Understanding Deck Railing Height Requirements and Railing Code ​

Key Takeaways

  • Railings provide safety and stability, and minimize the likelihood of railings breaking and causing injuries.
  • The Ontario Building Code (OBC) has specific deck railing height, spacing, and quality requirements.
  • Ontario deck railing code requirements can vary based on the property type and railing materials.
  • Landings, balconies, terraces, and decks need railings if they are more than 24 inches above the ground
  • Stairs must have parallel handrails if there are at least three risers.
  • Glass railings should be made of tempered or heat-strengthened laminated glass.
  • Interior glass railings must be at least 6mm thick and 8mm thick for exterior railings.
  • Glass railings need to be a minimum of 36 inches tall with panels spaced 4 inches apart to prevent injury.
  • If you don’t adhere to the OBC regulations, you could face fines, additional project costs, an extended installation timeline, and legal action.
  • Regular maintenance will ensure the durability and longevity of your railing, regardless of the materials used.

Importance of Complying with Ontario’s Deck Railing Codes

The Ontario Building Code (OBC) is a set of guidelines created to keep homeowners, the public, and construction workers safe. There are certain rules for how, where, and what you can build, design, and/or install. This includes rules and regulations for installing railings on decks, balconies, stairways, etc.

The OBC states that certain interior and exterior structures that exceed a specific height or ground level will require guard rails. Benefits of having Ontario railing height and spacing requirements include:

  • Ensured adherence with accessibility requirements
  • Reduced risk of falling over or through railings.
  • Increased stability and durability of railings.
  • Minimized likelihood of railings breaking and causing injuries.

What Requires Guard Railings in Ontario?

According to Ontario deck railing code requirements, raised platforms, balconies, terraces, decks, stairs, ramps, and pool enclosures of a certain height must have guardrails. The specific regulations for each vary based on the property type and railing materials. For example, rules differ depending on factors such as whether you’re installing a railing on a residential or commercial property, if the building is detached or attached, and whether you’re installing a glass or wood railing.

When Are Railings Required in Ontario?​

The following outlines the Ontario railing height requirements for interior and exterior structures:

  • Landings: A landing with a drop of 5ft 11 inches or less requires a railing of at least 36 inches. If the landing drop is over 5 ft 11 inches, the railing must be a minimum of 42 inches tall.
  • Balconies: Any balcony more than 24 inches above the ground or floor requires a railing.
  • Terraces: Terraces require railings if they are 24 inches above the ground or floor level.
  • Decks: Both attached and detached decks that are more than 24 inches from the ground need to have railings.
  • Stairways: Interior and exterior stairs will need to have parallel handrails installed if there are at least three risers.

Minimum Deck Railing Heights and Spacing Standards​

Ontario railing height requirements stipulate how tall a railing needs to be based on the drop between the structure, such as a deck, and the ground or floor. The minimum deck railing height is 36 inches. This minimum height requirement also applies to landings, balconies, and terraces. If any of these structures are more than 5ft 11 inches from the floor or ground level, they will require a railing that’s at least 42 inches tall.

Similarly, both interior and exterior stairways with three or more risers must have 36 inches railings. The spacing between any and all railing posts cannot exceed 60 inches from one centre of the post to the other. Balusters are required to have no more than 4 inches of space between them.

Types of Railings

There are a multitude of different railings with varying materials and designs. Each type of railing comes with its own set of advantages and potential disadvantages. Below you’ll find a list of the various railing materials and styles you can choose from, along with the safety, durability, and aesthetic pros and cons to each.

Materials

  • Glass: Glass is a sleek railing option with minimal maintenance requirements. With the OBC thickness requirements, glass railings are strong, stable, and durable. Potential drawbacks include noticeable smudges on clear glass and less privacy unless the glass is tinted or decorated.
  • Wood: Wooden railings are incredibly versatile as there are many design and style possibilities. There are also a range of woods to choose from, such as cedar, oak, mahogany, and redwood. Railing made of wood can require more maintenance and repairs over time and can rot or warp if installed outdoors.
  • Vinyl: Vinyl railings are a great low-maintenance option perfect for the outdoors as they’re weather resistant and easy to clean. However, colour and design choices are often limited.
  • Metal: Metal is one of the most durable materials as it’s pest, humidity, and weather resistant. It has a longer lifespan than other materials and is less likely to experience premature wear and tear. On the flip side, metal railings typically have higher upfront costs.

Design

  • Modern: If you’re interested in a modern aesthetic, you may consider a glass or metal railing. These materials are both perfect for deck and balcony railings as they’re easy to maintain outdoors.
  • Traditional: Wood railings are a great indoor railing option, especially if you’re searching for a railing that complements a traditional design. There are many wood railing types and styles for you to choose from, as well as customization opportunities.
  • Minimalist: Glass railings are definitely one of the most suitable railing materials for a minimalist design. You can choose framed or frameless glass for your deck, patio, stairways, or landings. Metal railings also pair well with minimalistic designs.

