According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), “Building codes protect you from a wide range of hazards—whether it is by implementing safe wiring, fire prevention, or stronger structural ...

When stairs have open sides, building codes often require both a graspable handrail for support and a taller guardrail for fall protection — and their height rules aren’t the same. The IRC and IBC set ...

The wake of Hurricane Andrew in Dade County, Fla., in August 1992. Fifty-four people died in the storm, which caused over $27 billion in damages and led to Florida’s adoption of a statewide building ...

I prefer to create stairs that have a 7.5-inch riser and a 10-inch tread. Using a 2-by-12 as the tread provides the code-compliant 1-inch overhang for foot safety. A normal 2-by-12 is 11/2 inches ...

An update to Metro Nashville’s building code is looking to address the city’s housing crisis. The Metro Council last week unanimously passed what’s known as Smart Stair reform, which allows for ...

Building safe, stylish deck stairs is a game-changer for your outdoor space. From measuring rise and run to meeting railing codes, every detail matters. With the right tools, materials, and planning, ...