Tips for Installing a Deck Railing

If your current deck design does not include a deck railing, this is an important safety feature that should soon be added to the deck stairs and steps area. Even for those whose decks are only one or two steps above ground level, there is still the possibility of falling or hurting oneself and it is best to have a deck railing installed for preventative measures. Deck railings can easily be incorporated into the landscape plans after a deck has already been built, simply by using the same type of wood products used to build the deck.

Before going out and buying these wood products to add on to your landscaping design, it is best to check with your county’s building codes to make sure you do not need a permit. They will also lead you in the right direction as to the regulations of how tall or how high a deck railing can be. For instance, most deck railings will need to be at least 36 inches tall to accommodate most fully grown adult humans but also for small children to reach, and should have no more than 4 inch gaps between the railing. Most building codes will also require that the deck railing be securely attached to the actual deck frame instead of the patio design area or the deck surface.

Successful landscaping ideas like the deck railing will secure your deck area and can be completed by almost any level of carpenter in a matter of three to four days. If you are totally unsure where to start in beginning to construct your railing, you can always purchased pre-fabricated railings at your home landscaping store. This makes installing a deck railing as easy as possible for an inexperienced carpenter. Of course purchasing a pre-fabricated deck railing will mean having to stain the wood to match the wood you already have on your deck. If you feel confident that you can put together a railing then you will most likely want to just purchase wood materials that are as close as possible to your deck design. No matter how much experience you have in carpentry, it is always best to consult any number of landscaping articles or even to check out online computer landscaping software that will lead you step by step through most deck design projects.

Once you have selected the wood and purchased materials for the deck railing, your first step will be to mark the angle and point at which you will attach the railing to the top and bottom of the deck. You will need to mark exact locations for the baluster holdings and make sure that these holding are up to building code as well. Most building code will say that a 6 inch ball cannot pass through the baluster, although it is best to check with your county’s building permits to be sure.

From here you can begin to place the baluster, the braces, and the bottom rail. It is best to go ahead and place the bottom rail first, that way you can work your way up to see if the top rail meets building code standards and works for the height of most people who will be using the rail in your home. After you have installed the railing, it is essential that you go back through the installation instructions and determine that you have completely your railing installation securely and safely to prevent future accidents.

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