Specific Regulations for Glass Railings

There are specific Ontario railing height, spacing, and thickness requirements for glass railings. Similar to other railing materials, there are also quality and design guidelines that help ensure a safe and stable railing. Here’s a list of glass railing regulations according to the OBC:

  • Glass Quality: In Ontario, glass railings must be strong enough to endure heavy loads and high impacts. Tempered glass and heat-strengthened laminated glass are both acceptable due to their strength, impact-resistance, durability, and safety benefits. The Canadian General Standards Board outlines the specific glazing and thickness requirements that your glass will need to adhere to.
  • Glass Thickness: Interior glass railing panels must be at least 6mm thick. Exterior glass railings are required to a minimum of 8mm thick. These thickness regulations ensure your glass railings will be able to withstand various loads, such as someone bearing their weight on the railing, and impacts, such as high winds.
  • Height & Spacing: Glass railings need to be at least 36 inches tall in order to prevent people from falling over. The OBC also stipulates that the spacing between each glass panel must be no more than 4 inches. This prevents children from being able to stick their heads through the panels.
  • Design: Glass railings need to be designed by a professionally licensed engineer. This ensures the railing is stable, strong, and accessible.
  • Accessibility: As with any railing material, glass railings must be designed, built, and installed in accordance with the OBC accessibility requirements. These requirements make sure the railing is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities, visual impairments, and mobility challenges.

Possible Consequences of Non-Compliance with OBC Regulations​

Installing a railing that doesn’t adhere to the OBC regulations can result in injuries, fines, additional project costs, an extended installation timeline, and legal action. You may be required to remove the railing and redo the design and installation process. The following outlines additional details on the possible consequences of designing and/or installing railings without OBC compliance:

  • Injury & Damage: Non-compliant railings are more prone to cracks, breakage, and chipping. This can lead to minor or serious injuries from broken frames, glass, or hardware. Without following the railing height and spacing requirements, the risks of falling over or getting stuck between the railing increase.
  • Legal Action: If someone injuries themselves because your deck railing height doesn’t adhere to OBC regulations, you could be held liable for the harm and damages caused.
  • Fines: If inspected and reported, you could face a fine of $50,000 for your first offense or up to $100,000 for a second offense.
  • Insurance Complications: Insurance companies can deny claims for injuries or damages related to a non-compliant railing. This can also make it more difficult and costly to obtain insurance going forward.

Tips for Safe and Code-Compliant Railing Installation​

Now that you have an understanding of the deck railing height, design, and spacing requirements, it’s time to move on to the installation. The following are some tips that can help make sure your railing is installed according to code:

  • Professional Installation: Having your railings installed by a professional such as Glass Repair Canada, is extremely important. Qualified, licensed, and certified experts will ensure your railing is designed and installed in compliance with the OBC.
  • Post-Installation Inspection: Post-installation inspections ensure your railing is safe, functional, and strong. Inspections ensure your railing system can support varying weights and check that all fasteners and other hardware are securely in place.
  • Regular Maintenance: The durability and longevity of your railing, regardless of the materials used, depends greatly on regular maintenance. While some railing materials require less maintenance than others, it’s a good idea to perform routine checks every so often to make sure your railing is in good condition. These checks will also help you find and repair any issues quickly, before they become a bigger problem.

Building a Deck Up-To Code

The best way to guarantee your deck, balcony, landing, or stairway railing is built to code is to have the railing installed by licensed and experienced professionals. Glass Repair Canada has a team of expert who are more than capable and qualified to design, customize, install, or repair your glass railing. We always adhere to the deck railing codes Ontario mandates.

Our team is efficient, delivers high-quality results, and follows all safety regulations during installations. We install interior and exterior railings for residential and commercial clients as well as offer a variety of customization options. To book a consultation, request an estimate, or simply ask a couple questions, call or email Glass Repair Canada today.  

FAQs

If you’re concerned your railing might not adhere to the deck railing height, quality, or spacing regulations, consider the following:

  • Review Local Building Codes: You can review your local or Ontario deck railing height requirements online. Some towns and cities have additional guidelines and regulations in place for railing installations.
  • Consult a Professional: When in doubt, consult railing experts such as those at Glass Repair Canada. As professional contractors, you can rely on us to answer and address all of your OBC questions or concerns.
  • Address the Concerns: If your railing is found to be non-compliant with OBC regulations, it’s best to take immediate action to prevent future injuries, damages, or fines. Glass Repair Canada can fix your glass railings to ensure they comply with the Ontario Building Code.

Yes, you can use stained glass, decorative glass, and/or coloured glass for your glass railings. However, any glass panels you use must still adhere to the OBC railing safety, height, and thickness requirements. The stained-glass pieces will need to be encased or insulated between layers of tempered glass in order to meet the OBC regulations. Regardless of the type of glass you desire, your glass railing must be designed by a licensed engineer to ensure it meets all the requirements.

Yes, the OBC requires glass railings to have top rails for structural or load-bearing baluster panels unless the glass baluster panels are made of two or more layers of equally thick laminated glass. There are no glass deck hand rail height requirements.

Porches in Ontario can be up to 24 inches high before requiring railings. Any porch that is more than 24 inches above the floor or ground level will need to have a railing. Similarly, the maximum height of deck railings before needing a railing is 24 inches.

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