Build Your Own Deck Railing – Hey guys! SO, last week I shared with you how I dismantled my old deck railing ( How to Remove Deck or Porch Railings: Demolition Tips ). I tell you, it was such a good feeling to watch the old dilapidated rails go away. OMG!
I finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel. This week we are building and installing new deck rails. I got the inspiration for these borders from the wire deck rails I saw on Pinterest. The problem was that wire panels are extremely expensive. A single panel can cost between $40 and $80. That would seriously put me over my peanut-sized budget.
Build Your Own Deck Railing
So I have developed a solution using regular chicken wire. Yes, that’s right. For this deck fence, we use cheap fence wire that comes in a roll. And for the size of my quilt, I didn’t need a full $50 roll. (Where’s the exploding head emoji when I need it?)
Vinyl Porch Railing Ideas For Patios And Decks
In my case, since I am installing posts, the old posts were notched into the 4×4 so they could rest on the floor joist and lock into place.
Mark the center of the 4×4 posts. With 2-inch spacer blocks (4×4 cut to 2 inches), support the bottom 2×4 on the rail block and angle it into place.
When it was time to install the top rail of the deck rail, I discovered a design flaw. If the top rail of the 2×4 were placed upright, there would not be enough space under the cap. Over time, this can lead to cupping.
So we flipped the board. Lay the top rial flat, with the top of the board 3 inches from the top of the 4×4 posts.
Deck Terms: What Does It All Mean?
Now lay the top rail flat and place the rail cover over the rail. There are two ways to do this: you can cut the board between each 4×4 post, or you can cut a hole for each 4×4 post and run the board the length of the board.
I recommend running the boards the entire length and notching out the post holes. This creates a more streamlined and finished look.
Meisel is very useful for this step because you want the rail cover to be planted as well as possible.
Do not overtighten any screws, especially those on the top. If you screw too deep, it can create puddles and cause the wood to wear faster than normal.
Adding Curb Appeal With Modern Cedar Railing
The railing cap must be flush with the inside of the deck and have 2 inches of overhang on the outside of the deck.
Now it’s time to make the wire mesh panels. This is a relatively straight forward set. I made it so you don’t need a router or dado blades.
Screw the 2x2s together. The height of the mesh panels is 29 inches. The width is determined by the width of the deck panel. The width of the wire panel is the distance between the 4×4 posts (deck opening) minus 6 inches. Therefore, if the opening between the posts is 60 inches, the width of the wire panel should be 54 inches.
OK, now that you know how long you need to cut each 2×2, it’s time to continue assembling the panel. Using a staple gun, attach the fence to the 2×2 frame. Pull it tight to prevent sagging.
Deck Stair Railing Plans
Use a hammer to drive the nails into the loose clamps. Cut small strips of 2×6 boards using a hacksaw. These strips are used to cover clamps and fence ends. Use a nailer with galvanized nails to nail the strips.
Place the wire panel 3 inches from each post. Screw into place from top and bottom.
With new pressure treated wood, you don’t want to paint or stain it right away. Wait 3-4 weeks before applying stain or paint.
These new borders completely change the feel and look of my deck. I used to have the worst backyard in the neighborhood. LOL no seriously I saw the look there. Hahaha!
Decking Railings, Deck Boards & Decking Supplies
Stay tuned as I continue to renovate my deck. Did you miss the demolition? Check it out in all its glory.
I acknowledge that The Home Depot is partnering with me to participate in ProSpective 2018. As part of the program, I will receive compensation in the form of products and services to promote The Home Depot. All opinions and experiences expressed are my own. My post complies with the Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Code of Ethics and current Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
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The Different Types Of Deck Railings: Which Is Right For Your Outdoor Deck?
Before you start building a deck or porch fence, it’s extremely important to make sure you follow local building codes for fence height and spacing. The International Residential Code (IRC) requires deck railing to be at least 36 inches high. This should be measured from the surface of the deck or porch to the top of the railing. But you should also check local building codes, as counties and cities may have different requirements.
Not only do you need to make sure your railing is the correct height, but you also need to follow the baluster spacing code, or in this case, the spacing of each horizontal board. The IRC requires that the space between balusters or boards be less than 4 inches. For safety reasons, I recommend using 3.5 inches of spacing. The last thing you want is to build your own railing and have an inspector pass it because they can fit a 4-inch object through your railing.
For the horizontal deck railing, you use 6-inch treated decking boards. But first you need something to attach the boards to. Cut two pieces of 2 x 3 to 36 inches long. At the bottom of the post, measure 1 inch from the center of the post toward the inside of the porch and make a mark. Do the same 36 inches from the bottom of the post.
Measure the distance between your two posts. Use this measurement to cut four pieces for the 1×6. You can use either a miter saw or a circular saw. If using a circular saw, cut a nice straight edge to the ends.
How To Build A Deck Railing (with Pictures)
Measure and mark the outside of the 2x3s 3 1/2 inches up from the deck surface. Place the first 1×6 against the 2×3 so that the bottom edge lines up with these marks. Use your level to make sure the 1×6 is level. Make changes if necessary.
A tip. You can also cut a couple of scrap pieces of wood 3 1/2 inches long to use as spacers. It will help you too