Falls County, Texas
Decking Code Checklist

Make sure your decking work meets local building codes before the inspector comes out. Covers Falls County requirements based on Texas IRC 2021 + local amendments.

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What's in the checklist

Footing

✅Footing holes must be dug below the local frost line depth (min 12 inch)IRC R507.3
✅Footing diameter must be at least 10 inches for single-span decks (min 10 inch)IRC R507.3
✅Footing forms must be placed on undisturbed soilIRC R507.3
✅Concrete footing must be level within 1/4 inch across the top (max 0.25 inch)IRC R507.3

Ledger Board

✅Ledger board must be attached with 1/2" lag bolts or through-boltsIRC R507.2.1
✅Lag bolts must penetrate at least 3 inches into solid wood framing (min 3 inch)IRC R507.2.1
✅Flashing must be installed behind siding and over ledger board top edgeIRC R507.2.1
✅Gap between ledger and house wall must be sealed with caulk or flashingIRC R703.4

Beam & Joist

✅Joist hangers must be used where joists bear on beamsIRC R507.4
✅Joist spacing must not exceed 16 inches on center for standard decking (max 16 inch)IRC R507.5
✅Beam must be sized to carry the joist span per IRC span tablesIRC R507.5
✅Joist cantilever must not exceed 1/4 of the actual joist spanIRC R507.5

Guardrail

✅Guardrail height must be at least 36 inches from deck surface (min 36 inch)IRC R312.1
✅Baluster spacing must not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through (max 4 inch)IRC R312.1
✅Guardrail must resist 200 lbs concentrated load at top rail (min 200 lbs)IRC R312.1
✅Guardrail posts must be anchored to rim joist or framing with thru-boltsIRC R507.8

Stairs

✅Stair riser height must not exceed 7-3/4 inches (max 7.75 inch)IRC R311.7.5
✅Stair tread depth must be at least 10 inches (min 10 inch)IRC R311.7.5
✅Variation between tallest and shortest riser must be less than 3/8 inch (max 0.375 inch)IRC R311.7.5
✅Handrail required on at least one side if 4 or more risersIRC R311.7.8
✅Handrail height must be between 34 and 38 inches from stair nosing (34-38 inch)IRC R311.7.8

Decking Boards

✅Decking boards must be fastened with at least 2 fasteners per joist (min 2 count)IRC R507.9
✅Spacing between decking boards must be between 1/8 and 1/4 inch for drainage (0.125-0.25 inch)IRC R507.9

Connectors & Hardware

✅All structural screws and bolts must be rated for outdoor use (galvanized or stainless)IRC R507.2
✅Post-to-beam connections must use approved hardware (not just nails)IRC R507.4

General

✅Deck surface must slope at least 1/4 inch per foot away from house for drainageIRC R507.1
✅Lumber grade stamp must be visible on all structural membersIRC R502.1
✅Deck posts must be at least 4x4 for decks up to 8 ft above groundIRC R507.4
✅Deck posts over 8 ft above ground must be at least 6x6IRC R507.4

Based on Texas IRC 2021 + local amendments. This checklist reflects state-level code requirements — always consult the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for any county-specific amendments before construction.

Frequently asked questions

Does a decking project in Falls County need a permit?

Most decking work in Falls County, Texas requires a building permit before construction. CodeCheckHQ helps you verify your work meets Texas IRC 2021 + local amendments requirements before the inspector arrives.

What codes apply to Falls County decking work?

Falls County follows Texas IRC 2021 + local amendments with local amendments. CodeCheckHQ checklists are derived from these codes and reflect state-level modifications.

How long does a decking inspection take in Falls County?

A typical decking inspection in Falls County takes 30-60 minutes. Pre-walk the CodeCheckHQ checklist to identify and fix issues before scheduling.

Can I use CodeCheckHQ for a Falls County decking self-inspection?

Yes. CodeCheckHQ is a pre-inspection self-audit tool — not a replacement for the official AHJ inspection. Use it to catch issues early; official approval must come from a licensed inspector.

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Falls County building code requirements in plain English. Mark each item Pass, Fail, or N/A. Get a PDF report.

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Falls County, TexasDecking Code Checklist

What's in the checklist

Footing

Ledger Board

Beam & Joist

Guardrail

Stairs

Decking Boards

Connectors & Hardware

General

Frequently asked questions

Does a decking project in Falls County need a permit?

What codes apply to Falls County decking work?

How long does a decking inspection take in Falls County?

Can I use CodeCheckHQ for a Falls County decking self-inspection?

Don't guess. Check it now.

Falls County, TexasDecking Code Checklist

What's in the checklist

Footing

Ledger Board

Beam & Joist

Guardrail

Stairs

Decking Boards

Connectors & Hardware

General

Frequently asked questions

Does a decking project in Falls County need a permit?

What codes apply to Falls County decking work?

How long does a decking inspection take in Falls County?

Can I use CodeCheckHQ for a Falls County decking self-inspection?

Don't guess. Check it now.

Falls County, Texas
Decking Code Checklist

Falls County, Texas
Decking Code Checklist