How to Build a Deck Railing
This post goes along with my deck building post and explains how to build the railing system for the deck. The quantity list is based on building a 10x12 deck, as described in my deck building post.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- 66 pickets, 44", pressure treated pine
- 6 12' 2x4, pressure treated pine
- 2 1/2" exterior grade screws
- drill and drill bits
- level
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1
Start at one of the side corners and measure in one inch. Mark and place an X on the opposite side of the mark from the corner. Using that mark as the starting point, make a mark every 4 inches and placing an X on the same side of the marks as the original.
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2
Repeat this process for the two other sides, leaving a 36" gap where the stairs will be.
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3
Use a square to draw a plumb line at each mark. Pre-drill each picket with three holes, one at an inch from the bottom, one at 3 3/4" from the bottom and a third at 6 1/2" from the bottom.
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4
Fasten the pickets to the deck by aligning the pickets one each plumb line, on the side with the X. The bottom of the picket should be flush with the bottom of the 2x8 joists. Screw picket to joists using pre-drilled holes.
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5
Take a 2x4 turned on edge and make a 45 degree cut with the distance from the end to the long point equal to the distance from the house to the edge of the deck.
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6
Align the 2x4 flush with the tops of the pickets and fasten to the pickets by screwing through the pickets and into the 2x4 with two screws. Pre-drill to prevent splitting the pickets. The 2x4 needs to be located on the inside of the deck, not the outside.
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7
Repeat process for other side of deck and back side. At the opening for the steps, leaved the 2x4 square and aligned with the picket at the opening.
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8
Take a 2x4 and lay it flat on top of the picket/2x4 assembly, overhanging the pickets by 1/4 inch. Mark ends for 45 degree cut where they form corners. Square cut at house and step opening. Cut corners as needed and fasten by screwing into the 2x4s attached to the pickets in step 6.
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9
Fasten handrail to house by screwing at an angle through the vertical 2x4 into the siding of the house. Make sure to caulk this joint to prevent water intrusion.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Buy 48" pickets and cut them to 44" since most stores won't carry 44" pickets.
Tools are dangerous, use caution. In the words of Norm Abrams, "there are no more important tools than these, your safety glasses."
