How to Install a Metal Railing to a Flagstone Patio
When you install a metal railing onto an existing flagstone patio, purchase a railing that has mounting flanges on the bottom end. These mounting flanges are bolted to the surface of the flagstone patio, providing a sturdy railing without the extra work of removing part of the patio to dig a post hole. Since a flagstone patio's surface is not smooth, take special care to level each railing post so the finished product does not look crooked. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Hammer drill
- 1/4-inch masonry bit
- 1/4-inch expansion bolts
- Level
- 1/4-inch washers
- 1/4-inch nuts
- Wrench
- 1-1/4-inch self-tapping screws
- Drill
- Phillips driving bit
- 1/2-inch self-tapping screws
Instructions
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1
Set the first metal post in one of the flagstone patio's corners. Position the post approximately 2 to 3 inches in from either edge. Mark the mounting flange's bolt holes and set the post aside.
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2
Drill holes through each mark on the flagstone patio with a hammer drill and 1/4-inch masonry bit. Make the holes approximately 1-1/2 inches deep. Hammer a 1/4-inch expansion bolt into each hole.
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3
Line up the mounting flange's bolt holes with the expansion bolts. Hold a level against the post and adjust it so it is plumb. Slide washers underneath the mounting flange to hold up the low side.
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4
Put a 1/4-inch washer on each expansion bolt, followed by a 1/4-inch nut. Tighten the nuts with a wrench. Secure one of the supplied rail mounting brackets to the bottom of the post, about 1/2 inch up from the flagstone patio. Secure it to the post with 1-1/4-inch self-tapping screws.
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5
Set the rail's bottom edge on the bottom mounting bracket. Mark where the rail's top edge hits the post and set the rail aside. Secure a second mounting bracket to the rail in the location where you placed the mark.
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6
Set the rail into the mounting brackets. Put a second post against the rail's opposite side. Mark the mounting flange's bolt holes on the flagstone. Set the post and rail aside. Mount the second post to the flagstone patio the same way you mounted the first post.
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7
Set the rail between the two posts on the first rail's mounting brackets. Hold a level on the rail and adjust it so it runs straight between the two posts. Mark the post where the rail's top and bottom edges hit. Secure mounting brackets to the second post. Secure the rail to the mounting brackets with 1/2-inch self-tapping screws.
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8
Secure a second set of mounting brackets to the second post's opposite side, to support a rail running to a third post. Mount a third post in the same way you mounted the first two. Continue until you have mounted the railing around the entire flagstone patio.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a hacksaw to cut the rails shorter if necessary.
