Since you want to ensure the safety of your family members, relatives, and friends, you should know the proper process on how to build a deck railing. The building code requires deck railings to be over 30 inches above the ground. It is further required that the deck railings should be tightly connected to the deck’s framing members. It is crucial that you carefully plan your deck railing in order to prevent anyone from falling off the deck. Deck railings do not only serve as a useful feature, but also provide a decorative touch to your deck.

The deck dimensions can actually vary depending on how high your deck is. For example, if your deck is 5 ft. and 10 inches off the ground level or less, the required railing should be 36 inches high. If your deck is more than 5 ft. and 10 inches off the ground, the required deck railing should be 42 inches high.

To be able to build a safe deck railing, follow the guidelines below.

1. Gather the materials needed. You will need the following: tape measure, pencil, combination square, awl, compound miter saw, drill with twist bits (preferably 1/8th, 1/4, 1/2, and 1 inch spade), ratchet wrench, reciprocating or circular saw, jig saw, railing lumber, lag screws with washers, and deck screws. Always refer to the deck plan so you will know the complete list of materials required.

2. Work on the posts. Most posts are set up using 4×4 materials. They can be constructed as part of the foundation of your deck, attached to a framing component, from a footer, or up past the deck material so they can serve as the rails’ connecting points. You can consider attaching the posts to the rim joist found on the outer part of the deck. Either case, you should use lag bolts to ensure that the railings are tightly attached.

3. Work on the posts on the outer part of the deck. If you choose to set up the posts on the deck’s outer part, use a circular or miter saw to cut 4×4 posts. The bottoms should be at a 45 degree angle, and the tops should be squarely cut. The required angle takes off the protruding portion of the posts, which could potentially cause harm, especially if your deck is a little higher off the ground; besides, passers-by can possibly catch themselves on it.

4. Drill pilot holes. You must drill two 1/4 inch holes on the outer part of the post. The first holes should measure 1.5 inches over the 45 degree angle, while the second hole must be 2 inches over the first one. Then, use a 1 inch spade bit to counter-bore the two holes to at least 1/2 inch depth.

5. Measure and mark each post. Use a combination square in order to measure and identify the proper position of every post. Properly position every post in a way that the beveled edge is flush with the deck’s bottom. Insert a nail or awl on the drilled hole to mark the lag screw locations. Pull back the post and proceed drilling 1/4 inch holes on the side of your deck.

6. Attach the posts. The posts should be connected with the 4 inches by 3/8 inch washers and lag screws using an impact driver. Position the post and drive the bolts on the post through the deck.

7. Work on the balusters. This will largely depend on the design of your deck. A number of homeowners prefer to use 2×2 materials for their deck railing pattern, usually mounted vertically. To make the work easier, just buy ready-to-use balusters. You can order bundles of balusters already cut on a 45 degree angle. If you consider making your own so you can save some of your money, use a miter saw or circular saw to cut them.

8. Position the railing. Measure from the top portion of the upper post of the stairway to the top portion of your decking material. Move such measurements to the post found on the bottom part of the stairs.  Then, position the railing just against the posts at the bottom and top levels of the stairs. Using pencil marks, the top edge should be aligned and then clamped. Use the railing as your guide in putting a diagonal mark across every post. This time, you can now make cuts using a jig saw or reciprocating saw.

   Gather the bottom and top rails on a workbench or saw horse. Find the middle. To make the marks easier, just cut a 4 inch spacer block. You now have even space marks both on the bottom and top rails, and you are ready to mount your balusters.

For additional updates on how to build a deck railing, it is suggested that you visit the local building code enforcement department. Failure to follow local building code requirements may result in a number of problems later on, especially when the time comes that you need to sell your house. Before you can sell your house, you will be required to produce a survey drawing; if the deck doesn’t appear in the records of the local building office, it implies that you were not able to meet the required building permits.