How to Build a Wood Deck Railing With Finishing Touches

Building the Deck Railing

• 1

  Determine the area where you will build the railing. Measure the width, from edge to edge that the railing must extend. Divide the measurement number by 12 to determine the feet and remaining inches.

• 2

  Draw a layout on paper, marking a space for a 4-by-4 post on the edges. Map out where you will place finishing touches, such as end caps, woodcarvings or lighting.

• 3

  Lay one pre-notched 4-by-4 post on each corner of the deck. Measure the width of each perimeter area of the deck and divide the measurement by 72 to determine how many 4-by-4 pre-notched posts you will need.

• 4

  Space the posts 6 feet from the end posts on the corners. If the width measurement is less than 6 feet, you do not need an additional 4-by-4 post. Mark the deck floor with chalk to reference the position for each 4-by-4 post.

• 5

  Measure the width in between the 4-by-4 posts. Divide the measurement so that spindles are spaced 8 inches or less apart. Mark the deck floor with chalk to reference the position for each spindle.

• 6

  Pre-drill a hole ½-inch in diameter through each post and into the edge of the deck wood slats. Check the level of each post. Once the level is established, attach the post to deck floor board -- notched edge facing inward -- using ½-inch-by-4 ½-inch galvanized steel hex bolts and washers.

• 7

  Measure the width in between each post. Cut 2-by-6 boards, according to your measurements, so that you have two boards -- an upper and a lower board -- to attach between each post.

• 8

  Mark a line 6 inches from the top and 6 inches from the bottom of each post. Use the mark as a guide for positioning and attaching the horizontal boards to the posts. Hammer deck screws through the boards and into the posts at a 45-degree angle.

• 9

  Measure from the top width between each post by running your tape measure from the far left edge to the far right edge. Write down the measurements. Cut 2-by-6 boards according to your measurements to form the hand railing piece to attach on top of each 4-by-4 post. Nail the top hand rail pieces to each post with deck screws.

Add the Spindles to the Railing

• 10

  Line up one spindle against the upper and lower horizontal boards. Make an “X” mark in the center of the spindle to correspond with the center of the boards. Duplicate this reference mark on every spindle.

• 11

  Drill ½-inch holes on each spindle following your X marks.

• 12

  Attach the spindles to the boards with deck screws.

Add Decorative Finishing Touches

• 13

  Select decorative pieces for your deck railing, such as end caps, or wood, iron or metal ironwork or lighting. Place the decorative items you select in their location.

• 14

  Place end cap pieces -- if this is your choice -- on top of the 4-by-4 posts. Most end cap pieces will have a pre-drilled screw on the bottom. If that is the type of end cap you are using, drill a starter pilot hole into the top of the post and then twist the end cap into place. Otherwise, run a thin bead of contact cement along the edge of the end cap and adhere the end cap onto the top of the post.

• 15

  Center wood or metal artwork panels for the left, right and center areas of the deck. Drill holes through top and bottom edges of wood and metal artwork pieces, and the left and right sides, if needed. Attach the pieces to the spindles with wood screws.

• 16

  Light your deck for night-time enjoyment. Purchase LED lighting strips or solar lighting and install according to manufacturer's instructions.