How to Install Treated Wood Deck Stair Railing

A treated wood railing resists the elements.

Installing stair railing on your deck is a great project that will provide additional beauty because of the treated wood and add support and safety. The chemicals in treated lumber make it durable and able to resist elements such as rain, sleet, snow, and extreme heat. In the long term, this means your one-time, perhaps expensive initial investment will outweigh the cost of redoing the railing repeatedly if you use wood not meant for the outdoors.

Things You'll Need

• Drill
• Nuts
• Chisel
• Marker
• Hammer
• Washers
• Balusters
• Chalk line
• 2-by-4 boards
• Circular saw
• Measuring tape
• 4-by-4 wood post
• Galvanized nails
• 3-inch deck screws
• 4 1/2-inch carriage bolts

Instructions

1. Measure a 4-by-4-inch wood post at least 30 inches long, using a measuring tape, and snap a chalk line. Cut the post on the chalk line, using a circular saw, before placing it against the sloping board (stringer) that supports the end of the steps. Mark the horizontal part of the stairs with a marker to indicate the cutting marks that will allow the post to fit flush against the stair's stringer.

2. Cut these marks out with a circular saw or hammer and chisel. Mark the first hole where you will attach the stair railing post with a marker. Measure 3 inches away with a tape measure from the first hole to mark the second hole. Drill the two marks you made about ¼ inch in size through the post and stringer. Attach the railing post using the 4 1/2-inch carriage bolts. Secure with washers and nuts. Repeat this step to attach another railing post on the other side if desired.

3. Find the distance between the bottom rail posts on the deck and the deck surface posts that are adjacent to the stairs, using a tape measure. Transfer those measurements to the top and bottom of the 2-by-4 pieces of wood, using a marker. Cut out those marks on an angle.

4. Connect the stair railings to the posts with 3-inch deck screws and a drill. Repeat this process for the bottom deck rail and other sections if desired. Measure the gap between the bottom deck rail and the stairs, using a tape measure and making sure it is no more than 6 inches apart. Locate the deck railing's center and mark with the marker, leaving 4-inch spacing so you can install some balusters.

5. Make a mark at least 2 inches away on both sides of the mark you made for the center. Cut out the balusters at the same angle as the stair railings, using the circular saw. Install the balusters so that they are underneath the marks you made, using a hammer and galvanized nails.

References

• HomeAdditionPlus.com: Deck Railing Installation