code for spacing of deck spindles/pickets etc.

[Digger88]

4 inches in think?!?!

 

[Mr Rex]

Most current codes require that a 4 inch ball will not pass between the pickets. Prior codes used a 6 inch ball. Prior to that, there were few if any requirements. Codes are not retroactive, so it would depend on when the house was built, to determine which code applies(d). Thats one reason FHA is not the code police.

 

[Digger88]

Most current codes require that a 4 inch ball will not pass between the pickets. Prior codes used a 6 inch ball. Prior to that, there were few if any requirements. Codes are not retroactive, so it would depend on when the house was built, to determine which code applies(d). Thats one reason FHA is not the code police.

thanks bro!

its for a VA loan and i received a letter from the VA for not stipping one in the past where wide posts were visible in the photos so this one im doing now is getting the 5.0 treatment.

 

[Mr Rex]

If you are going to get really picky, the 4 inch thing goes for the distance between the bottom rail and the deck itself. Also the bottom rail and the step treads and risers (an area that is often overlooked) the little triangle that is formed there also should not allow a 4 inch ball to pass through. The theory is that the ball represents an infants head, and the code is designed to eliminate them sticking their head through and choking/suffocating etc.

 

[CigarDad]

The Uniform Building Code states 4" for rail spacing. This is so a small child's head will not get caught in between.

The bottom of the bottom rail cannot be higher than 4" off of the deck surface.

If the deck is greater than 30" above the grade then the rail height must be 36" (in some jurisdictions it is 42").