How High Are Balcony Chairs?

Balcony Railings

• The International Residential Code states that balcony railings must be at least 36 inches high. In commercial sites or buildings, 42 or 48 inches is mandated. Local building code, however, could mandate additional regulations, which would still fall within these perimeters. If you are building or repairing a balcony or deck, obtain any building permits and locate the local building code so all local ordinances and safety measures are followed, either by you or your contractor.

Balcony Chairs

• There most likely is not a code mandating what chairs you can put on your balcony. If you live in an apartment, however, check with management for any possible regulations regarding balcony furniture. In general, most chairs that are sold for the patio, outdoors or balcony have floor to seat clearances of 18 to 32 inches. Chair heights are similar to dining room chairs and bar-table chairs.

Other Factors

• If you have small children, your chairs should be on the shorter side. A patio set that has a high table and chairs is likely to pose more hazard than a set that is shorter in stature. Even if you plan to keep the furniture away from the railing, an unsupervised child could push a chair close to the edge. Another thing to consider is your pets. If, for example, you have a cat and it's a climber, tall chairs near the railing may not be the best plan for your balcony. Even if you don't have children or pets, keep in mind that a bar-size chair has a high center of gravity and could be prone to tipping. You also need consider if you, your family or guests will be drinking alcohol or taking drugs that impair the senses on the balcony. If this is the case, tall chairs may not be the safest choice.

Conclusion

• Choosing which chairs to put on your balcony is a personal decision. However, safety should be a main concern. In a study reported in the December 2003 issue of "Injury Prevention," out of 17 parents surveyed whose children fell from an apartment balcony, five children climbed over the railing and fell. It is safe to conclude that easy access to the top of the railing via a tall chair could increase the likelihood of a child falling. In addition, because bar-size stools may be more likely to tip, they may not be the best choice for the balcony, with or without children. If your railing is 36 inches and the seat of your chair is 32 inches, for example, this setup could be an accident waiting to happen.