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Deck 10: Installing the Deck Railing |
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Materials List
| 4" x 4" Posts |
| 2" x 4" Lumber |
| 2" x 6" Lumber |
| Baluster material |
| Lag bolts |
| Washers |
| Screws |
| Silicone Caulk |
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Tools List (click item to shop)
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| 1. |
Refer to your deck plans to determine the location of the railing posts. Along the outer joists and joist header, mark the location of each post using a square. Mark both edges of each post, which should be 4" apart. |
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| 2. |
If your deck surface overhangs the edge of the deck framing, use a handsaw or reciprocating saw to cut notches in the deck so that the posts can fit squarely against the deck framing. |
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| 3. |
Determine the correct height of the railing posts. Assuming the finished height is 36", you will need to add the thickness of the deck surface (usually 1-1/2") and the height of the joists (usually 5-1/2"). Squarely cut all the railing posts to length using a miter saw.
Notch out the bottom of each post for a more stable and attractive finish. Measure up from the bottom 7" (joist height + decking thickness). Set your circular saw to a depth of 1-1/2" and cut the post at this mark. Then cut every ½" to the end of the post. Use a hammer and chisel to clean out the notch.
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| 4. |
For a more attractive post base, click the corner with the miter saw set at 45 degrees. |
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| 5. |
Pre-drill that base of the posts with 2 holes for the lag bolts. After the drilling 2 holes all the way through the base of each post, drill holes about ½" deep with a larger bit to countersink the lag bolt heads. |
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| 6. |
Install the railing posts using 2 lag bolts each. Use a socket wrench to drive them into place. |
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| 7. |
Using 2x4 lumber, measure and cut the upper railing base. Install the upper railing base to the top of the posts using 2 screws per post. |
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| 8. |
When installing the balusters, you can run them all the way down to the deck frame or you can install a lower railing the supports the bottoms of the balusters. |
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| 9. |
Measure the distance between each set of posts. Calculate the number of balusters you will need to maintain an equal distance between all balusters. Remember the balusters should be no more than 4" apart. Mark the location of each baluster on the top railing and lower railing or joist. |
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| 10. |
Measure and cut the balusters to length. For an attractive appearance, cut the bottoms of the balusters at a 45-degree angle. Using 2 screws at the top and 2 screws at the bottom, install the balusters. |
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| 11. |
To top off your railing project, install a 2x6 cap on top of the upper railing base and posts. Miter the corners at 45-degree angles. Use screws to screw the railing cap to the 2x4 upper railing base. |
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