Building Handrails For Deck Stairs

This railing was built by edward for the staircase attached to his back deck.

Building handrails for deck stairs.

But in this story we ll make it easy by showing you how to estimate step dimensions layout and cut stair stringers and assemble the stair parts. The handrail is a custom build that uses the top fix rail assembly the standard railing flange and wall mounted handrail bracket. Sure building deck stairs can be tricky. And you won t need any hard math to figure it out though your calculations must be accurate.

First build a level landing pad for the stair stringers. For stairs with 4 or more risers most codes require a handrail on at least one side. Lay out and cut the stringers. Building codes require any flight of stairs with four or more rises to be built with a handrail on at least one side.

Edward wanted something to grab when going up and down the stairs particularly in the winter when the steps are icy. How to build stair railing. Just dig out and compact a minimum 4 in. Now lay the first 2 by 4 on the flat top of the third and fasten it to the posts and the third 2 by 4 with screws.

Stair railing and balusters diy deck stairs handrails measure up the posts to the railing height minus 1 1 2 inches and mark the posts. Thick gravel base then pour a concrete slab or lay paving stones. Choose from vinyl stair railing kits metal stair railing kits or cable stair railing kits to create the look your landscaping need. See how to build deck stairs for more information make the bottom tread cut 1 1 2 in.

If you choose the 2 x 4 handrail you can use a piece of 2 x material to create a 1 1 2 inch gap between the top rail and the handrail. These stair railing posts have coordinating secondary handrails that will create a clean line along your concrete stairs. Or more above grade. Sturdy deck railings are an important safety feature for raised decks and are required by code for any deck 30 in.

Measure out the posts. Fasten the third 2 by 4 to the posts with railing brackets. Cut 4x4s to be at least a little higher than the railing will be plus extra length to hang below the deck planks. Building deck stair balusters install the first deck stair railing using an electric screwdriver and 3 wood screws.

Deck stair handrails handrails are installed on stairs to assist in ascending and descending by providing something to grasp for balance. Building codes define the minimum height and strength of the railing system as well as the size of gaps in the railing they must be small enough that a small child cannot slip through. You don t need to pour a footing. Handrails are required on stairways and must meet specific guidelines.

Would a complete deck railing section add the missing element to your backyard space. Use a vertical 2 x 4 pressure treated board with routed edges or an exterior grade metal rail. At first you should use the electric screwdriver at low speeds and as the screw enters in the wood you have to increase the speed.