Deck railings and stairs in Bend
Railings and stairs take the most abuse and carry the most risk. If either one moves when it shouldn't, it's time to have it looked at.
On many Bend decks the boards are still fine but the railing and steps aren't. Guard posts loosen as wood dries and shrinks, stairs settle, and older decks were often built before today's rules on guard height and openings. A builder can tighten, reinforce or replace them, or swap in a different railing style to open up the view.
What are the basic rules?
The Oregon prescriptive deck guide based on the 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code lists these basics. Your building department has the final word.
| Item | Rule of thumb in the Oregon deck guide |
|---|---|
| Guard height | At least 36 inches |
| Guard openings | A 4-inch sphere must not pass through |
| Stair handrail | Required on at least one side when there are four or more risers |
| Stair guards | Needed on open sides of stairs with a total rise of 30 inches or more |
| Stair landings | At least 36 inches deep at the top and bottom |
| Lighting | A light source at the top landing |
Which railing styles are common?
- Wood. Matches a wood deck and costs less up front, but needs finish and checking.
- Metal and aluminum. Low upkeep, slim profile, and noncombustible.
- Cable. Popular where people want to see the mountains. Cables need proper tension so openings stay within code.
- Glass panels. An open look; ask about tempering rules, which apply near hot tubs in Bend.
Do I need a permit for new stairs?
In Bend, the city's guide says a deck or porch with stairs generally needs a permit, so adding or rebuilding stairs is worth checking before work starts. Outside the city, ask Deschutes County or your city. Your builder should handle this as part of the job.
Every deck is priced by the builder after a site visit, once they've measured, looked at the ground and the house wall, and talked through materials with you. We don't quote prices, and any number you hear over the phone is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
My railing is wobbly. Is that urgent?
Treat it as urgent. Keep people from leaning on it, especially kids and guests, until a builder has checked how the posts are attached.
Can I add a railing to a low deck?
Yes. Even if a low deck doesn't require a guard, many people add one for comfort or for steps. A builder can match it to the rest of the deck.
Related services
More background: Bend deck guide.
Gray, splintered boards, a shaky railing, or a deck you keep sketching on napkins?
Call now and a local deck builder will help you figure out the next step.