Installing an outdoor deck in your backyard is a great way to add some outdoor space to your home.
Taking the time to make sure your deck is safe and secure is essential. While building it can be a fun project, it is most important that you and your family are safe.
To make sure your deck is safe, you will want to install a deck railing. This will give people something to lean on and make sure no one falls off.
Establishing this perimeter can help mark off where the deck ends. If you properly install your deck railing posts, you can keep your deck safe and make it look finished.
Installing Deck Railing Posts: Basic Idea
Installing deck railing posts is a relatively simple job. Having the right materials and measuring carefully will help make it a success.
The steps to installing deck railing posts include:
- Get Materials
- Cut the Posts to Size
- Cut Post Notches
- Bolt on Posts
Why Install Deck Railing Posts?
In fact, oftentimes, it will be against your local municipal codes to not have railings.
If you don’t have them, you could be subject to steep fines and zoning violations. Check with your local assessor’s office to see what the regulations are in your area.
You should also install deck railing posts because they give your deck a finished look.
Having railings around your deck will enclose the area. It will also give you an opportunity for more stylistic choices.
If you want to add more decorative elements like wicker or lighting, railings can help with that.
Gather Materials
To do this project, you will need:
- 4×4 posts
- Circular saw
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Carriage bolts
- Washers
- Nuts
By having all of your materials beforehand, you won’t have to go back and forth between the hardware store.
Cut the Posts
The length of your posts will be the height that you want your railing to be at.
If you don’t want to use rail caps, you can cut the tops of the posts at an angle. This will give you a little bit of a decorative touch.
The tops of the railings are where you can use your creativity. There are many options for lighting and ornamental touches.
Drill two holes in the posts that are 1 ½” from the bottom and top of the deck joists. These will be where you attach the posts to the joists.
Cut Notches in the Deck
Your deck’s planks probably hang slightly over the edge of the deck above the joists.
Because of this, you will need to cut notches in the planks. This will allow the posts to sit flush against the joists so you can secure them.
For 4×4 deck posts, you should maintain a maximum distance of six feet.
You will have to measure out your deck and see what a proper interval will be. This will be based on the distance between each corner.
Attach Posts
Once your notches are cut, you can then attach the posts to the deck joists. Drill holes in the joists that align with your post holes.
Tap the carriage bolts into both holes and slip the washer on the inside. Then, screw the nut onto the back of the bolt.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use 2×4 for deck joists?
You can use 2x4s for deck joists. However, they may not be the best option if you plan on having a lot of people on it.
In those cases, 2x6s may be your best option.
- What is a floating deck?
A floating deck is a deck that isn’t attached to a building.
If your deck is butted up against your house, it is not a floating deck. Floating decks are usually out in gardens or yards as a separate feature.
- How much weight can a 2×4 hold?
The amount of weight a 2×4 can hold will depend on many factors.
A 2×4 that is structurally sound can hold up to 300 pounds. However, it is best not to put more than 100 pounds on any one 2×4 to be safe.
Conclusion
By installing a deck railing, you can give your deck a finished look. You can also keep people from tripping and falling.
By following the above steps, you can be sure that your deck railing will be secure no matter what type you have.