How to Build a Walk Rail to a Porch

• 1

  Measure the distance of the walkway with a tape measure. Divide the measurement by four. The answer is the number of posts needed for the railing.

• 2

  Mark locations on the ground every 4 feet along the walkway. Add an extra position at the end if needed to provide enough rail to the porch. Dig 3-foot holes at each position with a post hole digger. The hole depth allows clearance for the frost line.

• 3

  Lay enough gravel to cover the bottom of the hole. Set a 7-foot 4-by-4-inch post into each hole.

• 4

  Have someone hold each post centered in the hole as you pour concrete into it. Fill each hole to within 1 inch of the lip. Allow the concrete to set overnight. Fill over the concrete with soil or gravel.

Assembly

• 5

  Measure the distance between the posts. Each distance may vary from the next so accuracy is important. Mark these individual measurements on a twin set of 2-by-4-inch lumber. Cut the boards in pairs with a circular saw and write the length on each board.

• 6

  Lay two corresponding length boards flat. Measure each board with a ruler to find its center. Use the 4-inch side of one board and the 2-inch side of the other. Mark the centers with a line drawn perpendicular to the side you measured. Repeat this step with each successive pair of boards.

• 7

  Stand the second board upright on the 2-inch side. Apply a bead of wood glue along the top edge of the board. Line up the center mark of the first board with the glued edge of the upright board. You will have a T-shaped handrail. Allow the glue to dry. Repeat this step with each successive pair of boards.

• 8

  Drill a 3-inch wood screw through the top of the railing into the support board at each end. Drill a screw at 4-inch intervals along the center of the railing. Apply wood putty with a 1-inch putty knife over the screw heads. Smooth out the excess.

• 9

  Count the number of boards used for railing sections. Cut a corresponding number of 4-inch square blocks from a 2-by-4-inch board.

• 10

  Line up a square block with each end of a railing section. Make the edges flush. Hammer 3-inch carpenter's nails through the blocks into the ends of the railing section.

• 11

  Load your orbital sander with 220-grit sandpaper. Sand down the corners and edges over the entire railing to achieve rounded off edges along the long sides of the railing. Finish by hand sanding the railing with 220-grit sandpaper.

• 12

  Stain the railing with two coats of wood varnish using a soft-bristle paintbrush. follow the grain of the wood for an even coat and finish.