Building Deck Rails

Here is a very basic guide to building deck rails. The first thing to be done is to position and attach your post to the outside joist on your deck. You can also let the same post you used on your deck run up through to the height you need. Assuming you have done one of these things your post should now be in place to attach your two by fours which go vertical on the outside of your post. Do not attach these to top of post.

On top of your post place a two by six with an overhang of half an inch on the outside of your post.

Assuming that this deck is attached to your home or garage, you will have two sides of rails, one leading from your wall to corner and the other leading from your corner to the other end with a side open for stairs. Therefore you will have a miter joint in the corner. Place a two by six on top of your post. You will need a good miter joint when you come to corner to get a good fit. In order to get a good miter join, connect the two top boards together before securing them to your structure below. Using two three-inch screws can join these miter joints. This will hold it in place until you attach it permanently to top of post. Don’t forget your outside overhang of half an inch.

The top rail is placed and attached working from one end to the other. With the miter joint attached you can attach top railing without making a gap in the seam of the miter joint. This will look better on your railings.

Now you can install your spindles. It is best if you have these pre cut. You will be working with a basic square spindle with a 45-degree angle on each end (top and bottom). Pre drill two holes in each end and screw them with deck screws to vertical board. Make sure your spindles are evenly spaced.

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