How to Mount a Patio Railing on the Side of a Porch
A deck makes a great place to entertain guests and let the children play. However, if the deck is elevated more than 9-inches above the surrounding ground, it becomes a safety hazard where someone could fall and harm themselves. It is best to add a handrail around the perimeter of the deck for safety. The handrail can add a decorative element to your landscape. The do it yourself handyman can mount a patio railing to the side of a porch. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- 4 by 4 by 8-foot wood post
- 2 by 4 by 8-foot lumber
- 2 by 2 by 8-foot lumber
- Framing square
- Hand saw
- Jig saw
- Band saw or circular saw
- Hammer
- Electric drill
- Drill bits
- Carriage bolts
- Washers and nuts
- Pocket hole jig
- 4-foot carpenter's level
- Exterior deck screws
- Screw gun with bit
- Paint or exterior stain
Instructions
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1
Determine the number of posts needed to go around the perimeter of the porch. The posts should be spaced 4 to 6 feet apart for strength. You will get two posts out of each 4 by 4 by 8-foot post from the lumber yard. You will also need 2 carriage bolts per post to attach them to the deck. Use a tape measure to mark the location of the posts on the exterior of the deck.
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2
Cut the decking that overhangs the porch at each post location. Use a framing square to mark the decking for a 3 1/2-inch gap for the post to set next to the exterior rim joist. Use a jig saw to cut the decking.
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3
Cut each of the 4 by 4 by 8-foot square post in half. Measure the depth of the rim joist and the thickness of the decking. This is the length of the notch that needs to be cut off from the bottom end of each post. The depth of the notch should be 1 1/2-inch. A band saw works best for this but a circular saw can be used to cut a series of notches that can be broken off with a hammer.
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4
Cut the top of the post off at 34 1/2-inch above the notch. Use a circular saw and a square for this cut. You may need a hand saw to cut the very center if your circular saw won't cut the post all the way through.
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5
Drill two holes into the bottom of the post to attach the post to the rim joist. Use a drill bit the same size of the carriage bolts you are using. They should be 3 1/2-inch or longer depending on how the deck was built. Make sure the post is straight and level before you drill and attach the post with the carriage bolts.
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6
Measure the distance between the first set of posts. Cut two 2 by 4 pieces of lumber to this length. This will make the top and bottom rail for the railing. Use a pocket hole jig to drill two holes to attach each end of the railing to the post. Set the top railing even with the top of the post. Place the bottom post on top of a scrap piece of 2 by 4. This will leave a space to sweep off the porch. The two rails run horizontally between the posts but need to be attached so the wide side runs up and down.
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7
Mark the center of the rails for the first 2 by 2 picket for the patio railing. These need to be cut to 33-inches in length. Use a miter saw to cut these to length Set the first picket so that the top is even with the top of the railing. Use a 4-foot carpenter's level to set the picket straight. Attach the picket with a 2 1/2-inch exterior wood screws to the railing at this location. Place a piece of 2 by 4 lumber cut to 36-inches as a spacer for the placement of the next picket. Apply each picket in the same manner until all pickets have been installed for this section of railing.
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8
Place a 2 by 4 or a 2 by 6 piece of lumber on top of the railing as a cap. Cut this to fit from center to center of the post. Attach with 2 1/2-inch exterior wood screws.
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Repeat the last three steps for the remaining sections of the porch.
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Apply a coat of stain or paint and your new porch railing and the patio is ready for use.
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Tips & Warnings
Paint the pickets and railing before you start to assemble the railing.
Wear safety glasses when using power tools.
References
- Photo Credit Relaxing Deck image by gardenia from Fotolia.com
