How to Install Balusters on a Deck Railing

Balusters have become one of the most unique aspects of a deck in the last 5-10 years. There are so many different things you can do with balusters, from the old fashioned 2x2 pickets to the metal balusters you can put in almost any railing system. Balusters have the most code restrictions in the building industry for what they are. You really need to check your local code listings when you are applying a railing with balusters. Even the railing systems you can buy in the big box stores need to be checked for code recognition. Yes, you can buy a railing system in your county that is not actually accepted by the local county code. It sounds silly but it is true. Don't rely on the store you buy from to be responsible for you following the code when it comes to deck railing. I am going to tell you how to install balusters and also another option which is lattice panels in place of the balusters.

There are many different ways to apply balusters but I am going to explain how to do it in a very simple manner. This design is where the balusters are nailed to the upper and lower side rails of the railing system. I like to bevel them at the bottom and have the rail cap cover them up at the top. There are many different bevel looks you can cut into your balusters, just practice on some scrap pieces and decide which look you like best. In this system you need to first install the railing posts, the upper and lower side rails and the cap rail. Position the balusters with a spacer, I like to use a 2x4 between the two balusters. Again look at the code restrictions because the space between balusters can vary. Basically you want to make them narrow enough so a little child can't get their head stuck between the balusters. In some areas you are allowed to make them a wide space between balusters, I really wouldn't recommend this but it can be done in some cases. Continue installing the balusters and spacing them at the top and nailing them to the upper side rail and then spacing them again at the bottom before nailing them to the bottom rail. You may need to adjust the spacing between balusters to fit them uniformly between your posts. Just continue this process until all your balusters are up, just be careful to make them all level and square, any imperfection will be two fold in your baluster work. For some reason, if the balusters are crooked you will be able to notice it a mile away.

The other railing design is completely different but it works an any application and looks really nice when you are done. This design uses lattice panels that are sandwiched between 2x2 stops and are installed on the railing posts and side and cap rails. You can buy your lattice panels in either 2x8 and 4x8 panels. I would recommend getting the 4x8 just because there is more material to work with. First nail 2x2's flush with the outside edges of the posts and rails with galvanized 8d, 2-1/2 inch finish nails. Then cut a lattice panel to fit and fasten the corners to the inside of the 2x2's with a staple gun and 3/4 inch staples. Next nail the interior 2x2's to the rails and posts, sandwiching the lattice panel in place. This is a fairly easy and unique way to do a railing system.

The number one thing you have to think about when putting up a railing system is that it's a delicate system. You can't just manhandle the wood and expect it to react kindly. You need to take your time with the railing and balusters. If you don't predrill all your holes and take care when fastening them, they will split and you will have to replace them. It is much easier to do the job right the first time then replace a bunch of wood right off the bat. Balusters will split and crack over time which means you will have to replace them over time. Just take your time on this part of your deck, you will be glad you did when it's all said and done.