Bezdan, The Choice for Stair & Deck Railings in Iowa

Iowa generally follows the International Residential Code (IRC) for residential railing construction. The following are key guidelines only.

IRC Section R312.1.1: Height:

• Guardrails: For decks more than 30 inches above grade, guardrails must be at least 36 inches high.
• Handrails: For stairs, handrails should be between 34 and 38 inches in height, measured vertically from the nosing of the stair tread.

IRC Section R312.1.3: Opening limitations:

• The openings between balusters (vertical guards) should be small enough that a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through.

IRC Section R301.5: Live load:

• Guardrails must be able to withstand a concentrated load of 200 pounds applied in any direction at any point along the top of the rail.

Local building codes may have additional or more stringent requirements than the IRC. For specific details on building codes in your area, consult local authorities or inspectors when constructing residential railings.

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For metal and glass or cable railing installations, we offer a take-off and quote service and product recommendations. Feel free to contact our team with your specific project needs. Quotes are typically provided on the same business day or within 24 hours.