The Deck Professor

Every number here is a working estimate to check with your building authority. Whoever prints this page takes responsibility for what is in it.

Lessons

Guards and railings

Height, openings and post strength. 9 lessons.

  1. When a guard is required. Change it. Raise and lower this deck, and give it the guard it needs.
  2. 900 mm (35 7/16 in) or 1.07 m (42 in). Guess first. Guess first, then set the guard height for this deck.
  3. What counts as the ground. Change it. Look past the deck edge, then decide whether it needs a guard.
  4. The 100 mm (3 15/16 in) sphere test. Click the fault. Test each opening with the 100 mm (3 15/16 in) sphere, the stair included. Find every one it passes..
  5. Gaps under rails and beside stairs. Change it. Close every gap a 100 mm (3 15/16 in) sphere could pass.
  6. Nothing to climb above 4.2 m (13 ft 9 5/16 in). Change it. Raise the deck, then choose an infill a child cannot climb.
  7. Guard posts carry the push. Change it. Lean on the guard, then fasten the post so it holds.
  8. Can a bench be the guard. Change it. Make this bench count as the guard.
  9. Glass, cable and aluminum guards. Change it. Put up this manufactured guard with what the permit needs behind it.