How to Build an Exterior Wood Railing

Build you own wood railing for the porch.

Exterior wood railing is popular on decks and porches. There are many variations in exterior wood railing, including lumber choice as well as spindle, slats or lattice choices. Depending on your budget, wood railings can be as elaborate as tempered glass or as simple as lattice panels. In any case, with proper planning, the desired result is the same--an exterior wood railing that looks great on your property.

Things You'll Need

• 2 pieces of 2-by-4-by-48-inch lumber
• Carpenter's square
• 2 pieces of 2-by-4-by-36-inch lumber
• Wood glue
• 4 pieces of 1-by-2-by-45-inch lumber
• 3-penny finish nails
• 4 pieces of 1-by-2-by-34 1/2-inch lumber
• Damp cloth
• 1 piece of 45-by-36-by-1/2-inch lattice
• 2 pieces of 2-by-4-by-46-inch lumber

Instructions

1. Measure from one end of the 48-inch pieces and make marks at 1 1/2 inches. Place the carpenter's square on the marks and draw a line across the width of the lumber. Next, make a mark from the ends of the 36-inch pieces at 3/4-inch. Draw lines on these as you did the others. These are the frames for the wood railing.

2. Apply glue to one flat side of the 45-inch pieces (inner frame). Set them on the long frame pieces so they are even with the long edges and between the lines. Secure them with the finish nails. Repeat this process with the remaining frame and inner frame pieces (1-by-2s). Clean up the excess glue with a damp cloth.

3. Stand one of the long frame pieces on one of its long edges so that the inner frame is facing away from you. Put some glue on one end of the two shorter frame pieces. Set them on the ends of the longer piece so the inner frames are facing each other and secure them with the deck screws. Clean up the glue as before.

4. Slide the lattice into the grooves between the inner frame pieces. Apply glue to the ends of the short frame pieces and set the remaining frame piece on top of them. Secure it with the deck screws. Build as many of these as is necessary to complete the handrail project.

5. Place the section in the desired location and mark the deck floor at the ends of the section. Secure a 46-inch 2-by-4 vertically to the perimeter beam of the deck in both locations with the deck screws. Place a carpenter's level on the lumber to be certain it is plumb. Secure the handrail section to the posts with deck screws. Once built, protect the railing with the proper water sealer or stain.

Tips & Warnings

• Countersink the deck screw heads while installing them.

• Substitute slats for the lattice if desired.

• Use longer posts if you want the wood railing to install above the deck floor.

• Do not leave power tools within reach of children.

• Do not spray a finish to the wood railing on a windy day.

References

• Deck Plans.com: How to Install a Wood Railing with Posts

Resources

• Deck Porch Railings.com: Material for Wood Deck Railings