How to Install Deck Railing

Decks are extremely inviting in any season (except the monsoon season, cause I don't like to get wet), and also during any time of the day. One of the most important aspects of a deck is the deck railing. These railings are not only charming and make the deck look attractive but they also provide safety to the people standing on the deck. There are several ways in which a deck railing system can be made. One of the systems that is coming in vogue is the aluminum deck railing.

The following is a very easy and quick way to build and install a deck railing.

How to Build and Install a Deck Railing

The process of installing deck railings is pretty straight forward and easy. Make sure that you follow all the steps systematically and carefully so as to make your deck railing 100% safe. This safety feature is extremely important and essential if you have small children in the house and the deck is elevated.

Some Important Terms

• Spindles: Spindles are the supports on which the whole deck rail is drilled. The spindles together form a sort of a grill between the top most railing and surface of the deck. The spindles are clearly visible in the picture above.
• Newel post: The newel post is slightly bigger and thicker than the spindle. It is basically used to give support to the railing. The newel post is generally used at all the corners of the railings and also evenly spaced out between the spindles.
• Carriage bolt: The carriage bolt is a bolt and screw mechanism that is used to bolt down the spindles and newel posts.

Requirements
To build your deck railing, you will need the following.

• 2 by 2 inch wood
• A wooden saw
• an electric drill
• A set of carriage bolts
• 2 by 4 inch wood
• Galvanized screws
• Outdoor stain
• A paint brush

Procedure
The procedure of installation of the deck railings is extremely simple and very similar to the installation of stair rails. It will be extremely convenient to install the railing if you can avail a deck rail installation kit from a home improvement store.

• Step 1: One of the most important aspects of the installation deck rails is to first check up on the state laws for the permitted and approved height of the deck rail. Sometimes the height of the deck railing is restricted by the local governing bodies.
• Step 2: The ideal way to install deck railings is to place the spindles about 9 inches apart and make the height of the railings to about 4 feet. These dimensions turn out to be perfect as a good amount of weight can be sustained by the deck railings. Determine the number of spindles that you will need to install according to the dimensions of your deck.
• Step 3: The third step is to start the actual installation of the spindles. For this purpose, drill the spindles from both ends. The holes on the top and the bottom should be about an inch and a half deep. Bolt down the spindles and the newel posts with the help of the carriage bolts, on the outer side of the deck.
• Step 4: Thus bolt down all the spindles into place with the help of carriage screws and reinforce them with the help of extra screws.
• Step 5: In step 3 we had made holes on the top of all the spindles and newel posts, these will be now used to install the actual rail. Place the pieces of wood (2 by 2 inch) on top of the spindles and bore holes according to the holes of the spindles. Put in screws into these holes that will eventually pass the long piece of wood and would go down into the spindle.

It is always advisable to purchase an installation kit, as all the components are available in the right size and are accompanied by a very helpful manual.