How to Install a Handrail for a Deck

A wooden deck handrail serves not only a decorative feature, but a functional purpose, as well. Featuring two horizontal wooden rails with evenly spaced vertical spindles in between, a railing adds a finished touch to an exterior space, and enhances safety, especially for children, the elderly and pets. Although commercially available handrails are offered in a variety of styles, consider building it yourself using pressure-treated lumber. However, before you begin, visit your local building department to get information on the recommended railing height and any permits you may be required to obtain; most codes require that railings measure 3 feet high from the deck floor.

Tape measure
Marker
Reciprocating saw
4-by-4 posts
Handsaw
Pry bar
Drill
4-1/2-inch lag bolts
Wrench
2-by-4-lumber
Deck screws
Spindles

Instructions

- 1
  Measure and mark both sides of the 4-by-4 wood post locations every 48 inches along the span of the deck with a marker. Use a reciprocating saw to cut a notch between the marked post locations on the deck floor if it overhangs the frame. This ensures the posts stand flush against the deck’s frame when installed.
- 2
  Determine the post heights for the railing. Measure and add the thickness of the floor to the height of the joist. Add to this measurement the desired post height, for example, 36 inches. Cut the posts for the railing to this measurement using a handsaw.
- 3
  Mark the sum of the floor thickness and joist height on each wooden post. Use a circular saw to cut a 1-1/2-inch deep notch over the point. Pry the cutout on each post loose with a pry bar and set it aside.
- 4
  Drill a pair of pilot holes through the lower end of the 4-by-4 posts for lag bolts. Hold a corner post upright in the notch along the deck’s corner. Drive a pair of 4-1/2-inch bolts through the holes to attach the post to the joist.
- 5
  Tighten the bolts with a wrench. Continue this process to stand the remaining posts in the notches along the deck flooring.
- 6
  Measure and cut two rails from 2-by-4-inch lumber to match the width between two posts. Drive a pair of deck screws through each corner of this length to secure it to the upper ends of the adjacent posts. Also secure the second rail to the lower ends of the 4-by-4 posts using two screws per joint.
- 7
  Nail a vertical spindle into the upper and lower horizontal rails between the two posts, using two screws per joint. Space this spindle 4 inches from the corner post. Repeat this process of installing vertical spindles along the rails between two posts. Maintain an even spacing of 4 inches between spindles. Continue this process to install the horizontal rails and vertical spindles between the deck posts.

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