Safety first! Deck railings are perhaps one of the most important components of any deck as they keep you and your guests from falling while walking up or down steps and provides protection from accidental falls. There are many options when it comes to designing deck railings that create an aesthetically pleasing appearance to your deck and add to its character. When it comes to deck design, individuality sets your deck apart from everyone else. Don’t be afraid to spend a few extra dollars on post caps and balusters. It’s what people see when they look at your deck. There are so many options in design. Make your deck reflect your personality.
Once you’ve chosen the design, installing a railing isn’t a difficult proposition. But it helps to know what the experts know about the installation of posts and deck railings.
Post Installation
Posts are the foundation. How a deck post is fastened to the structure of the deck creates the quality, end results and safety of the deck.Step 1
Choose the correct post. Most people use ponderosa pine green-treated posts. Some people add galvanized inserts into the posts for strength. It is suggested that you consider using three-ply laminated KDAT (kiln dried after treatment) to prevent twisting and warping of the posts. It costs a little bit more, but you will appreciate the strength and stability of the post.
Step 2
Designate post locations. Post locations are determined by the overall dimensions of the deck and the railing style selected. If you are building from a boxed kit, you will more than likely be limited to 6′ or 8′. A 12′ run of the deck would have a post placed at each end and one post at the midway point. The deck-builder’s rule is that there should be a post every 6′. If there are angles on the deck, you need to have a post in every corner.
Step 3
Install the rail post. Tie the rail post to the framework of the deck structure, using the rim, box and perimeter joist structure of the deck as the major support post.
Add post blocking between joists, and tie posts to the blocking to give it a solid feel. There should be galvanized carriage bolts and exterior-coated framing screws to fasten the post properly to the blocking. You can also add outdoor construction adhesive to strengthen the posts.
Step 4
Check your posts. Be certain that they are plumb. Taking the time to make sure they are plumb/level will make the next part of the installation go smoothly. Make sure the rail is 36″ tall. Whenever the deck is more than 30″ tall, by National Building Code, the rail has to be a minimum of 36″.
Step 5
Choose final post height measurement. This will be determined by the railing style you have chosen for your deck. If you have a style that has post caps, you will need to run the post above the top rail height. Residential code is 36″, so a good finished post height should be around 39″ or so. A post cap is then added to the top of the post to give it the decorative, finished look. Traditional railings don’t have the caps. Top rails simply run over the posts and rail sections.
Railing Installation
After the posts are secure, fill in the space between posts with your desired deck railing. Deck railings are made of top rail, top side-rail, bottom rail and balusters, sometimes called pickets/spindles. Most rail sections are easily installed by laying them down on a flat surface such as your deck.Step 1
Get the desired measurement for top and bottom rails. Measure between the posts. If a rail collar or rail connector bracket is used to attach the top and bottom rails to the posts, be sure to take into account the thickness of the collars or brackets for the final length measurement of the rails.
Step 2
Lay out the baluster/picket spacing. If you are using a boxed rail kit, this will more than likely be done for you. The top and bottom rails will be pre-drilled for baluster attachment. If you are working from scratch, you will have to lay out the baluster placement with a tape measure. There are a number of inexpensive jigs/spacers on the market that will help your job go faster. These jigs/spacers help with accuracy and speed. Using them will also ensure that the balusters are level and artistically pleasing. You’ll pay for the spacer five times over by not having missed cuts.
Step 3
Double check baluster/picket/spindles spacing. It is important that the balusters/pickets/spindles are evenly spaced between the posts on the end of each section. The measurement from post to first baluster on one side should equal the measurement of the opposing side. Code is 4″ maximum with a sphere at the widest opening in the baluster/pickets/spindles.
Step 4
Cut your rails and attach any rail connection brackets.
Install your railing section between posts. A great tip is to hold this assembled section in place by laying a couple of 2″ x 4″ blocks on edge on the deck surface and placing the railing on them. This will keep your railing at the desired height while securing it into the posts. A little tip—to hold your rails together when the balusters are inside, use motorcycle tie downs or bungee cords to hold your work in place.
Wrapping Up
By following these steps and paying attention to measurement and correctness, you will have a successful deck railing installation experience.
