Deck Railings

The Deck Railings are the most visible element of any deck.

They make an instant design statement to for all to see and admire both from a distance and close up. Deck railings do more than add a safety feature to a deck. They establish the style and the limits of the deck space itself.

Local building code standards won’t affect the nearly endless number of design choices and construction choices to be used. Deck Railings are not necessary on all decks but when they are, usually because of the deck’s height above ground level, it is important to make a wise choice as to its design and structure.

Deck Railings are generally required for decks over 36 inches high and for any sets of stairs. However, 24 inches might be a better minimum because in today’s society people are more likely to sue a homeowner in the event of a fall. All it takes is one too many drinks and no railing for an accident to occur. In many cases the injured parties who launch these lawsuits are relatives or friends who just happen to be the individuals most likely to be on the homeowner’s deck.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Deck Railings are generally 36 to 42 inches above a deck’s surface. They can be as low as 30 inches or as high as 48 inches depending upon the height of the deck above ground level. The rule of thumb is: the higher the deck; the higher the railing. This is all done for safety considerations. Deck Railings can have wood, vinyl or aluminum balusters as well as louvers.

They can also be built with solid facings that can include plywood siding, plastic panels or tempered glass. 

Railings should coordinate with the architectural style of the home in some way. This can be done in terms of materials used, detailing and connections. It is important to check with local building code bylaws to clearly determine the requirements in terms of railing height, material types, lumber sizes, distances between support posts and distances between balusters.

Deck Railings are made up of vertical posts capped and joined by a cross member laid flat. The cross member may be the same width or wider than the posts. The spacing distance between the posts depends upon the cap’s size and the horizontal rail’s length. For example, 4 x 4 posts can be spaced up to 4 feet apart under a 2 x 4 cap while 4 x 4 posts can be spaced up to 6 feet apart under a 2 x 6 cap.

The strongest and simplest railings are those with horizontal parts secured by bolts or screws to the outside faces of the posts. For a cleaner, more streamlined railing, the horizontals would be placed between the posts. Railings can combine with benches and walls to reinforce the planned use of space and create a sense of enclosure.

The most common railings are similar to a picket fence. A typical framework consists of 4 x 4 posts bolted to the outer joists, linked by 2 x 4 rails and topped with a 2×6 cap rail with balusters spaced at regular intervals between.

The posts are attached first, then the rails, then the balusters and finally the cap rail or top plate. To prevent sagging railings, the spans between posts should be limited to 6 feet or less. Building codes specify the maximum space between balusters, often 4 inches. Screws are always a better choice than nails for the construction of railings.
The important things to do in the building of railings are to create a railing that complements your overall deck design, to comply with local building codes, to take the time to do the job as well as possible and always measure twice and cut once.

In no time you’ll have a deck railing system in place on your deck that will be the envy of the neighborhood.  

Topics: Deck Railings |

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