cedar have natural protective oils and don’t need to be painted to last. Pine and fir aren’t as weather resistant, so if you choose either of these woods for your railing, painting is recommended.