How to Add a Banister to a Wood Deck

Measure the size of your deck and determine the number of deck posts needed. You should have a post on both sides of any entrance or exit and additional posts every 4 to 6 feet around the deck, as well as on the corners.

Lay two-by-fours on the deck. Measure 2 inches down from the top of the wood and measure 2 inches across the wood. Cut this small section of wood out with a wood saw. It should leave behind a small notch on the wood. Repeat with the additional boards, creating the deck posts.

Place the post on the edge of the deck and slide it back until the notch covers the deck and the wood sits evenly. Drill through the bottom of each post and into the deck. Create two holes in the post. Slide a 2-inch bolt into each hole and tighten with a wrench. Repeat the step with each of your deck posts.

Measure the space between two of your deck posts and cut two two-by-fours to the same size. Arrange six balusters on a flat surface and lay the two-by-fours on the top and bottom. Space the boards out evenly. Attach wood screws through the top board and into each baluster. Screw through the bottom wood piece and into each baluster. Repeat the step for each additional railing needed between posts.

Lift the piece and slide between two of the deck posts. Hold the banister piece in place and carefully screw a wood screw through the bottom of the banister and into the deck. Attach the banister to each post by screwing through the top and bottom of the banister and into the post. Follow this step for each of the additional banister pieces needed.