Building a deck rail might seem a little intimidating. But with the right tools and materials, it's not as challenging as it may seem. A strongly built deck rail can protect your family and pets from tripping over. Additionally, it beautifies and adds charm to the space and makes your home's exterior look more pleasing to the eyes.
This blog talks about detailed steps on how to build a deck rail, so read till the end.
Things to Consider Before Building a Deck Rail
Here are certain things you must know before constructing a deck rail -
Connect With the Building Inspector
If you live in an apartment, contact your local building office. Ask them about the deck-placing regulations in the region, as every state has its own set of rules.
City Protocols
From the top edge of the deck rail to its surface, the height of the deck railing in the majority of American states is either less than or equal to 36 inches. However, if you live in California or Washington, you can extend the height of your deck rail up to 42 inches. Residents of a third-story area or higher must have deck railings between 42 and 48 inches.
Deck Railing Selection
Deck railing comes in different varieties, such as metal, wood, glass, and aluminum. It is crucial to buy deck railing that enhances the exterior's style and aesthetics. It is also important to ensure that the materials withstand extreme weather conditions.
Color Selection
Color theory plays a vital role. Therefore, explore the different color ranges that suit the hues of your house. Consider decorative factors such as balusters, post caps, etc., that improve the look of the deck.
Check Your Budget
If you have estimated your budget, try to look for options that meet aesthetic and functional requirements within the budget. Wood and vinyl are some of the budget-friendly options, but the maintenance and care are on the higher side. Hence, you can consider investing in durable materials, such as composite, aluminum, or metal. They may save you money in the long run.
Tools and Material Required
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How to Build a Deck Railing?
Measure the Deck Space
Measuring and marking the deck space will tell you how many railings you may need. Evaluate the exact distance between one edge of your deck to another with tape. This will help you know how much space and railing posts you need. Assemble the deck posts at the outside corners of the area and in the two locations nearest to the house. If your home has stairs, consider installing deck posts in the upper corners of the external stairway.
| Notes | Deck railing posts should not exceed 8 feet and should be evenly spaced. |
Cut the Deck Railing Post
Cut the post as per your plan and local codes. The bottom margin of the rim and end joists will be flush with the bottom ends of the posts. However, it is advisable to wear protective glass and a respirator when cutting the posts.
Install the Post
Install your posts in the marked locations and secure them using connectors for surface mounts and corrosion-resistant screws or bolts for fascia mounting. To install the posts, cut the posts to the desired height and cut the extra length to secure them to the framing. It is important to ensure that every post is straightened using a lever. Metal brackets should also be added for stability and to reinforce the connection between the deck and the posts.
Install the Remaining Posts
Continue with the post-installation. To prevent it from interfering with the joist hanger and securing it, you can use nails to fix a piece of bracing along the rim joist for posts adjacent to floor joists. The bracing must be at least 16 inches long and made of the same 2x materials as the joists.
Add Top and Bottom Rails
Once the posts are in place, add the rails. The bottom of the rail should be about 3-4 inches above the deck surface. This allows for easy cleaning and prevents water damage. Attach it between the posts and ensure it is properly leveled. Repeat the process for the top rail. Also, it is advisable to pre-drill the holes if you're using wooden rails, as this prevents the wood from splitting.
Add the Balusters or Panels
The area between the top and bottom rails will be filled with balusters, also known as spindles. Depending on your choice, you can either space them equally or create a creative pattern. You can also install panels of your choice, such as glass or metal. Ensure everything is level and solid before fastening them.
Add Post Caps and Trim Skirts
Post caps are usually optional but can protect the wood posts from weather elements. There are several options and designs to choose from, such as flat, pyramid, lighted, and solar-powered caps. You can also consider adding trim skirts to cover the gaps between the deck and the railing bottom. Though trim skirts are mostly used to bedazzle the railing, they also protect the post from moisture and prevent pest infestation.
Add Finishing Touch
Now that all the installation is done, you can paint the railing to make it stand out. When choosing a paint for the deck rail, consider the color of the house's exterior.
Conclusion
Building a deck is not a daunting task if you have a proper plan, the right choice of materials, and a creative brain. You can easily build a sturdy and beautiful deck rail in no time. Also, if you're working with wood, be sure to get it treated beforehand. Moreover, if you're unsure of DIY, don't hesitate to get in touch with your local deck rail building services for help!
