Installing Deck Railings The Professional Way

How To Install a Deck Railing

Railings need to meet safety requirements as required by law, and once these are met you may use your imagination and creativity to design unique and exclusive railings. There are many designs, construction materials, and techniques to choose from when installing your deck railings.

Any deck that is two feet or more in height warrants a deck railing. The height of the handrail should be between 36 an 42 inches, and the spacing between two balusters should be such that it prevents a sphere of 4” to 6” in diameter, passing which means it is sufficient to prevent a child's head pass through .

All you need is basic carpentry skills and tools and some spare time. Installing deck rails might sound like any other mundane job but to do it creatively will require 1 to 2 days.

Baluster Spacing and Safety

This is the trickiest part and requires some math skills as you want evenly spaced balusters to your deck.

Let’s assume that the total distance between two posts is 80”. The width of the baluster is 2” and the desired spacing between two balusters is 4”.

• First add the baluster width (2”) to the desired spacing (4”). 2”+ 4” = 6”.
• Divide the distance between two posts (80”) by 6”.  80/6 = 13.33 round it off to 13 this is the number of balusters you require.
• Let us then find the exact spacing between the balusters. For this multiply the number of balusters with the width of one baluster 13x2=26.0. Then subtract this result from the total distance between the posts 80-26.0=54. Now divide the remainder (54) by the number of spacing [always add 1 more to the number of spacing ( 13+1=14)] 54/14=3.857 or 3-7/8th inches approx.

The next step is to notch the railing posts...

Measure a distance that is equal to the joist depth less ½ inch and mark the inside face, using a table saw or circular saw make series of cuts close to one another about half inch deep then use a chisel and hammer to clean the notch. Then cut a 45º bevel on the bottom outside of the post.

Installing Posts

Set the post flush against the joist and drill two holes through the joist and the post, after this secure the post to the joist with 5 inch long and 7/16th thick carriage bolts using washers on both sides.

Cut Balusters

Cut balusters from 2x2 stock. It is recommended that you clamp six pieces and then cut them all together at once with a circular saw, if there are too many balusters to cut you may consider renting a power miter from a local hardware store. For beveled ends cut the balusters and fix them against a stop block or clamp five or six baluster and make a 45º bevel cut.

Installing Rails and Balusters

Measure and mark the top and bottom rails for fixing balusters, it is recommended that you make a spacer for exact baluster spacing and attach the balusters with 8d common nails. Remember not to use longer nails as it may split the wood.