How to Install Railing for a Deck

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (3 Ratings)

Railing is mandatory on all decks over 2 feet high and recommended for all decks as a safety feature. After the deck boards and steps are installed you can finish your deck with the railing.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Pencils
3/8-inch Lag Multiuse Screws
Electric Or Cordless Variable-speed Drills
Galvanized Common Nails
Hand Saws
Levels
Tables Saw

Step1

Cut railing posts. The heights will be 36 inches plus the width of the rim or edge joist or beam.

Step2

Notch posts 1 1/2 inches deep to allow posts to fit against joists.

Step3

Notch decking 1 1/2 inches deep by post width to allow posts to fit snuggly against top of joists.

Step4

Level the posts with a carpenter's level.

Step5

Secure the posts to the deck with 3/8-inch lag screws. A good weatherproof wood glue can be added to the points where the post and joists come into contact; this will add strength to the rail. (Use two screws per post.)

Step6

Attach rails to posts at the desired height by toenailing them in place. ("Toenail" means to drive the nails into one board near its end at an angle to catch the board that it is butted up against.)

Step7

Toenail the top rail flush or even with top of posts.

Step8

Add a center rail, if your deck design calls for it.

Step9

Center 2-by-6 cap rails over the top rail and posts and nail into place.

Step10

Miter cap rail ends at a 45-degree angle where they meet and then butt ends together.

Step11

Cut balusters or pickets to length and then attach to the top rail and bottom rail. (Start in the middle to prevent bowing.)