skip to main content

Porches & Decks

Railing or No Railing

15 years ago

Hi All,

We are in the process of having a house built. The deck at the back of the house is done except for a railing. The deck is about 18" off the ground and by code doesn't need a railing. Having seen the deck (in pictures from friends) it looks clean and simple without the railing. We have never had a deck without a railing and can't decide if we should leave it as it is or add the railing.

Any opinions out there?

Thanks,

Art

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

slippery_biscuit
15 years ago
Who will be on the deck? Kids? Older folks? What is below the 18"? A soft lawn? A brick sidewalk?

One option is to use benches and planters as barriers to keep people away from the edge.
art_s
Original Author
15 years ago
Slippery,

At this point I see only adults using the deck. We also have a screened porch which will be the actual hang out place with seating and tables etc. The deck will be used for grilling and chilling by adults while grilling. Below the deck is gravel which extends about 5 feet beyond the deck.

I like the idea of planters and benches at the edge but the deck is 30 ft. long. That many benches and planters could be expensive.

Thanks for the advice...

Art
Related Discussions
Contemporary square/rectangular wood handrail conform to CA code
Q
Comments (1)
Try a real lumberyard or millwork supply house (not a box store or online retailer)
...See More
Can porch and deck railings be different?
Q
Comments (1)
I don't think the styles would blend well ... but it's hard to visualize! How about something like this:
...See More
stairs with hand rail or no hand rail
Q
Comments (34)
The post I mentioned would not be at the bottom tread so the design of a continuous handrail would have to bypass the post to get to a newel at the bottom tread and there would need to be a guard at the new opening whether it be solid, balusters, etc. At first glance it seems a potentially messy solution. Perhaps the handrail could be at the other side and the guard could terminate at the post. The bottom tread should have had returns at each side. Its looks like a abasement stair in the entryway.
...See More
Modern Stair railing - DIY help
Q
Comments (10)
seabornman yes, I agree. that is one of my husband's concerns about this project. If he DIY, he wants a kit that has been designed to be structurally sound. This company here (https://cheapstairparts.com/pages/how-to-install-a-wood-newel-post) has some good installation instructions. I am getting a few more quotes this week, but if not I think we DIy using this company's kits.
...See More
slippery_biscuit
15 years ago
30' would be a bit much for benches. Sounds like personal choice. Given your description of use, I would leave the rail off. One less thing to clean and maintain, and no rail to block sight lines. But that's just me..!
Jeff

Related Stories

DESIGN DICTIONARY Window Rail

With grooves to hold panes, window rails form the top and bottom of the sash

0

REMODELING GUIDES Architect's Toolbox: Aim High with Interior Railings

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Expressive, evocative railings can take your stairs to new heights

Railing Detail: The Diagonal Cross Balustrade

By Rachel Grace

Mark your porch's spot with this decorative wood railing feature in the shape of an X

REMODELING GUIDES Renovation Detail: The Knee Wall Railing

By Rachel Grace

Small in stature but big on privacy, knee wall railings add a Craftsman-style element to porches and don't block the view

TASTEMAKERS Expert Talk: Maynard Studios' Masterful Railings

By Lawrence Karol

These steel stair railings are hand forged, and no two are alike. See how they're made and how they take rooms from plain to breathtaking

REMODELING GUIDES Union Jack Balustrades Raise the Flag for Railing Style

By Rachel Grace

Do be cross with your porch and deck railings — this intersecting balustrade design shows admirable attention to detail

REMODELING GUIDES Flat-Sawn Balusters Give Railings All-Out Style

By Rachel Grace

Showcase designs from Victorian patterns to hints at your hobby with this decorative wood railing detail

Keep Your Balance: Cool Railings

KITCHEN DESIGN The Hanging Magic of Kitchen Wall Rail Organization

By KitchenLab Interiors

Inspiration and Products to Help Clean Up Countertop Clutter

EXTERIORS Lean on Me: Balustrades and Rails Through the Ages to Today

By Elements of Style

These waist-high barriers offer protection on a balcony, porch or deck, but you're free to go wild with your balustrade style

Sponsored

Grow Landscapes

8 Reviews

Planning Your Outdoor Space in Loundon County?

More Discussions

Porch how to enhance it

1

Best way to get shade on my second floor deck.

9

I need outdoor fan advice for a covered patio

1

Can you help me ID manufacturers of louvered pergolas with lights?

0

Wanted - Under the Deck board replacement / fix suggestions

0