How to Install Deck Railing

The railing of your deck is perhaps the most important when it comes to safety, if your deck is over 30 inches high it should have a railing. When it comes to local code there is nothing more strict than the railing, there are many things to think about when it comes to railing, such as height, space between balusters and space from the deck to the actual railing. Besides making a deck safe for all who enjoy it, it also adds a nice finishing touch to your deck.

In a basic railing system there are usually three rails connected to 4x4 posts. The side rails are toenailed to the railing posts for a finished look. The cap rail is nailed to the post tops and upper rails. Most building codes require that a railing extend 36 inches above the deck, however you should always check your local building codes because they can change from county to county especially on railing.

First place the first 4x4 railing post next to the wall of the house and against the face board. Lay out posts at least every 6 feet on center along the face boards. Most railings have posts at 6 feet or 8 feet, however you can change them up as needed. Cut the railing posts to length and mark a 45 degree bevel on the bottom outside edge of each post. Cut the bevels with a circular saw or table saw if you have one. Drill holes for the bolts that hold the posts in place. Position the holes so they fall at least 2 inches from the top or bottom of the joist behind the face board. To avoid weakening the posts, offset the holes toward opposite edges. With a helper, position each railing post so its bottom is flush with the bottom of the face board. Plumb the post and mark hole locations on the face board with the tip of a drill bit. Remove the post and drill 3/8 inch holes. Reposition the post and secure it with 3/8x7 inch hex head bolts. The posts are really important because if you put them on and they are not square and level, you will get a wavy railing. Unlike most things you build, a wavy railing will look worse the further away you get, up close it may look fine but far away it may look like the Pacific. Just be sure you make sure the posts are level.

If your decking overhangs the edge of the deck it will get in the way when you try to attach the railing. Cut it back with a saber saw. Start at the end of the deck board and cut toward the joist. Turn the saw just before the joist, then cut away the necessary wood. If you need to cut away wood at the corner of the deck, you can make the cut with a crosscut handsaw or a circular saw. Start at the corner and work toward the middle of the deck board until you've cut away enough wood.

Once again the posts are the most important part of the railing, you wan to make sure they are square and plumb or you will end up with bad railing. Also you want to make sure the rails are secured properly, the whole point of railing is to make a deck safer. If you don't apply the posts correctly you might as well not have one at all. There are many different kinds of posts you can use and your imagination is your best tool when it comes to railing. Not everyone can see the decking of you deck but most will be able to see your railing so make it look nice and be original.