Deck Railing Plans

This step by step diy project is about deck railing plans. Building deck railing is a straight forward project, if the right plans, techniques and tools are used. First of all you need to decide the design of the railing, making sure it matches the style of your house and backyard. Work with attention and with great care, if you want to get the job done as a professional, planning everything form the very beginning.

When building a deck there are many requirements you have to comply with. Therefore, we strongly recommend you to study the local building codes before starting the construction of your deck, as to get a professional result. There are many things you should take into account, such as the distance between the balusters, the height of the deck or the materials you have to use. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 2×4 lumber – 46″ long POSTS
• B – 2×4 lumber BOTTOM RAIL
• C – 2×6 lumber TOP RAIL
• D – 2×3 lumber – 33″ long BALUSTERS

• 2 1/2″ screws
• 1 5/8″ screws
• wood filler
• wood glue
• wood stain

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Part 1: Outdoor Deck Plans
• Part 2: Deck Framing Plans
• Part 3: Deck Stairs Plans
• Part 4: Deck Railing Plans
• Part 5: Deck Stair Railing Plans

Building deck railing plans

Building–deck-railing

Top Tip: There are many designs you could choose when building deck railings. Therefore, you should study the alternatives and take a decision, according to the style of your deck and house.

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Deck Railing Plans

Posts-and-baluster-supports

The first step of the project is to build the posts and the balusters. As you can see in the image, you need to use 2×2 lumber for the balusters and 2×4 lumber for the posts. The posts are designed for 2×8 joists and a handrail made of 2×6 lumber.

Cutting the notches is easy, if you make several parallel cuts with a circular saw. Next, use a chisel to clean the recess and a sandblock to even out the surface.

Installing the posts

Continue the project by installing the posts into place. As you can notice in the free plans, you should leave about 48″ between the posts. In addition leave about 5″ from the posts to the edges of the framing.

When installing the posts into place, you need to plumb them with a spirit level. In this manner, you can get a professional result and build deck railing with a nice appearance.

Securing the posts to the framing

Securing the posts to the joists is a straight-forward project, if the right plans and tools are used. Align the posts and drill pilot holes, in order to prevent the wood from splitting.

Top Tip: Next, insert 5″ lag bolts to secure them to the deck framing. Use washers when inserting the bolts, otherwise you might damage the wooden components. Leave about 3/4″ from the edges, to prevent the wood from splitting.

Railing joints

Continue the woodworking project by installing the bottom and top railings. As you can see in the image, you need to fit the 2×4 and 2×6 components into the notches cut out inside the posts.

If you need to use several components for the bottom and top railings, you need to create strong joints. As you can notice in the image, cut the ends of the the components at 45º, drill pilot holes and insert 3″ galvanized screws.

Fitting the rails to the posts

In addition, joining the railings in corners is not complicated, if the right plans and tools are used. Cut the ends of the components at 45º and join them together with 3″ galvanized screws. Drill pilot holes, to prevent the woof from splitting.

Fitting-the-deck-balusters

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to install the balusters. Use 2×2 lumber to build the balusters, as in the image. Cut the ends of the balusters at 45º, in order to add character to your deck.

Place the balusters to the railing, align them at both ends and secure them with 2 1/2″ screws. Place a wood block between the balusters to get even gaps (between 3-5″) and consistent results.

Smoothing the handrails

If you want to enhance the the look of the deck railing, you could use a router to round the exposed edges of the components. Use a 3/4″ bit and go along the handrails, until you get the desired look.

Deck railing plans

Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the holes with wood putty and let the compound to dry out for several hours. Smooth the surface with medium-grit sandpaper along the wood grain.

Top Tip: Apply several coats of stain or paint to enhance the look of the deck stairs  and to protect the components from decay. Check out the rest of the project, to how how to build the deck stair rails.

This project was about deck stairs plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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