Requirements for deck railings

Don Jones
by Don Jones
Can you tell me if we can remove some of our deck railings or at least lower them to improve the view of our yard?
  7 answers
  • Sam Sam on Sep 07, 2015
    Most building departments adhere to the same railing requirements, Railings are required on any deck 30" or more above grade and should be 36" high. Space between ballusters should not be more than 4". Check with your local building department to be positive. Also, keep in mind your homeowner's insurance. .
  • Janet Janet on Sep 07, 2015
    Check with your township.
  • Jody D Jody D on Sep 07, 2015
    Double check with your homeowners insurance as well
  • Julies1949 Julies1949 on Sep 07, 2015
    Although you may be required to have a railing of a certin height, you could change the style of railing and use clear acrylic panels between the posts to have a mostly unobstructed view. If it's too expensive to redo the whole thing, you could lower the railing you have now and add smaller clear acrylic panels on top where your sightlines would be.
  • HouseLogic.com HouseLogic.com on Sep 07, 2015
    You should always check local building codes before any remodeling job, including making structural changes to your deck. You can learn more here: http://goo.gl/xz1szm
  • Z Z on Sep 07, 2015
    I agree with Janet and House Logic, check your local building codes by calling your county's inspector's office. It can even vary from county to county in the same state. Not knowing where you are from, I'll add that it could very well vary from country to country too.
  • D wright D wright on Sep 10, 2015
    Height is often a matter of code. check with the code office where you live before you lower any railings.