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

The International Code Council and the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) 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.