Deck & Guardrail Railing Code in BC: Heights, Spacing & Requirements
Planning a new deck or replacing an old railing in BC? Guardrails are a safety requirement, and the BC Building Code is specific about when you need one and how tall it must be. Here is the plain-English version.
Please note: this is general guidance based on commonly-applied BC Building Code residential requirements. Codes are updated and municipalities may have local amendments — always confirm current requirements with your local building department (or ask us; we build to code every day).
When do you need a guardrail?
Generally, a guardrail is required when the walking surface is more than 600 mm (about 24 inches) above the ground or adjacent surface.
Required guardrail height
| Deck height above grade | Minimum guardrail height |
|---|---|
| Up to 1.8 m (about 6 ft) | 900 mm (about 36 in) |
| More than 1.8 m (about 6 ft) | 1070 mm (about 42 in) |
Baluster & opening spacing (the 4-inch rule)
Openings must be small enough that a 100 mm (about 4 inch) sphere cannot pass through. Aluminum picket railing is designed to meet this out of the box; glass panels satisfy it by being solid.
Stairs and handrails
Stairs generally need a handrail once there are more than a few risers, at a code-compliant height (commonly 865–1070 mm). We handle the transitions and angles so stairs are safe and compliant.
How aluminum railing keeps you compliant
Because we build railing systems for a living, code compliance is baked in: correct guard heights, proper opening spacing, and secure post anchoring. Deciding on a style? Compare glass vs. aluminum or see typical costs.
Call 604-365-3252 or request a quote
Frequently asked questions
How high does a deck railing have to be in BC?
Commonly 900 mm (about 36 in) for decks up to 1.8 m above grade, and 1070 mm (about 42 in) for decks higher than 1.8 m. Always confirm with your local building department.
At what height is a deck railing required in BC?
Generally when the deck surface is more than about 600 mm (24 in) above the ground.
How far apart can deck balusters be?
Openings must not let a 100 mm (about 4 in) sphere pass through.
