Code Deck Rail Height

[Autotech]

Need to know the Code for Deck rail Height Min and Max for tree house please. We dont have have code here yet but I'm sure its coming in the next couple of years. I do want to the insurance company to be Happy though. Code or not.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Code Deck Rail Height

If there is no code in your locale, then there is no requirement. If a code comes in down the road, you are grandfathered in. Although, I have no idea how it applies to a treehouse.

Before anyone jumps on me and says it will have to be brought up to code, it doesn't. Best point for my case; it is illegal (not just against code) to build a wooden building in NYC. However, there is one still there since the 1800's when it was built. It is not in violation of a code or the law. Take your own house. Unless it was built since the latest update of the UBC (Uniform Building Code), I guarantee your house would be in violation of any code changes since it was built, but you are grandfathered in.

Obtain proof of date of final construction of the treehouse, and supply it to your insurance company. To be safe, use the current UBC, and you're good to go, at least on the railing height. The rest of the construction? Dunno.

 

[SeanT]

Re: Code Deck Rail Height

When the codes come you only have to be brought up to code if you renovate, the, uh, treehouse.

If you really want to follow some codes, look up those for decks and patios. But I doubt they would apply as long as you follow some common sense.

I have a tree house for our kids. It's definitely not to code...

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Code Deck Rail Height

Guardrails- 38-42 inches from finish floor . Refer to the ircc 2006 I posted earlier for anything more than 18 inches off the ground, like your decks...

I actually like mine a bit higher, as it keeps people from sitting on them , and makes a nice drink holder while people are leaning on it sippin a cool aid. Also has to hold a 200# sideload by code, btw....

Max post deflection with 200# sideload is , well, kinda up to the local inspector... but I like mine real rigid, less than 3/16 deflection with my 160# frame pushing on it hard from about 40 inches off the floor....

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Code Deck Rail Height

Deleted- double post. Marlboro..

 

[Autotech]

Re: Code Deck Rail Height

Guardrails- 38-42 inches from finish floor . Refer to the ircc 2006 I posted earlier for anything more than 18 inches off the ground, like your decks...

Thanks all thats what I needed. M180 is the water still rising up there. Or has it dropped some. Haven't seen the news lately but I'm thinking you got hit pretty hard. Water in houses makes a big mess I don't wish that on anybody.Hope all gets back to normal soon.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Code Deck Rail Height

Guardrails- 38-42 inches from finish floor . Refer to the ircc 2006 I posted earlier for anything more than 18 inches off the ground, like your decks...

Thanks all thats what I needed

. M180 is the water still rising up there. Or has it dropped some. Haven't seen the news lately but I'm thinking you got hit pretty hard. Water in houses makes a big mess I don't wish that on anybody.Hope all gets back to normal soon.

Good on the guardrails

As for the water, smaller rivers south of Milwaukee got hit pretty bad. Southwest of Chicago too.

The Milwaukee River did not come up anywhere near what it has in the past, I was pleasantly surprised. Gauges just above the Shack read a bit over 9 feet, I start to have problems such as overland flooding here at 12.42 feet.

There was significant damage to the greater metro area, as well as downtown due to the major flash flooding through the city. Sewer could not handle it- so it ran through the streets. Speaking of which, I gotta go help my folks some more- cleaning, hauling , disinfecting....

Thanks for your concern

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Code Deck Rail Height

The last one I did ended up about 42" from the floor. I attached to the outside edge of the 2x6. I guess I just got lucky on the height because I cut 2x4x8s in 1/2 and used that so I wouldn't waste a small chunk.