Skip to Main Content

Download the PDF version
ICC News Release

For Immediate Release: June 29, 2021

International Code Council and North American Deck and Railing Association release important Deck Safety publication

The second edition of the Deck Construction publication provides comprehensive information on deck code compliance based on the 2021 International Residential Code

Washington, D.C. – The International Code Council and the North American Deck and Railing Association have released the second edition of Deck Construction: Based on the 2021 International Residential Code, which is the most comprehensive publication available for deck code compliance. The publication contains provisions for decks from the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), as well as tables and figures, commentary, photos and illustrations that help readers better understand the intent and purpose behind the code provisions. Distinctions between the 2018 and 2021 IRC provisions were also included where relevant.

“As we enter the warmer months and families and friends look to spend more time outside, the integrity of deck construction will be essential to maintaining safety throughout the summer,” said Code Council Executive Vice President Mark Johnson. “Decks are niche construction projects, as such, everyone involved in these projects will benefit learning from this comprehensive and streamlined learning tool focused exclusively on decks.”

“May is Deck Safety Month®, however, deck safety is a 365-day issue,” said Michael Beaudry, Executive Vice President of NADRA. “As codes and construction capabilities are updated, the need to work closely with the association is paramount to ensuring that everyone involved in deck construction and maintenance adhere to the codes put forth by ICC.”

This publication also enables building authorities to easily access more specific information about decks and how their prescriptive designs and mandatory minimum requirements can be different from other structures.

The Deck Construction publication, by Glenn Matthewson, is available for purchase on the Code Council store, here.

About the International Code Council
The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide.

About the North American Deck and Railing Association
The mission of the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) is to provide a unified source for the professional development, promotion, growth, and sustenance of the Deck and Railing building industry in North America so that members can exceed the expectations of