The first step in adding the railing to the deck is installing the posts.
We’ll show you how to do it in five simple steps.
A railing is one of the most visible parts of a deck and a critical safety feature.
Keeping both factors in mind when planning how to install railing posts is essential.
Chooselumber, for example, that’s free of cracks and splinters.
After the railing is installed, sand all the corners smoothly.
Before you begin, draw your design and double-check the sizes and measurements.
Also see to it to check local codes and include any requirements in your plan.
Set up a jig that allows you to cut all the posts to the correct length.
A 22-1/2-degree angle cut on the bottom adds a decorative touch.
Drill holes the same diameter as the carriage bolts you will use.
Staggering the holes avoids splitting the post along the grain lines.
Use a professional-qualityjigsawfor thisit’s difficult to cut straight with a cheap model.
Step 4: Clamp the Post
Clamp the post so it’s plumb in both directions.
Drill into the existing holes and through the joist.
Tap carriage bolts all the way through.
Under the deck, slip on a washer and tighten a nut for each bolt.
This is stronger than a 4x4 postattached to the deck.
They draw the baluster closer to the deck edge and make a slightly firmer joint than surface-mounted posts.
(Use a joist scrap, to be exact.)
Add the thickness of the decking and mark for the crosscut.
Cut the notch:Make a crosscut where the notch ends.
Then chisel away the remnant where the saw blade could not reach.
Complete the corner post:Make the long cuts and a shallow crosscut.
Chisel toward the crosscut and split out the waste.
Chisel down along the crosscut and the long cuts to remove the remaining remnant of wood.
