Deck Railings, Stairs & Safety Upgrades

Why Deck Safety Matters

Deck safety is not something you can afford to ignore. Every year, thousands of people get injured on unsafe decks, often because railings fail or stairs collapse. Building codes exist for good reason, they protect your family and guests from serious accidents. If your deck has loose railings, missing balusters, or wobbly stairs, you need to fix these problems immediately.

Even if your deck looks fine, it might not meet current building codes. Codes change over time to improve safety based on real-world data about deck failures. Older decks often have railings that are too low, balusters spaced too far apart, or stairs without proper handrails. Upgrading your deck safety features protects you from liability and gives you peace of mind every time someone uses your outdoor space.

Current Building Code Requirements

Chandler follows the International Residential Code with some local modifications. Here are the key safety requirements for deck railings and stairs:

• Railings required on any deck more than 30 inches above grade
• Railing height must be at least 36 inches measured from the deck surface
• Balusters cannot be spaced more than 4 inches apart to prevent children from slipping through
• Railings must withstand 200 pounds of force without failing
• Stairs need handrails on at least one side if they have four or more risers
• Stair treads must be at least 10 inches deep with maximum 7.75 inch rise

We ensure every railing and stair system we install meets or exceeds these requirements. Our team stays current with code changes so your deck stays compliant. If you are repairing an older deck, we can bring your railings and stairs up to current standards as part of the project.

Railing Styles and Materials

Safety does not mean sacrificing style. Modern railing systems come in many designs that complement your home's architecture while meeting code requirements. You can choose from traditional wood railings, low-maintenance composite systems, sleek metal cables, or elegant glass panels.

Wood railings offer classic beauty and can be painted or stained to match your deck. Composite railings never need refinishing and resist fading in Arizona's sun. Metal railings with cable or horizontal bars give you clean sight lines and a contemporary look. Glass railings maximize your view while providing safety. We help you select the style and material that fits your budget and aesthetic preferences.

Installation matters as much as materials. Railings must be properly anchored to withstand heavy loads and resist pulling away from the deck. We use code-compliant fasteners and installation techniques that ensure your railings stay secure for decades. Every railing system we install passes inspection the first time.

Professional Stair Construction

Deck stairs take more abuse than any other part of your outdoor structure. They need to be built extra strong using proper stringers, secure connections, and consistent dimensions. Even a small variation in step height can cause someone to trip and fall.

We build stairs that are safe, comfortable, and code-compliant. All treads are the same depth and all risers are the same height so people can climb confidently without looking at their feet. We add proper handrails where required and ensure stairs have adequate lighting for nighttime use. For decks accessed by children or elderly family members, we can add extra safety features like non-slip surfaces or wider treads. Whether you are building a new custom deck or upgrading an existing one, professional stair construction is essential for safety.

Frequently Asked Questions