Anchoring a Wood Railing to a Concrete Deck

Mark the location where the wooden fence posts will be installed on top of the concrete deck.

Fit the bottom of the 4-by-4 post into the metal support bracket. Position it so that when it is bolted down it lines up with the adjoining railing support posts, whether they are in the ground or on the concrete deck. A mason's line strung from stakes at each end of the proposed railing is helpful to determine the proper position.

Make a mark on the concrete pad through the bolt holes on the metal fence post support bracket, using an indelible marker and ensuring that the post is in the correct position. Set the wooden post aside.

Drill holes in the concrete at all four corners of the support bracket, at the marked locations, using a 3/8-inch concrete drill bit.

Pound the 1/2-inch concrete anchor sleeves into the predrilled holes, using a hammer. Carefully pound them in so that their top is below or even with the surface of the concrete slab, which will ensure that the fence post support bracket sits level on the concrete.

Put the metal support bracket into position over the prepared holes. Insert the bolt part of the concrete anchors through the holes in the fence post support brackets and drive them into the concrete anchor sleeves, using a wrench. Tighten the bolts just enough so that the metal fence post support bracket sits without rocking.

Insert the bottom of a wooden 4-by-4 fence post into the corresponding receptacle on the fence post bracket. Use an electric screwdriver to install a galvanized wood screw into each of the four sides of the post, following the corresponding holes in the part of the support bracket in which the bottom of the post sits. This will stabilize the post and help keep it standing upright when forces such as wind or people leaning act upon the railing.