ATTACHING DECK RAILS HOW TO

This will ensure you have posts that are the right length for the project. If there will be a top cap added, subtract its thickness. Add to this the height of the joist the post will rest against, as well as the thickness of the decking. To ensure your 4×4 posts are cut to the proper length, keep in mind that they should rise at least 36 inches from the floor of the deck.

ATTACHING DECK RAILS HOW TO

Getting Startedīefore getting into how to install deck railing posts, you need to know how to ensure they will be prepared to make the job as smooth as possible. Read on to learn the basics before you get started. This means you’ll need to know how to install deck railing posts as well as how to attach railings to those posts. If the floor of your porch or deck is less than 30 inches above the ground, rails are not required, but for anything higher than that you will need to have them.

One of the most important steps for this is to install railings around the perimeter. In addition to using the right materials and techniques, it’s also critical to build your deck to be as safe as it can be. Hidden fixings such as dowels and plugs may be more suitable depending on the type of top and bottom rail you’re using, and the finish that you want.Building a deck creates a prime gathering spot for friends and family to enjoy the outdoors. We are using L-brackets to fix the rails and spindles in place. You can lay this horizontally to measure and mark the spindle positions. To ensure your spindles are evenly spaced, create an 81mm spacer using a wood offcut. If your deck is higher than this, you will require a different railing design. For these particular spindles the maximum deck height they can be used on is 600mm. In this guide we are adding ‘modern’ decking spindles to our raised deck. Ensure that the deck posts are spaced a maximum of 1800mm apart.

When you’re planning your design, make sure the height of the top railing is at least 900mm from the surface of the deck. Start by carefully planning your railings to scale, which will limit cutting and wastage. Always dispose of them safely at your local recycling or waste disposal centre. Offcuts of treated timber should never be burned as they will release toxins into the air. Make sure that you wear appropriate protective clothing, such as gloves, a face mask, or safety goggles, when cutting or sawing timber, applying preservatives or other timber treatments. When drilling, mark out all pilot holes to ensure your fixings are as accurate as possible. When sawing, use the 90-degree guide marker on your saw, or a set square, to make accurate cuts, and sand the cut ends to remove splinters. This will ensure a hard wearing, long lasting deck. Because of the size and weight of the timbers and the frame, it’s always easier and safer if you can get somebody to help you.Īlways use structural treated timber and screws specifically designed for the job and treat all cut surfaces and drill holes with two coats of preservative. To find out how to build a raised deck platform, read our How To Build A Raised Deck guide.Īdding railings to your raised deck does involve planning, and a lot of moving, lifting and cutting heavy timber. This guide outlines the method for adding posts and railings to your raised deck frame. Decking can either be freestanding or attached to your house, and it really gives you a chance to be creative with design and function. Installing decking is an excellent way to create an outdoor living space which can be used for relaxing and entertaining.

Attaching deck rails