![]() ![]() ![]() For instance, if your deck is made of boards that are 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick and the supports are 6 inches (15 cm) high, then you'll want your posts to be long enough to hang up to 7 inches (18 cm) but at least 4 inches (10 cm) below the railing You'll need enough length hanging below the surface of the deck to attach the posts securely to the supports.An inch or two higher than the railing will look nice. The posts' extra height above the railing is just for looks.Most building codes require deck railings to be between 36 inches (91 cm) and 42 inches (110 cm) high.For instance, if you want a railing that is 36 inches (91 cm) high, cut posts that are perhaps 44 inches (110 cm) high. Cut 4x4s to be at least a little higher than the railing will be, plus extra length to hang below the deck planks. You’ll also want to make 45-degree miter cuts wherever the rails caps join in a corner.Measure out the posts. It’s best to do this over a post if possible. For longer runs you may also need to join these boards at a 45-degree angle cut. The last step is to install the five-quarter rail cap, which is centered over the posts. The bottom rail is inset one-inch from the outer edge of the post. Driving the screws into the post at an angle, or “toe-screwing,” is the best way to attach them. The top rail is lined up with either edge and flush with the top of the post. ![]() After each section is assembled on the deck, we stand them up and attach them to the posts. We’re using deck screws to assemble the rails so there’s no chance of loose nails later on. The gap between the balusters should be less than four inches, so installing them on five-inch centers will work with these two-by-twos, which are one-and-a-half-inch thick. The two-by-two balusters are cut square on the top and diagonally on a 45-degree angle on the bottom. The bottom rail is positioned vertically to prevent sagging, and the top rail horizontally to provide lateral strength. The rails we’re building include three components: two-by-fours for the top and bottom rails, two-by-twos for the balusters, and five-quarter-by-six deck boards for the rail caps. Because building codes often vary, you should check with a local building department before you make that decision. In this case our rail will be 36 inches above the deck, which is common for most residential decks. We’re using our deck foundation posts for the rail posts, so they have to be cut off at a uniform height above the deck.
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