Do I need a railing on a porch if the porch is 1 step or 8" above grade?

Question

Home is being built in central Ontario.

Answer 1

No you don't Usually anything three steps and over requires a railing

Answer 2

Logic would dictate that if the porch is 8" above grade then it is the same as a standard step on a staircase, and if that porch needed a railing then every step on a staircase would need a railing and you would never get down the stairs because of all the railings across it on every step.

Answer 3

In the mountains of East Tennessee, the hillbillies do NOT believe in railings, no matter how high the porch is. However, they do keep my wife, the local XRay Tech in business!

Answer 4

I don't think there is a law :), but if you have even one elderly family member, 1 step should have a rail if you want them to come visit you. I have a sister in a wheelchair, and every house I lived in, the first thing I did was have a ramp put in.. so she could visit me.

Answer 5

Nope. No need for railing until 3 steps.

Answer 6

Check your local codes. Typically, 15" is the total height you can go without a railing.

Answer 7

This would be a question for your home owners insurance carrier. It may be prudent to put up a railing as an act of good faith. In today's litigious society, one can not be too careful.

Answer 8

Best to have a railing in case of bad weather or liability insurance coverage.

Answer 9

I don't know what the rules are up in Ontario as construction goes, but you might want to build one for safety reasons: That can be quite a fall for a baby or a frail older person.

Answer 10

no. unless you have tree steps or more there is no need but it helps if you have young ones running around.or wish to keep critters off the porch.