DDimensions.
Architecture · Safety

Guardrail / Balcony Railing Height

Minimum height of guards protecting open-sided elevated walking surfaces.

915–1067 mm / 36–42 in

Description

Guards (as distinct from handrails) protect against falls from elevated surfaces such as balconies, decks, and open stairwells. Commercial and higher-occupancy applications typically require a taller guard than residential.

Notes

  • Openings in guards must typically not allow passage of a 102 mm (4 in) sphere, to prevent child entrapment.

Sources

  • IRC
  • IBC

Tags

Values

Residential guardMinimum
915 mm36 in
Commercial guardMinimum
1067 mm42 in

Related dimensions

864–965 mm
34–38 in

Handrail Height

Architecture

Height of stair and ramp handrails, measured vertically above the tread nosing or ramp surface.

handrailstairsramp