We plan to build a ground level deck, about 8 inch above the ground. Do we need to add railing? Does it look good in such low level deck? Or does it block the view to other parts of our garden? We have small children. If they play on the deck, do they really need railings? Thanks!!
I'd check with local bylaw folks on this one, in terms of needing a railing or not. I highly doubt it, but stranger things happen in different areas.
To point out a few things. Railings offer different attributes. They can be a place to lean against or put your drink when you are entertaining. Benches can be added for more sitting room, they are great for hanging plants off, and they mark where you can and cannot get off the deck. As a safety concern ... if someone is on your deck and back up for some reason withot looking, they could have a nasty fall (even at 8 inches). A railing will stop that.
Low decks are also like patios only raised. So there really is no reason to put railings other than pointed out. Hope that helps.
~~Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ Camera - Nikon D40x with Nikon 18-55 lens & Sigma 70-300 lens
We have railings on two of the fours sides of our deck, to frame it in and to add "window boxes" for plants. We also have the railings tie into our picket fence on the sides...to keep our jack russells in. Good luck!
I would add a railing, just not the USUAL kind.... maybe just posts with rope strung between them, ya know?.. something very simple and light that you CAN see thru, but that would keep someone from backing off and falling into the roses!!!... *smile*..........maybe like this?..
