How to Attach a Banister to a Deck

Contact your local building department at city hall and ask for a copy of your state's building code. The building code details the legal requirements for construction projects, including the maximum distance of your deck railing's support posts and the minimum height of the deck railing.

Measure the sides of your deck that are not attached to the house. Divide the number on each side by the required distance for the deck railing support posts outlined in the building code. This determines the number of support posts you will need for this project.

Cut the support posts to the required height with a table saw. Mark the installation location for each support post in chalk. Use a power drill to screw the support posts into the deck over the chalk marks.

Cut a top and bottom railing for each side of the deck based on your previous measurements from Step 2. Align the ends of each pair of railings with one another. Clamp the railings together with woodworking clamps.

Divide the length of the railing by the number of balusters you need to use. Mark the intended location of each baluster on each pair of clamped railings.

Measure the width of the balusters. Attach an aluminum jig to the power drill. Drill holes 2 inches in depth into the sides of each pair of clamped railings. Because the railings are clamped together, the holes in each railing board should line up perfectly. Release the clamp on each pair of deck railings after you finish drilling the baluster holes.

Lay a railing horizontally along the bottom of each set of support posts. Ensure that the baluster holes are face-up. Check the railing's position with a level. Fit the balusters into the holes in the railing.

Push the second piece of railing from each pair of previously clamped railings onto the exposed tops of each baluster. Secure the top railing in place over the support posts.

Cut a top railing beam for each side of the deck. Determine which ends of the beam will intersect with other beams. Fit each railing beam into a miter box. Align the edge of each beam that you intend to cut with the 45-degree line on the miter box. Cut the intersecting edges at opposing 45-degree angles.

Lay the top railing beam on top of the beam that sits directly above the balusters. Check the railing's position with a level. Drive nails through the top railing beam and into the beam underneath.

Fit together the angled ends of each top railing beam. Nail the last beams into place. Drive nails into the edges of each beam at an angle. This further secures the railing beams and completes your deck banister.