The addition of a deck to your home adds a lot to the enjoyment of your home along with market value. However, it can become a safety hazard and resell liability if its railings are weak or loose. If you install deck-railing posts the right way, you can avoid both of these issues. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you out.
Before installing your deck, consult building codes and obtained the proper permits. Within local building codes, look at specific sections defining various requirements like:
Before you start cutting posts and drilling holes to mount them, determine where you intend to place primary posts and clearly mark their location. Primary posts include:
Once you have marked the location of these primary posts, layout the locations of the intermediate posts, or the posts that will be installed between corner and stair posts. Intermediate posts are set between primary posts with spans not exceeding six feet(or other local code dimension) between posts. Do this before cutting and installing so you will have an accurate figure for purchasing the required amount of stock.
Calculating the right length to cut railing posts includes several elements. The beginning point is the height requirement of your local code, which is commonly 36", 42" or a range between the two. Keep in mind that this height includes the cap or rail and the dimension is from the floor of your deck.
Since you will install railing posts before your deck floor is installed, the railing and deck floor thicknesses cancel each other out. That leaves you with the required height, plus the width of your 2×10 deck frame member. For example, posts for a 36" height railing will be 36 + 9 ½" = 45 ½".
Measure twice and cut once to avoid material waste due to cutting errors.
With your posts cut and ready to install, it is time to start setting your posts, which includes a series of steps:
Some codes require the addition of tension ties. Follow the proper directions and guidelines for installing tension ties to complete your job before moving onto installing the deck railing and deck floor.
A backyard deck is a great place to enjoy some quality time with family and friends while also adding value to your home. It is more enjoyable if your deck is safe. A major component in deck safety is installing deck-railing posts the right way. Worthington Millwork is a great resource to call upon when it comes to planning and installing your deck. Contact us to find out how we can serve you.
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