How to Build a Railing

Railings are an intricate part of the new home that is fashioned with decks, multi-level living areas and landscaped yards. To be able to capitalize on a true way to add value to property, learning how to build railing can give a feeling of satisfaction that only comes with creating something from start to finish. Whether the railing is a simple handrail on a deck or that which spans a bridge crossing a ditch to the mailbox, they are all built on the same principle. Read on to learn how to build a railing.

Things You'll Need

• Two 2-by-4 inch spruce lumber 8 feet long
• 10 2-by-4 inch spruce 36 inches long
• Screw gun
• 1 ½ inch drywall screws
• Measuring tape
• Carpenter's square
• Pencil
• Stainable wood putty

Instructions

1. Measure 1 ½ inches from the end of the 8 foot apruce and draw a line with the carpenter's square. Repeat this on the three remaining ends of the two 8 foot pieces of spruce.

2. Stretch the measuring tape the full length of the 8 foot spruce. Draw a mark every 12 inches the full length of the 8 foot spruce. There should be seven marks. Repeat this process on the remaining 8 foot spruce. These mark the center of the area where the 36-inch spruce will be secured.

3. Mark ¾ of an inch either side of the 12 inch marks. This will result in a mark that is 1 ½ inch wide and will be the spot where the 36 inch spruce sits between the two 8 foot spruce pieces.

4. Secure the 36-inch pieces to the 8 foot pieces with the drywall screws. Counter sink the heads and fill the holes with wood putty.

5. Secure the railing by driving screws through the bottom of the rail and the sides (if applicable) with the drywall screws. Stain or paint as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses. If cutting your own lengths of thee spruce, add a skill saw to the list of things needed. This is a basic design, but with this knowledge, variations can be designed.

• Do not leave power tools unattended.

Resources

• Deck railing details