#Installing stair railing on deck how to
#Installing stair railing on deck install
#Installing stair railing on deck code

#Installing stair railing on deck install

Once IвЂ™m certain that the outer stringers are set correctly, I install a solid 2x sub-riser-ripped to the first riser height-and I attach it with more HeadLOK screws. width of the stairs for parallel before moving on. ItвЂ™s always a good idea to make sure that the bottom riser is at the proper elevation-thatвЂ™s where most mistakes are made in stringer layout (see Solving Porch Problems). вЂ¦and then I drill pilot holes with a hammer drill into the concrete for Tapcon screws, which secure the bottom board to the concrete. I use FastenMaster HeadLOK screws to secure the outside stringers into the bottom plateвЂ¦ This plate serves two purposes: it keeps the two outer stringers parallel, and it provides a solid nailer for attaching the bolts that hold the bottom stair assembly together. I wrap the bottom of that plate with Ice & Water Shield to protect it from the concrete. Next I take a 2Г—12 or 2Г—10 and cut it to fit in between the bottoms of the outer stringers. вЂ¦making sure the top steps of the stringers are level. The post is secured to the hanger board and blocking with FastenMasterВ ThruLOK bolts.ДЄfter making the necessary cut off the bottom of the first step of the two outer stringersвЂ¦ I install them with Simpson Strong-TieВ stringer hangersвЂ¦ I use 2x stock for hanger boards, and whenever possible I attach the hanger boards to the tails of the deck posts to add strength to the railing and help support the hanger board. Next I mark on-center spacing for each stringer. Once all the stringers are finished, I mark the layout, starting with the level line at the height of the first riser-measuring down on the rim joist from the top of the finished decking. I use my grinder with a sanding disc to remove any irregularities. After the stringers are carefully cut, I clamp all the stringers together to check them for uniformity. on center (just for the stairs not the deck itself). With some PVC decking, it can be as close as 9 in. That is due to the decking manufacturerвЂ™s span limitations for stair stringers-in this case, about 11 in. Start with the StringersДЇirst, youвЂ™ll probably notice in some of these photos that there are a few more stringers than normal.

#Installing stair railing on deck code

Since then, IвЂ™ve started using a second approach that is a bit more acceptable given recent changes in code requirements for continuous handrail. ThatвЂ™s when I came up with the first technique in this article. Because of the overall length and height of the stairs, and the span limitations for the composite railing, I had to move the bottom posts back a few inches to make sure I could span between the mid-post and the bottom post.

#Installing stair railing on deck how to

Learn how to install composite railings.Two years ago, I worked on a large deck project with a good-sized set of stairs. How to Install Composite Deck & Porch RailingsД¬omposite deck railings are a low-maintenance option that requires minimal upkeep, and is available in easy-to-install kits and systems. While balusters may be the most expensive railing component, theyвЂ™re one of the most important and crucial to your railingвЂ™s safety and adherence to IRC codes. Learn how to install sturdy deck rail posts to give your railing greater stability. Parts of a Wood or Composite Deck RailingДЇrom railing caps to balusters, learn about the different parts and components of deck railings.Д¬urrent building codes call for stronger posts that need to be installed prior to adding decking. If you plan on tightening your spacing of balusters, make sure you order extra balusters. The manufacturer recommends 4 3/8' on center spacing for 3/4' steel balusters. The width of this jig was cut to 1 1/4' wide to fit inside the channel in the top rail and center on the bottom rail. Build a jig using scrap material to assist in drilling the baluster connector locations.