What height should balcony railings be at?

Question

Bought a property that I just started renovating and I noticed the railings seem short. Pic below. The height is 30inches. Is that legal?  If not, any recommendations on how to fix that affordably? My budget on the reno is tight.

Mike Cumbie · Answer

Other option. Pull out the anchors. Lift the current railing up 6-8 inches and remount it with new anchor points and place a $9 2X6 wood railing at the bottom. Total cost about $35.

Just my 2 cents.

JD Martin · Answer

Depends on your locale. If they follow national building codes you have your answer already. However, they don't *have* to follow those codes and may have some other prescription. Further, many things are grandfathered into codes, so as long as you don't make alterations to what's there or replace it, you can have something that doesn't meet current standards.

All of this means a call to your local building official is in order. On a side note, 30" railings are not safe as they fall below the hip of many people and can thus act as a fulcrum to toss you over the side on your head. That's why railing heights were increased. Unfortunately, on some structures the taller height destroys the aesthetics of the building. Based on your picture, I (and your insurer, who may not cover you without changes) would feel better with taller railings.

Kyle J. · Answer

30" seems pretty short.  I'm fairly sure the minimum should be 36", but that almost looks like it could be a multi-family property and - if it is - I believe the minimum is even higher (42").  Read these:

Railing FAQs - Railing Frequently Asked Questions

Deck Code Guidelines for Guardrails and Stairway Railings

Aigo Pyles · Answer

For residential it's 36 inches while for commercial 42 inches.

All the best!

David M. · Answer

@Mike Cumbie

Okay, sure.

Mike Cumbie · Answer

@David M.

Not sure your skill level, but I would do it myself in about 45 minutes. Lowes sells a set of 100 concrete anchors with bolts for $6.77.  A pressure treated 12 foot 2X6 is $17.57 in my area. I have a Dewalt drill and bits suited for the tasks of drilling out the current bolts. I also have a tape measure and level for moving up the current wrought iron railing 6-8 inches. Then putting in new bolts (There appear to be 4 on each side for a total of 8 bolts). That leaves me 92 bolts to get the 2X6 in place and I am sure there is a paint I can throw on it left over from something in the house.

He was looking for a cost effective option. Not only is mine cost effective, it also still matches the surrounding buildings and doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. Throw in a handyperson for $50 an hour and you are at a total of $74.34 and have some bolts left over for a use later.

David M. · Answer

@Mike Cumbie

Nice idea, but after that labour cost, probably might as well use new material...

David M. · Answer

@John Fider

Check your bldg codes.  Is this in PA?  It might be grandfathered...  I thought PA didn’t adopt a code until around 2010 or so...  if “grandfathered” then it passes I believe because PA had no Code to my understanding

Good luck

What height should balcony railings be at?

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