Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:40:04 +0000

6 Feet from the Edge: Why This Distance Matters in Safety, Design, and Outdoor Living When planning anything near building edges, water bodies, cliffs, or unstable terrain, one crucial measurement often becomes the golden guideline: 6 feet from the edge. Whether you're designing a deck, installing railings, setting up outdoor furniture, or exploring nature, maintaining a minimum of 6 feet from the edge isn't just a rule—it's a critical safety and design principle. ### Why 6 Feet? The Foundation of Safety Six feet (approximately 1.8 meters) from the edge is widely recognized as a vital safety buffer. This distance helps prevent accidental falls, especially in high-traffic or high-risk environments such as decks, balconies, cliffs, rivers, or construction sites. The recommendations often originate from fall hazard guidelines developed by occupational safety agencies, building codes, and ergonomic standards.