How to Build a Deck Railing in Brookings, Oregon

Contact the Oregon Building Codes Division and discuss your project with a representative. The town of Brookings itself might have slight deviations or other local codes that you may be required to adhere to. Fill out a building application, along with plans for your deck railing construction and any applicable documentation or fees in order to receive a building permit.

Measure the length and width of your deck so that you know what measurements you need for cutting the lumber. Code requires that your railing is 36 inches high if your porch is at a raised elevation above the ground.

Use a miter saw to cut a 4-by-4-by-8-foot post so that you have two equivalent posts of 42 inches. Use a band saw to cut out a notch from one end of each post that measures 2 inches by 8 inches. Repeat this step until you have the total number of posts for your deck. This number will vary depending on the size and setup of your deck, but make sure that your posts are no more than 8 feet apart from one another.

Use a power drill with a bit that will fit a 6-inch carriage bolt to drill through the rim joist of the deck and through the portion of your railing posts that are notched. Use 6-inch carriage bolts along with an adjustable wrench to secure the railing posts to the deck rim joist. Before tightening completely, use a level to ensure that the posts are plumb. If they are not level, make adjustments as needed.

Lay a 2-by-4 board across the top of your initial two railing posts. Mark the two-by-4 board where it rests exactly in the middle of the second post. Cut the 2-by-4 using a miter saw or chop saw to length, and attach it to your railing posts using a drill and deck screws. Repeat this step until your porch is equipped with the top railing all the way around.

Measure the distance between your railing posts to get the length of your bottom railing boards. Cut the 2-by-4 boards to length. Using a drill and deck screws, screw the bottom railing into the posts. Check to make sure the railing remains level as you work.

Measure the height between the inner surfaces of the top and bottom railings to find the measurement for your deck banisters. Use a chop saw to cut all of your 2-by-2 boards--to act as banisters--to length. Banisters should be no more than 9 inches apart to prevent a falling hazard.

Center and level each banister, and measure its distance from one to the next. Screw them in using a power drill and exterior deck screws. Continue this step until your deck railing is completed.