Deck Railings, Stairs & Safety Upgrades
Enhance your deck's safety and appearance with professionally installed railings, stairs, and safety features.
(504) 977-0328
Why Safety Features Matter
Your deck railings and stairs are not just decorative elements. They are critical safety features that protect your family and guests. Building codes require railings on any deck more than 30 inches above the ground. Even if your older deck was built without railings or with railings that do not meet current codes, upgrading them is one of the most important investments you can make.
Falls from decks cause thousands of injuries every year. Many of these accidents happen because railings are too short, balusters are spaced too far apart, or stairs are built incorrectly. Modern building codes address these hazards with specific requirements for railing height, baluster spacing, and stair dimensions. When we install or upgrade railings and stairs, we make sure everything meets or exceeds these safety standards.
Railing Options for Your Deck
Railings have come a long way from simple wooden posts and pickets. Today you have many options that combine safety with style. Traditional wood railings remain popular and can be painted or stained to match your deck. Metal railings offer clean lines and durability. Glass panels provide unobstructed views. Cable railings create a modern look while meeting code requirements.
Here are the railing options we install:
- Wood railings in traditional or contemporary styles
- Aluminum railings that never need painting and resist corrosion
- Composite railings that match composite decking
- Cable railings for modern aesthetics and clear sight lines
- Glass panel railings for maximum visibility
- Decorative metal balusters combined with wood or composite rails
Building Stairs That Are Safe and Comfortable
Deck stairs need to be built precisely to be safe. If the steps are not all the same height, people can trip. If they are too steep or too shallow, they are uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Building codes specify the acceptable range for stair dimensions, but within those limits, there is room to design stairs that work well for your deck and property.
We build stairs that meet code requirements and feel comfortable to use. We make sure the treads are deep enough for secure footing and the risers are consistent height. We add proper railings with graspable handrails at the right height. If your deck is high off the ground or your stairs make a turn, we include landings for safety. Quality stair construction makes a huge difference in how safe and pleasant your deck is to use.
Upgrading Existing Railings and Stairs
If your deck has old railings that do not meet current codes, you do not necessarily need to replace your entire deck. We can often remove old railings and install new ones that are safer and better looking. This is a cost-effective way to improve your deck's safety and update its appearance at the same time.
Common problems with older railings include balusters spaced more than 4 inches apart, railings shorter than 36 inches, wobbly posts, and railings that are not securely attached to the deck structure. We fix all of these issues, creating railings that are rock-solid and code-compliant. The transformation can be dramatic, making your old deck look and function like new.
Code Requirements for Railings and Stairs
Current building codes in Metairie require railings to be at least 36 inches high, measured from the deck surface. Balusters or other infill must be spaced so that a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through. This prevents small children from slipping through or getting their heads stuck. Stairs need handrails that are between 34 and 38 inches above the stair nosing and shaped so you can grip them comfortably.
Stair treads must be at least 10 inches deep, and risers can be no more than 7.75 inches high. All the risers in a flight of stairs must be within 3/8 inch of the same height. These requirements ensure that stairs are comfortable and safe to use. When we build or upgrade your deck, we make sure every detail meets these standards.
Common Questions About Deck Railings and Stairs
Ready to upgrade your deck safety?
Call (504) 977-0328