Aesthetically, one might simply choose to install railing on ground-level patios, decks, porches or other surfaces to complete a look or design.

According to the International Building Code (IBC), railings are required if a standing or walking surface is 30” higher than grade. In other words, if the distance from the ground to the top of the deck, porch or walking surface is more than 30” a railing must be installed.

Basically, there are 3 distinctive railing types:

• The first, guard rail or level guard rail, is simply a railing system designed to prevent a person from falling off of or over the side of a level surface.
• The second, stair rail, is installed on a section of stairs and serves the same purpose as a guard or level rail.
• The third, handrail, is most common in commercial applications and multi-family dwellings. According to code, handrail is also required on single-family dwellings. The configuration of handrail is somewhat complicated and detailed in the code. The purpose of handrail is to provide an uninterrupted graspable surface while climbing stairs or accessing handicap ramps.
  

Yes, there certainly are. Most of the country is governed by the IBC or International Residential Code (IRC). IRC Building codes and requirements vary from state to state and often from town to town according to the individual building inspectors within a municipality. Where fencing codes pertain mainly to fence height, impact on visibility and security, railing codes are related to life-safety issues.

Railing codes involve a railing’s overall height (36” for residential, 42” for commercial), height off the ground, (which cannot exceed 4”), span between balisters (which can not exceed 4”) and, most importantly, structural load requirements.

Occasionally you might see a situation where an official has determined that an application calls for a unique railing specification or an installer has built a system not
meeting code. It could be a requirement that graspable handrail be installed on the left and right stair rail section. Or maybe an installer placed a residential height railing on a commercial or multi-family dwelling requiring commercial height railing. By consulting the local building code official you can be sure you will be able to obtain the proper permits, possibly prevent an unsafe railing installation, and avoid further complications later down the road.

Different building officials have the authority to interpret the building codes in their location as they deem necessary. Before beginning to install any railing, the buyer and/or contractor must contact their local official to gain an understanding as to how the code is interpreted and to obtain the proper permits.

Code officials interpret their local building codes differently. If a homeowner is planning on installing a railing system they need to know what the building code is in their area. That information is available through their township’s municipal organization. Some building departments also have a web site and some require special certifications on railing related products.

Railings can be made of several types of materials. The most popular are vinyl and wrought iron.

Absolutely. Vinyl is increasingly the material of choice for consumers concerned about low-maintenance applications. In coastal areas where exposure to salt air is a factor, vinyl is also a good choice because it readily withstands those conditions. Wrought iron can be very simple or complex and allow for significant customization. Wrought iron railings also require the most maintenance in terms of painting.

Material type is just one choice the consumer needs to make to help define their own personal style. Each material also has an associated price point that needs to be considered as well.