How to Build a Deck Rail & Set

A properly build deck adds value to a home

A deck railing is a crucial safety feature, particularly on a taller deck, that can be beautiful as well as functional. A proper railing will be strong enough to serve as a safety device, but also fit with the look of the deck and the house. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Wood - 4-by-4 posts, 2-by-2 balusters, 2-by-4 rail, 2-by-6 railing cap
• Circular saw
• Bolts
• Nuts
• Washers
• Drill
• Screw driver
• Wood screws
• Hammer
• Nails
• Sand paper
• Power sander
• Broom
• Cloth
• Sealant
• Brush or paint roller

Instructions

1. Mark with the pencil where the posts will go, every 4 feet, measuring from the center of the post locations. Cut 4-by-4 posts to 42 inches long using the circular saw and bolt them into the outside of the frame of the deck, leaving 36 inches above the level of the decking boards. Fasten the posts to the deck by drilling a hole through the post and the deck frame. Put a washer around the bolt and pass it through the hole, tightening the nut on the other side.

2. Cut 2-by-4 rail to 4 feet long; cut two pieces for every span between posts you will make. Fasten the rail pieces in place by putting two screws through the rail, into the post at either end. Drill pilot holes with a bit that is slightly smaller than the screws you will use. Put the screws into the holes and tighten them in place. Mount a rail 4 inches off the deck on the bottom and flush with the top of the posts on the top. Mount these rails on the sides of the posts that face away from the deck.

3. Cut 2-by-2 balusters to 30 inches long. Mount them vertically every 6 inches along the rail by putting two nails through the baluster and into the rails at the top and bottom of the baluster.

4. Cut 2-by-6 railing caps to four feet long and mount them on the tops of the posts and rails. Put three nails through either end of the railing cap. Make sure the ends of the caps fit flush together to give a continuous appearance.

5. Sand the railing using the power sander, starting with a coarse grit sandpaper and progressing to a finer grit. Wipe away dust with the cloth and sweep the deck with the broom. Finish by brushing or rolling on a waterproofing sealant in a color of your preference.

References

• Decks.com: Deck Railing Designs
• The Home Depot: Replacing a Deck Railing
• Hammerzone.com: Building Simple Deck Handrails
• Ace Hardware: Designing Your Deck