Spacing for rails on deck. codes - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

keithguts · 01-23-2006, 02:28 PM

I live in bayshore li. wondering if any one knowa the code for the spacing between the rails.

Keith

DecksEtc · 01-23-2006, 02:33 PM

4" is pretty standard everywhere but you should double check with your building department. I make all mine 3 1/2" so I NEVER have a problem.

As well, railing heights vary according to the height of the deck and by your local codes.

keithguts · 01-23-2006, 03:08 PM

Terry, I think I know what type of work you do. what a crazy question. I just seen your logo. Sorry.

RobertCDF · 01-23-2006, 05:46 PM

Terry, you sound like me if its 3 1/2" even if it shrinks a little bit no problems. 36 1/2" high at least. Hear of people getting screwed and having to redo it or pay to get a variance because they wanted to make it as close as possible. Idiots.

DecksEtc · 01-23-2006, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertCDF

Terry, you sound like me if its 3 1/2" even if it shrinks a little bit no problems.

That's the exact reason I do it Robert. Adding one or two balusters per railing section costs me a lot less than going back and replacing an entire section a couple years down the road.

locofoco · 01-23-2006, 07:52 PM

Is 4" code everywhere? That really seems close. I did a couple decks for family at 8". OOPS! They were nice decks otherwise. Better check my local code before doing any for paying customer.

bob the builder · 01-23-2006, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertCDF

Terry, you sound like me if its 3 1/2" even if it shrinks a little bit no problems. 36 1/2" high at least. Hear of people getting screwed and having to redo it or pay to get a variance because they wanted to make it as close as possible. Idiots.

is that a 2x2-5" o.c. yer talking??? I thought you were the one with the spindle even spacing between posts calulator, if I remember correct...

Bob

bob the builder · 01-23-2006, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by locofoco

Is 4" code everywhere? That really seems close. I did a couple decks for family at 8". OOPS! They were nice decks otherwise. Better check my local code before doing any for paying customer.

The problem with 8" spacing is I can almost fit between there.

4" is standard, but if I work out of the city there aren't codes, and one customer in particular insisted on 2/ 2x6 cedar for spindles which ends up being well over your 8"....

Bob

Peladu · 01-23-2006, 08:24 PM

bob the builder ....... my youngest son loves you....:Thumbs:

.....now back to the topic

RobertCDF · 01-23-2006, 08:48 PM

I was not the one with the calculator but I will let you in on how I do it. Cut the 2 2x4's find center mark both sides of baluster use a 12" speed square on the "other side" of the center baluster and mark 4 1/2" and go.

theman · 01-23-2006, 09:17 PM

Keithgut

Welcome N.Y. Residential Code requires a 4 inch max space between rails. remember your biggest problem is the hand rail, max width is 2 5/8 " good luck

01-23-2006, 09:18 PM

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bob the builder · 01-23-2006, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdac

robert thats a good method, i'll share what I do,
x=post to post (inside)dimention
y=whatever baluster spacing you want to go with
z=width of baluster weather 1.5" or 5.5" ect.

divide x by y and round to nearest whole #, this is the # of balusters/rail segment.

divide x by #of balusters, this is your baluster spacing

take your baluster spacing and subtract one baluster width, divide that by 2, this is your first and last space in that rail segment, this takes all the guess work out of having too slender or too wide a gap at the ends

That's how I do it too... But you do your math on a piece of lumber or go get a calulator???

Bob

jmic · 01-23-2006, 10:01 PM

Hey this thread has things missing, whats going on?

RobertCDF · 01-23-2006, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdac

robert thats a good method, i'll share what I do,
x=post to post (inside)dimention
y=whatever baluster spacing you want to go with
z=width of baluster weather 1.5" or 5.5" ect.

divide x by y and round to nearest whole #, this is the # of balusters/rail segment.

divide x by #of balusters, this is your baluster spacing

take your baluster spacing and subtract one baluster width, divide that by 2, this is your first and last space in that rail segment, this takes all the guess work out of having too slender or too wide a gap at the ends

If I did all that though I might have to use my brain

(I dont always use 4 1/2 I kind of know what to use to not have to wide a gap at the end) But I think I will hang onto that formula and maybe use it next time. I have to put use to that construction master calculator that I bought (tool addict)

Grumpy · 01-23-2006, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmic

Hey this thread has things missing, whats going on?

It's the moderators moderating for the benefit of everyone.

K2 · 01-23-2006, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy

It's the moderators moderating for the benefit of everyone.

Yes, Thank you moderators.

01-24-2006, 01:08 AM

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rjordan392 · 01-25-2006, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by locofoco

Is 4" code everywhere? That really seems close. I did a couple decks for family at 8". OOPS! They were nice decks otherwise. Better check my local code before doing any for paying customer.

For what its worth, I was told by a an inspector that the reason for 4" spacing or less is to prevent a toddler from getting his/her head through the space and possibly falling off the deck.

DecksEtc · 01-25-2006, 09:29 PM

That's the theory behind the 4" spacing. Because, you know, some kid somewhere challenged his little brother to stick his head through the railing and low and behold, got his head stuck in a 5" space.