Let’s say a deck is 16′ x 16′ and has a pitch on it that makes one end 1″ lower than where it is attached to the house (for runoff). Would you install railing level all the way around the deck, or would your place the railings parallel to the deck’s surface?
I am having a debate with another worker on how to proceed. Which method would catch the attention of a sharp eye?
Thanks
Replies
Parallel. But I wouldn't pitch the deck, either.
If the deck is a roof deck it has to be pitched at least 1/4" per foot.The last time I had this issue, I set the bottom rail parallel to the deck and the top rail level, adjusting the length of the baulisters accordingly. If you just make it level you can run into problems with too much space at the bottom if 4" is the max allowed. Now with 42" railing height requirements, setting it level could make an excessively high rail.
nk
In almost every situation I will run the top rail level-bottom rail with the slope of deck/porch.
However, 1" in 16' would not be very discernable to most eyes...............so to make the job 'appear right" and save time-money, I'd keep the balusters the same and run with the slope.