The word railing is defined as a fence like barrier composed of one or more rails but has come to have different meanings. The most commonly used meanings of the word are railings you see along stairwells and those along decks or elevated floor structures.

According to the International Code Council or ICC, which provides codes and standards used in the design and build process, these terms are referred to as handrails and guards. The ICC defines a handrail as a place to hold to provide guidance or support and a guard is a component put in place along raised and open walking areas to prevent accidental falls. Both are outlined within the ICC's International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). This article will focus on "guards" and what to look for when designing your next project.

The International Building Code
The International Building Code is used for commercial buildings and residential dwellings outside the scope of the IRC. It is in place or adopted by all U.S. states, as well as the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Marianas Islands. Per the IBC, guards are required along open-sided walking surfaces, including mezzanines, equipment platforms, aisles, stairs, ramps, and landings that are more than 30 inches measured vertically to the floor or grade below any point within 36 inches horizontally to the edge of the open side.

The IBC also states the following standards for guard height:

 
Required guards shall not be less than 42 inches high, measured vertically as follows:
1. From the adjacent walking surfaces.
2. On stairways and stepped aisles, from the line connecting the leading edges of the tread nosings.
3. On ramps and ramped aisles, from the ramp surface at the guard.

The International Residential Code
The International Residential Code is used for one- and two-family dwellings of three stories or less and is used or adopted in all U.S. states except Wisconsin, and in the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The IRC requires guards to be provided for those portions of open-sided walking surfaces, including stairs, ramps and landings, that are located more than 30 inches measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 36 inches horizontally to the edge of the open side.

The IRC states the following guard height standards:
Required guards at open-sided walking surfaces, including stairs, porches, balconies or landings, shall not be less than 36 inches in height as measured vertically above the adjacent walking surface or the line connecting the nosings.

Both the IBC and IRC have the same requirement for guard openings:
Guards required shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 inches in diameter from the walking surface to the required guard.

Before the design process starts it is important to consult with local building codes as some jurisdictions have adopted amended editions. Requirements may vary by state and county, so it is always recommended to check with local code authorities.

Trends
Today, guards not only provide a feature of safety but also design. They can put the finishing touch on a deck or complete an outdoor space. Daniel M. Winterbottom says in his book, Wood in the Landscape: A Practical Guide to Specification and Design, "Deck railings can be quite complex, such as those with ornate features like turned balustrades and finials, or can be designed as very simple and functional elements."

Trends have changed over time from the common wood rails to a more industrial look with structural metals, cable, rope, and even glass. These materials are becoming especially popular on decks as they allow a more open view to the world below. Designs that include a mix of materials also create a unique look while curves and angles can create visually appealing architecture.

As seen in LASN magazine, February 2020.