Utah adopts IRC residential deck railing requirements: guards (railings) are required on any open side of a deck 30 inches or more above grade. Minimum guard height is 36 inches for decks under 30 inches above grade where guards are installed voluntarily, and 42 inches for decks 30 inches or more above the adjacent surface. Balusters must be spaced so a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through any opening — the standard that prevents small children from slipping through. Stair handrails must be between 34 and 38 inches above stair nosings. Guard posts must be designed and installed to resist 200 pounds applied horizontally at the top — requiring through-bolt or blocking connections to the rim framing, not toe-nail connections into the decking surface. RainFire Builders installs every railing to current code requirements and post attachment details, confirmed at the final inspection.