Replies

1. 
   scotzo | May 04, 2008 09:06pm | #1

   Here in NJ it is 36" min. hight and no spaces larger than 4 " .

2. 
   builderdude | May 05, 2008 01:43am | #2

   Here in MI code says 36" tall, no more than 4" space, and must w/stand a 200# force in any direction.

3. 
   Matt | May 05, 2008 02:06am | #3

   It's 36" here too but you need to hear from someone in your home state.  Each state has a different building code, some states even have significant differences from county to county, city to city, or whatever.  Someone from NH who knows his stuff can tell you how the codes work there.

   I think a few states even require 42"...  Here on commercial it's 42".

4. 
   Piffin | May 05, 2008 02:44am | #4

   36" but you also want to check with your insurance company

    

    

   Welcome to the
   Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
    where ...
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5. 
   Framer | May 05, 2008 03:02am | #5

   It also depends on whether it's a first or second floor deck.

   Joe Carola
6. 
   robert | May 06, 2008 01:54am | #6

   Gotta ask your local code official to get the right answer.

   BUT,,,,, Builderdude did hit on one thing. Most places require the ability to withstand a 200# impact in any direction.

   I redid the rails on an entire development in Roseland  N.J. because someone missed that fact at design time. 200 units.

1. 
   JohnCujie | May 06, 2008 01:59am | #7

   So how do they test for the impact strength?

1. 
   dovetail97128 | May 06, 2008 02:19am | #8

   Throw a 200# B.I. against it?
   They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

1. 
   JohnCujie | May 06, 2008 02:22am | #9

   I like the way you think.

1. 
   dovetail97128 | May 06, 2008 03:18am | #10

   There is an alternate testing device as well.
   .
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   ..
   200# OSHA Inspector.
   They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

2. 
   robert | May 06, 2008 04:21pm | #16

   Not sure to be honest.

   I didn't do the original rail and didn't get to see it fail. Just got to fix it.

   I'm sure since it was New Jersey that the testing method was rather arbitrary.

2. 
   Piffin | May 06, 2008 03:51am | #11

   "withstand a 200# impact"I think it is 200# force, not impact. A 200# mass impacting something under velocity impacts greater force that direct application. 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   Ted W. | May 06, 2008 06:41am | #13

   Well then, throw a 160 lb. BI at it. I think 8 mph is enough velocity but go for 20 mph just to be sure. --------------------------------------------------------

   Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.netSee some of my work at AWorkOfWood.com

2. 
   robert | May 06, 2008 04:16pm | #15

   I believe you're right. My bad. Maybe it was just my desire for the 200# BI to impact the railing head first.

    

   Although, I did make a ton of money on that job.

7. 
   Waters | May 06, 2008 03:54am | #12

   Also matters how high off grade you are.  Here if it's less than 36" you don't need one at all.

    

1. 
   Matt | May 06, 2008 01:55pm | #14

   30" off grade here.

   Often, when the porch walking surface is low, say 24" or less. and railings are just for decoration, I have 'em build the railings 32" total height.  I think it looks better and it blocks the view out of the windows less.  42" high railings, especially on a small porch, looks like a cage.