How to install deck stair railings guardrails must be provided on the open side of a stair where it is more than 30 above the floor or grade.
Building a deck stair railing.
You ll need enough length hanging below the surface of the deck to attach the posts securely to the supports.
Before building and installing deck stair railings we have to attach the deck posts on the deck surface.
Building codes define the minimum height and strength of the railing system as well as the size of gaps in the railing they must be small enough that a small child cannot slip through.
Topics include inside vs.
After building the main deck platform locate the footings for the stair landings and pad.
The posts extra height above the railing is just for looks.
Mount posts on the inside of the rim joist if you plan to upgrade to vinyl railings later.
To learn how to mount the posts on the on the inside of the rim joists see how to build a deck.
They rest on a solid foundation and are attached to the deck with hangers.
Wood decking and railings.
The bottom post is the toughest post to make solid when you build outdoor stair railings.
Measure relative to an existing deck structure for the most accuracy.
Start by dividing the spacing of the posts to create equal distances for each rail section.
Most building codes require railings for decks over 24 inches in height and most codes require these railings to be at least 42 inches high.
Most building codes require deck railings to be between 36 inches 91 cm and 42 inches 110 cm high.
Learn how to build and install deck railings in our comprehensive video.
An inch or two higher than the railing will look nice.
Composite decking and railings.
This deck already has wood decking and deck railings installed.
Sturdy deck railings are an important safety feature for raised decks and are required by code for any deck 30 in.
Consequently according to the structure of your deck you can either anchor the posts on the floor using post anchors or you can fasten them to the deck joists using lag screws.
Outside mounted rails rail post attachment baluster spac.
An important step in building deck step railing is to stiffen up posts at the bottom of outdoor stairs or deck railings by bolting them on three sides.
Or more above grade.
Stair rails must be at least 34 high measured from the nosing of the stair treads.
Learn the details in how to build a deck.