rails

How to Install Wood Hand Rails

Introduction

Deck handrails can serve as decoration for a deck. Handrails can also make the deck safer for people walking down the deck stairs. This project does not require a lot of woodworking expertise. The handrails can be as nice or as unadorned as you like. Make sure you have the proper tools before beginning work. You will be working outdoors so you may want to install the hand rails on a day that has good weather.

Difficulty: Moderately Difficult

Things You'll Need:

- Measuring tape

- Lumber

- Pencil

- Carpenter’s square

- Studs

- Electric miter saw

- Deck screws

- Screwdriver

- Carpenter’s level

Instructions

Step 1

Determine the perimeter of the deck. Write down the measurement. Figure out the amount of short pieces you will need by dividing the perimeter of the deck by how long your piece of your lumber is.

Step 2

Fit two rows of lumber along the perimeter. This will be the bottom and top of the handrail. Work your way around the lumber and draw a mark every 16 inches. Then put the carpenter’s square on top of the marks and pencil in a line across each mark. Draw an “X” by the side of every mark. This is where you will install the studs.

Step 3

Count how many studs you will need and cut the studs that you need to the height that you want your handrail to be. Use an electric miter saw to cut the studs. Don’t forget to add in two extra studs that you will attach the handrail to. These studs will be placed in the corners.

Step 4

Position the studs in the places that you previously marked for them. Attach the studs to the bottoms and tops of the handrail. Use deck screws to attach the studs.

Step 5

Pick the handrails up. Place them in the spot on the deck that needs handrails. Hold them in place with deck screws. Use a carpenter’s level to examine the handrail corners. Also inspect the ends that affix at the house.

Tip

Check out the building codes in your neighborhood so that you can build handrails that meet the town requirements.

Warning

Safety equipment, such as safety goggles, needs to be worn when working with wood.

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http://www.deckplans.com/how-to-install-wood-handrail-posts