Home›Knowledge›IRC Section R1102 — Decks
📋 Codeconstruction

IRC Section R1102 — Decks

Updated Apr 3, 2026
Establishes design, construction, and maintenance requirements for residential decks.

Section R1102 addresses wood deck construction. Joists are typically 2x6 or 2x8 at 16-inch spacing. Ledger boards (rim boards where decks attach to houses) must have proper flashing and fastening preventing water infiltration. Deck boards (surface boards) are typically 2x6 or 2x4 spaced for drainage. Railings must be 36-42 inches high with balusters spaced 4 inches apart. Guard openings prevent entrapment of children. Stairs attached to decks must meet code requirements for residential stairs.

TAGS
ircdecksexterior-structures
DETAILS
section
R1102
category
Decks and Porches
code body
IRC
code year
2021
RELATED KNOWLEDGE
📋 Code
IBC 903.2.1 — Group A Occupancies (Sprinkler Requirements)
Automatic sprinkler system required throughout buildings with Group A occupancy where fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet, or overall building area exceeds 12,000 square feet, or occupant load of the fire area exceeds 300.
📋 Code
IBC 903.2.7 — Group M Occupancies (Retail Sprinkler Requirements)
Automatic sprinkler system required in Group M (mercantile) occupancies where fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet or building is more than three stories above grade.
📋 Code
IBC 903.2.11.3 — Buildings 55 Feet or More in Height
Automatic sprinkler system required throughout buildings with a floor level having an occupant load of 30 or more that is located 55 feet or more above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
📋 Code
IBC 1015.1 — Exit and Exit Access Doorways Required
Two exits or exit access doorways required from any space where occupant load exceeds the table values. Spaces with occupant load exceeding 500 require a minimum of 3 exits. Spaces exceeding 1,000 require 4 exits.
📋 Code
IBC 1017.2 — Exit Access Travel Distance
Maximum travel distance from any point in a building to an exit shall not exceed 200 feet unsprinklered or 250 feet sprinklered for most occupancies. Specific occupancies have modified limits.
📋 Code
IBC Table 601 — Fire-Resistance Rating Requirements
Specifies minimum fire-resistance ratings for structural elements based on construction type (Type I through V). Type IA requires 3-hour rated structural frame, 2-hour floors, and 1.5-hour roof.
← Back to Knowledge Garden