How to Measure for Deck Railings

Deck railings are not only a nice decoration for your deck and deck stairs, they are required for some parts of your deck. You must carefully take your deck railing measurements so you can get enough material to complete the project.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look at the safety standards for deck railings. Stair railings should not extend past the stairs themselves, and they should be about 2-inches wide so they are easy to grip.

2. Decide where you need deck railings. Decks that have drop-offs of more than 2 or 3 feet need protective railings. You might decide that you want to build in planters or benches to offset the need for railings. Make sure those planters or benches adhere to the same height specifications as railings.

3. Make your deck railings at least 36-inches high. If your drop-off is especially steep, you build the railings higher. .

4. Screen your deck closed to protect any children. Space your railing members closely enough all the way around your deck. A good rule of thumb is to make them close enough to one another that you can't pass a 4-inch diameter ball through them.

5. Plan on building railings strong. Your railings should be strong enough to support a 200-pound individual who leans on them. If you have the screening beams close together, this shouldn't be an issue.

6. Measure your deck space for your railings and consider privacy. You might wish your railings to hide views of your deck.