Railings are the most visible element of any deck. They make an instant design statement for all to see and admire from a distance and close up. Deck railings do more than add a safety feature to a deck. They establish the style and limits of the deck space itself. Local building code standards won't affect the nearly endless number of deck design choices and construction choices to be used. Railings are not necessary on all decks but when they are, usually because of the deck's height above ground level, it is important to make a wise choice as to their design and structure.
Step #1 - Deck Height:
Rails For Beds
Railings are generally required for decks over 36 inches high above ground level and for any set of stairs. However, 24 inches might be a better minimum because in today's society people are more likely to sue a homeowner in the event of a fall. All it takes is one too many drinks and no railing for an accident to occur. In many cases the injured parties who launch these lawsuits are relatives or friends who just happen to be the individuals most likely to be on your deck. It's better to be safe than sorry!
Step #2 - Railing Height:
Railings are generally 36 to 42 inches above a deck's surface. They can be as low as 30 inches or as high as 48 inches depending upon the height of the deck above ground level. The rule of thumb is: The higher the deck; the higher the railing. This is all done for safety considerations. Deck railings can have wood, vinyl or aluminum balusters as well as louvers. They can be built with solid facings that can include plywood siding, plastic panels or tempered glass. However, they need to be a safe height above the level of the deck.
Step #3 - Railing Construction:
Railings are made up of vertical posts capped and joined by a cross member laid flat. The cross member may be the same width or wider than the posts. The spacing distance between the posts depends upon the cap's size and the horizontal rail's length. For example, 4x4 posts can be spaced up to 4 feet apart under a 2x4 cap while 4x4 posts can be spaced up to 6 feet apart under a 2x6 cap.
The strongest and simplest railings are those with horizontal parts secured by bolts or screws to the outside faces of the posts. For a cleaner, more streamlined railing, the horizontals would be placed between the posts. Building codes specify the maximum space between balusters, often 4 inches. Screws and bolts are always a better choice for the construction of railings.
Railings should coordinate with the architectural style of the home in some way. This can be done in terms of materials used, detailing and connections. It is important to check with local building code bylaws to clearly determine the requirements in terms of railing height, material types, lumber sizes, distances between support posts and distances between balusters.
The important things to do in the building of deck railings are to create a railing that complements your overall deck design, to comply with local building codes and to take the time to do the job as well as possible. In no time you'll have a railing system in place on your deck that will be the envy of the neighborhood.
Christmas Sales STRUCTURES by Malouf Heavy Duty 7-Leg LINENSPA Adjustable Metal Bed Frame with Center Support and Rug Rollers - (Queen, Full XL, Full, Twin XL, Twin) 201
Dec 18, 2011 22:31:34
Click for larger image and other views
Christmas Sales STRUCTURES by Malouf Heavy Duty 7-Leg LINENSPA Adjustable Metal Bed Frame with Center Support and Rug Rollers - (Queen, Full XL, Full, Twin XL, Twin) Feature
- Easily Adjusts to Fit Queen, Full, and Twin Mattresses
- Four 2-1/2" Extra-Wide Rug Rollers, Two Locking
- 1-1/2" Center Support Bar with Support Glide
- Universal Headboard Brackets and Gunmetal Black Matte Powder Coating
- Easy Assembly in Under 10 Minutes - No Additional Tools Required
Christmas Sales STRUCTURES by Malouf Heavy Duty 7-Leg LINENSPA Adjustable Metal Bed Frame with Center Support and Rug Rollers - (Queen, Full XL, Full, Twin XL, Twin) Overview
Support your mattress with a heavy duty steel bed frames engineered to support today's thicker, heavier mattresses. A 1-1/2" center support bar offers extra support through the middle of the bed and fulfills mattress manufacturers' support warranty requirements. Four 2-1/2" extra-wide rug rollers (two locking rollers). One center support glides allow mobitily when desired. Headboard brackets will accomodate virtually any headboard configuration. Two cross arm support legs contribute additional support. Finished with a durable and stylish gunmetal black matte powder coating. Features a one-year manufacturer's warranty against defects and workmanship. Easy to assemble in under ten minutes and no additional tools are required. Side rail angle iron steel is 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" and cross arm angle iron steel measures 1-1/4" x 1-1/4". Fits the following mattress sizes: Queen, Full XL, Full, Twin XL, Twin.SAVE NOW on Christmas Sales Offers below!
Available In Stock. |
| This Christmas STRUCTURES by Malouf Heavy Duty 7-Leg LINENSPA Adjustable Metal Bed Frame with Center Support and Rug Rollers - (Queen, Full XL, Full, Twin XL, Twin) ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. |
Price : Click to Check Update Prices Please. |
