When building handrails for a wood deck, make sure to check your local building codes first to find out the acceptable railing height, space between balusters, and distance between posts that is required.

While building codes can vary, most building codes require:

  • 6’ or less between posts.
  • 36” or higher handrails.
  • 4” or less opening between balusters.

Materials needed for a 6′ section of railing:

  • Rail cap: 1 – 5/4” x 6” x 6’
  • Top and bottom rails: 2 – 2” x 4” x 6’
  • Balusters: 13 – 2” x 2” x 32”

Steps For Building Deck Handrails

The railings are constructed with the bottom rail on edge to resist sagging and the top rail horizontal to provide lateral strength.

  1. Cut the top and bottom rails so they fit snugly between the posts.
  2. Cut the balusters to length with the end cut square on the top and at a 45° angle on the bottom.
  3. Mark the location of the balusters on both the top and bottom rails.
  4. Use deck screws to attach the bottom of the balusters to the face of the bottom rail so the angled cut on the baluster is flush with the bottom of the rail.
  5. Attach the top of the balusters through the top rail.
  6. Stand the section of the railing up and attach the top rail flush with the top of the posts.
  7. Attach the bottom rail between the posts.
  8. Miter the rail caps where they meet at corners and join together.
  9. Attach the rail caps to the top of the posts and top rails.
  10. Attach a block between the deck and bottom rail in the center of the span to provide added support.

Watch our video to learn more.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Danny Lipford: Once you’ve completed installing deck boards on your deck, you’ll want to add handrails. We’re using our deck foundation posts for the rail posts, so they have to be cut off at a uniform height above the deck.

In this case, our rail will be 36 inches above the deck, which is common for most residential decks. Because building codes often vary, you should check with a local building department before you make that decision.

The rails we’re building include three components: two-by-fours for the top and bottom rails, two-by-twos for the balusters, and five-quarter-by-six deck boards for the rail caps. The bottom rail is positioned vertically to prevent sagging, and the top rail horizontally to provide lateral strength.

The two-by-two balusters are cut square on the top and diagonally at a 45-degree angle on the bottom. The gap between the balusters should be less than four inches, so installing them on five-inch centers will work with these two-by-twos, which are one-and-a-half-inch thick.

We’re using deck screws to assemble the rails, so there’s no chance of loose nails later on. After each section is assembled on the deck, we stand them up and attach them to the posts. The top rail is lined up with either edge and flush with the top of the post. Driving the screws into the post at an angle, or “toe-screwing,” is the best way to attach them.

The bottom rail is inset one inch from the outer edge of the post. The last step is to install the five-quarter rail cap, which is centered over the posts. For longer runs, you may also need to join these boards at a 45-degree angle cut. It’s best to do this over a post if possible. You’ll also want to make 45-degree miter cuts wherever the rails caps join in a corner.


Further Information

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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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