Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Rail post spacing
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pjb1
05-31-02, 01:19 PM
My plans call for standard deck railing with 1 1/2" balusters. The deck sides are 14' long. Along the sides, should I use four post with 50 1/2" between the posts or five posts with a 37" between posts?
twelvepole
05-31-02, 05:05 PM
"Once you have decided on the basic size, shape and location of your deck, check local building codes. You may find that there are restrictions as to height and size within your sub-division or community. A construction permit will probably be needed, but don't apply for one until you've finalized your planning." HOW TO BUILD A DECK. Handyman USA. Retrieved 30 May 2002.
http://www.handymanusa.com/articles/howtobuildadeck.html
http://www.handymanusa.com/articles/deckbuilding2.html
Check with your local authorities regarding building codes, permits, and inspections, as well as required spacing on decks.
"If your deck is going to be 2 feet or more above the ground you must have a railing around it and next to any stairs you may have. The railing must have the elements spaced so that there is no place a 4 inch diameter ball can pass through it. There are may different styles of railings." BASIC DECK DESIGN. Retrieved 30 May 2002. http://www.cityofalturas.org/building/deck.htm
For additional info regarding spacing of piers, posts, railings, and joists, plus deck construction click
http://www.cityofalturas.org/building/deck.htm
http://nrha.web-pros.com/Ace_Learning/How-To/outdoor/Building_Deck/deckbuild.htm
http://www.handymanusa.com/articles/howtobuildadeck.html
http://www.handymanusa.com/articles/deckbuilding2.html
Check with your local authorities regarding building codes, permits, and inspections, as well as required spacing on decks.
"If your deck is going to be 2 feet or more above the ground you must have a railing around it and next to any stairs you may have. The railing must have the elements spaced so that there is no place a 4 inch diameter ball can pass through it. There are may different styles of railings." BASIC DECK DESIGN. Retrieved 30 May 2002. http://www.cityofalturas.org/building/deck.htm
For additional info regarding spacing of piers, posts, railings, and joists, plus deck construction click
http://www.cityofalturas.org/building/deck.htm
http://nrha.web-pros.com/Ace_Learning/How-To/outdoor/Building_Deck/deckbuild.htm
bdw7
06-03-02, 06:17 AM
pjb1,
Either spacing you mentioned will work - post spacing on my deck is roughly 60 inches and the railings are solid. Local building code does not specify post spacing. For the record, I used 4x4 posts, notched half way through - I then used two carriage bolts per post (through the post, a 2x8 "decorative" rim joist, and the 2x6 rim joist). Very solid! Also, the railing corners are tied together at the top plate for further structural strength and the posts for the stair handrails (sunk in concrete) added additional strength/stability.
Happy Building
Brian
Either spacing you mentioned will work - post spacing on my deck is roughly 60 inches and the railings are solid. Local building code does not specify post spacing. For the record, I used 4x4 posts, notched half way through - I then used two carriage bolts per post (through the post, a 2x8 "decorative" rim joist, and the 2x6 rim joist). Very solid! Also, the railing corners are tied together at the top plate for further structural strength and the posts for the stair handrails (sunk in concrete) added additional strength/stability.
Happy Building
Brian