Building Deck Railings

You can build your own deck railing or hire a professional.

Not all decks require railings but you may want to build one for either safety or aesthetic reasons. You have a wide variety of materials from which to choose. You can also select from among many different railing styles, depending on your needs and personal preferences. Building a deck railing is a challenging task, so assess your handyman skills and decide whether you want to build it yourself or hire a professional.

Regulations

Local regulations and ordinances usually determine the specifications for deck railings. Decks that sit more than 30 inches from the ground typically need a railing for safety reasons. A poorly installed railing on a deck above ground level can lead to a serious injury. Local building codes also regulate the amount of space between the railing balusters. This helps prevent any injury to young children who might try to stick their heads in the spaces between balusters and get stuck.

Child Safety

Child safety is often a key component of building deck railings. In addition to following all local building codes, use wire mesh or clear plastic panels to close the gaps between the balusters. Railings on decks where children will play should cover the entire deck. The recommended minimum railing height is 36 inches. Even with all of these precautions, however, children need supervision on any deck above ground level.

Rot

Untreated wood on decks is an invitation to rot. If you do not paint or treat the end of a wood baluster with a sealer moisture can enter and start rotting the entire railing. Peeling paint is a typically a sign that water has started to decay the wood. When constructing a new railing you should make sure that you either paint or cover all parts of the railing with a water resistant sealer.

Fasteners

The type of fasteners used in building a deck railing can either increase or decrease the railing's lifespan. Stainless steel fasteners help extend the life of the railing and are critical in areas where the deck is exposed to the spray of salt water. You should avoid using lag bolts as fasteners, according to Tim Carter, a nationally syndicated columnist. Lag bolts can fail and cause the railing to loosen. Through bolts, which have a nut and washer on the back end of the bolt, should last longer.

References

• Aks the Builder: Deck Railing: Tim Carter
• Hometips: Child-Safe Decks and Porches
• Deck and Patio Upgrades: Karin Shakery et. al.: 1991
• Ebuild: Deck Railing Systems