Steps
are more functional to a deck than railings, which add a final finishing
touch to the deck. There are several different methods in building
steps; there are many patterns of railings from which to choose,
most of them offering both beauty and safety. DECK
RAILINGS:
Building codes in your community may dictate the required height
of a railing on your deck. Be sure to check with the local Building
Department before you buy materials and start work. As a rule of
thumb, any deck 24 inches above finished grade level requires a
railing. Railings built of 4x4 posts and 2x4 rails are an excellent
combination and will meet most codes.
There
are several methods used to support a railing. One method is to
extend the deck support posts and use the posts for the prime railing
support. This technique is detailed in Basic
Decks. All this method requires is longer posts around which
the decking boards are fitted. The beams and joists are assembled
in the same way.
A second
method, and perhaps the best way, is to attach railing posts directly
to the exterior skirt of the deck. For this method, measure the
post size from the bottom part of the skirt to the desired rail
height.
Laying
out the location of all posts depends on the spacing of the support
posts, normally 48 inches on center, and the length and type of
the railing material you want to use.
Railing
Basics:
At the corners of the deck, locate a post on each face of the corner,
about 4 to 6 inches back from the corner. This will simplify the
mitered corner connection of the railing.
Once
you have marked all the dimensions on the skirt, install the posts
using galvanized stove bolts, carriage bolts, or lag screws. Also
use washers under the bolt heads and nuts of these fasteners. Keep
the heads to the outside. Once the posts are fastened to the skirts,
the horizontal railings may be installed.
When
you choose posts for size, take into account that you will be placing
a 2x6 (probably) over the end of the post. This "capping" works
effectively to align the posts and provides a good nailing surface.
Install a side rail around the outside of the posts flush to the
underside of the cap railing. The side rail can then be bolted;
use two fasteners per post-even three fasteners "staggered" if you
have enough room.
A lower
side rail then may be added at the desired height and bolted in
place the same way as the side rails were fastened. Make sure that
the side railings butt flush with each other at the corners or the
job will look unfinished.
The
railing posts also may be used for deck benches. The benches should
be about 16 inches high with seats 18 to 14 inches deep. Use the
railing as a support for the seating, with 2x4s on the inside to
support the other face.
