Framing & StructuralQuestion 365 of 700
On a raised residential deck, guards are required, and the guard infill (balusters/pattern) must be designed so that which object cannot pass through?
a.A 6-inch sphere
b.A basketball
c.A 5-inch sphere
d.A 4-inch sphere
Explanation
Deck and balcony guard openings must be small enough that a 4-inch-diameter sphere cannot pass through the infill, protecting small children. A 6-inch or 5-inch sphere limit is too loose for guard infill (6 inches applies only to the triangle at open stairs), and 'a basketball' is not a code criterion.
Law Reference: 2025 CA Residential Code §R507.7Practice all 700 questions free — no signup required.
Related questions on this topic
- CALCULATION: A deck uses 2x8 pressure-treated joists of a species with a span table value of 12 feet at 16 inches on center. If the framer moves the joists to 12 inches on center, the allowable span will generally:
- Where a deck beam bears on a supporting post, what is the BEST practice for the connection?
- Besides the ledger fasteners, the code requires a lateral load connection between the deck and the house structure. What does this connection primarily prevent?
- Why must deck framing lumber in contact with the weather and near the ground be pressure-preservative-treated or naturally durable?
- CALCULATION: A stairway must rise a total of 112 inches from finished floor to finished floor. Using the 7-3/4 inch maximum riser height, what is the MINIMUM number of risers required?
- CALCULATION: A stair has 15 risers. Using a 10-inch tread depth, what is the total horizontal run of the flight (number of treads times tread depth)?
Last reviewed: · editorial process
PrepPass Editorial Team · Verified against California CSLB General Building (B) Trade Examination · How we review