What is the typical height range for guardrails?

The typical height range for guardrails is 36 to 42 inches. This height range is established to provide adequate protection by preventing falls from elevated surfaces such as balconies, stairs, or platforms. Guardrails within this height ensure that both compliance with safety regulations and the practical needs of users are met, offering a balance between accessibility and security. A guardrail that is too low may not effectively prevent a person from falling over, whereas one that is excessively high could create challenges in terms of usability or access.

Standards from various building codes often reflect this height range to meet safety regulations established for construction and design. This helps maintain a consistent and safe environment in many different contexts.