Covering a Splintering Deck Railing

Cracked and splintered railings of any type are safety hazards. If the damage has progressed beyond normal patching and sanding, replacement might seem like the only solution. But if the railing is solid, you can overlay it with redwood lumber to create a safe, smooth surface, and lend a high-end look to the deck. If you've got minimal carpentry skills, you can make deck railings look new again in one afternoon.

Tape measure
Redwood lumber, 3/4-inch-thick
Safety glasses
Miter saw
Waterproof resin glue
Paintbrush
Clamps
Pin nailer
Pin nails, 1 1/4-inch
Glue scraper
Orbital sander
Sandpaper, 100-grit
Stain/sealer

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the width of the deck railing. Measure the length of each individual piece of railing that needs to be covered. Purchase 3/4-inch-thick redwood lumber 2 inches longer than you need it for each railing.
- 2
  Don safety glasses. Cut one piece of redwood for each section of railing using a miter saw.
- 3
  Mix waterproof resin glue with water according to the manufacturer's directions printed on the container. Use a paintbrush to coat the redwood with a wet coat of glue. Allow the glue to fill cracks and splintered areas.
- 4
  Place the redwood on top of the glued railing. Place clamps on both sides of the railing, spaced 12 inches apart along the length. Tighten the clamps until glue oozes out from both sides.
- 5
  Shoot 1 1/4-inch pin nails 3/4 inch from both edges along the sides of the railing, spaced at 12 inches. Allow the glue to dry overnight. Remove the clamps.
- 6
  Scrape the dried resin glue from the sides of the railing using a glue scraper. Use an orbital sander with 100-grit sandpaper to round the corners and edges of the redwood, and the sides of the cracked and splintered rail.
- 7
  Apply waterproof stain/sealer to the railing to match existing stain on the deck, using a brush.

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