How to Enclose Patio Rails

Mark the length of a baluster on the framing lumber with a tape measure and pencil. Cut the lumber to length with a circular saw. This extra baluster mounts to the side of a post to provide a nailing surface. Mark and cut an identical piece for the opposite side of the railing that you are enclosing.

Butt one of the balusters against the side of a patio post. Align the baluster's vertical level with the adjacent baluster. Position the baluster flush with the adjacent baluster. Drive a nail through the top of the baluster with a hammer. Drive nails through the baluster every 8 to 12 inches to secure it to the side of the post. Fasten the remaining baluster to the post at the opposite end of the section of railing that you are enclosing.

Stretch a tape measure between the outer edges of the newly installed balusters. This measurement is the total width of the area that you are enclosing. Stretch the tape from a baluster's bottom to its top. This measurement is the height of the installation area.

Mark the width and height of the area on a piece of sheet siding with a tape measure and pencil. Draw a chalk line between the marks, pull the line taut and snap the line to lay out a straight cut line. If you are using siding planks, lay out a cut line for the plank's width with a carpenter's square. Cut the siding to size with a circular saw.

Lift the siding and align it with the sides, top and bottom of the area that you are enclosing. For planks, align the plank's bottom edge with the bottom edges of the balusters. Fasten the siding to the railing by driving nails through the siding and into the balusters. Drive nails every 8 to 12 inches along each baluster. For planks, overlap successive planks, working from bottom to top.