Typically, in Ontario, any platform that is more than 23 ¾” off the ground requires some type of guardrail. For a residential deck, the requirement for a guardrail is usually going to be a minimum of 36”. Additionally, the space between the platform of the deck and the bottom of the guardrail cannot be more than 4”.
How high can a deck be without a railing Canada?
In Quebec, guardrails are mandatory when the surface of a deck is over 60 cm (2 ft.) above the finished floor. The guardrail must be at least 90 cm (36 in.) high.
Can you build a deck without railings?
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. When you take your kids and pets into account, the risk is even higher.
What is the code for railings in Ontario?
Railings or guardrails for single family homes must meet the following guidelines according to the OBC: On any landing where there is a drop of less than 5ft, 9 inches, the guardrail must be 36 inches in height. If the landing has a drop of more than 5ft, 9 inches, the guardrail must be 42 inches in height.
How many steps can you have on a deck without railing?
Any stairway that has four or more risers (the vertical part of the step) must have a railing, according to most building codes.
How high can a deck be without a railing in Ontario?
A deck guardrail is required for any platform elevated to the height of 30” and more. The railing height for common single-family detached homes is controlled by the International Residential Code (IRC). It requires at least a 36” height guardrail, counting the space between the top rail and the platform itself.
What height deck needs a handrail?
Patios and decks that stand more than 4 meters above ground level need to have unclimbable balustrading to prevent children from climbing the barrier and falling over.
What can I use instead of a deck railing?
Consider stainless-steel cables, metal tubes, or composite railings if you’re looking for low-maintenance alternative to wood balusters and railings for your deck.
What is a deck without railing called?
Some decks are not required to have guardrails, provided those decks are no more than 30 inches above grade. If you see a deck that has no guardrails (also called a low-rise deck), this might be the reason: its height is below 30 inches.
Can you build a deck with just screws?
However, unless you use more expensive structural screws you need to use nails for structural elements and joists. In addition, structural screws are a newer type of fastener so they may not meet the building codes on record, which could lead to a deck build not passing an inspection.
What is the maximum height without railing?
30-inch
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.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Ontario?
Under the Building Code Act, a building permit is required for the construction of a new building, an addition, or alteration of any building or structure with a building area of over 10 square metres (approximately 108 square feet).
What slopes require no railing?
Cross slope: Ramp cross slopes shall not be steeper than 1:48. Headroom: Headroom shall not be less than 80”. Ramps having slopes steeper than 1:20 require handrails. Ramps with a rise greater than 6” require handrails.
Do I need a rail for 2 steps?
Handrails are an important element of stair safety. So when is a handrail required? The building code does not refer to the number of “steps” but it does require a handrail when there are two or more “risers”. For clarification, a “riser” is the vertical portion of a stair.
Is a handrail a legal requirement?
It’s a legal requirement to include a handrail on your stairs (for health and safety reasons) Include a handrail on at least one side of your staircase if it’s less than one metre wide, and on both sides if it’s wider. Place handrails between 900mm and 1000mm above the highest point of the staircase’s steps.
Do I need a handrail for 4 steps?
If a stair has a minimum of four risers, a handrail is required. Handrails must be between 30 and 38 inches as measured from the leading edge of the stair tread.
Are horizontal railings code in Ontario?
Under the Ontario building code, horizontal railings that are used as deck, ramp, or stair guards are illegal. All guards must be vertical, unless, of course, the raised building platform is less than 36 inches above grade.
At what height must a deck have a guardrail around the perimeter?
The IRC requires guardrails to be at least 36″ in height measured from the deck surface to the top of the rail. Commercial decks attached to multifamily buildings, such as apartment buildings or businesses, are regulated under the Internation Building Code (IBC). The IBC requires 42″ high guardrails.
How high can a platform be without handrails?
29 CFR 1926.500(d)(1) requires every opensided floor or platform 6 feet or more above the adjacent floor or ground level to be guarded by a standard railing or the equivalent on all open sides, except where there is an entrance to a ramp, stairway, or fixed ladder.
Do I need handrails on both sides of deck stairs?
§3214. Stair Rails and Handrails. (a) Stairways shall have handrails or stair railings on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate stair railing for each 88 inches of required width.
Do outdoor steps need a handrail?
The open side can be along the length or width of the stairway. This means that exterior stairs will require a guardrail and / or handrail along the open side.