3 Steps to Safely Install Deck Railing
If you’re looking to bring your dream outdoor living space to life, it’s important to think about all the details of the deck. One of the most important aspects of an outdoor space involves installing deck railing for added safety, aesthetics, and privacy. Not only is it essential to complete the look of your outdoor living space, but it also needs to be done correctly to ensure your deck is up to code. While the refined beauty of deck railing might make the installation process intimidating, it’s much more approachable with the right support.
The good news is that there are plenty of resources for DIYers and contractors alike for safely installing railing. Below, you’ll find three key steps that will set you and your deck railing project up for success.
1. Follow the Deck Railing Code for Your Area
If you’re trying to figure out how to install deck railing, the first step is making sure that you follow the building codes for your area. For example, the first floor of a residential deck needs to have a 36-inch rail to meet building code. Another important code to know is that you’re required to have a guard rail for any deck steps that are 30 inches off the ground. Once you know all the codes to follow, the specifications for any railing you’ll need to install becomes more focused.
While older deck railing has the posts installed on the outside of the deck, many current building codes call for a stronger solution. Be prepared to install the deck railing inside the deck framing. You’ll also want to verify the requirement for attaching the railing system to the deck or deck frame. If this stage of the installation process isn’t code required, then be sure to follow the directions for how to attach the railing provided by the manufacturer. It’s also important to check your local building codes to ensure the height of your deck railing is in compliance.
2. Follow Manufacturer’s Deck Railing Installation Instructions
No matter what type of railing system you’re looking to install, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. While it’s tempting to take on the challenge of figuring it out on your own, the step-by-step directions provided by railing manufacturers is designed to ensure safety and long-term performance. Many manufacturers like Envision go through extensive research and testing to help give deck railing installations the best results.
In addition, if you install a railing system differently than what’s outlined in the manufacturer’s instructions, you’ll likely void the product’s warranty. If you have any questions about a specific deck railing installation, you can always follow up with the manufacturer. At Envision Outdoor Living Products, we have detailed installation resources for all the products in our Fairway Railing Collection.
3. Make Sure to Use Everything in the Box
When you get a deck railing kit, make sure to go through all the items in the box before you start an installation. This is important since all the components outlined in the instructions need to be included in the deck railing installation. Railing kits are designed to work with specific deck fasteners to help ensure the safety and meet the specs for the type of railing you’re installing.
Even if there are some components in a railing kit that don’t seem important to your outdoor living space, make sure to install them. For example, some deck railing kits will come with a foot block. A foot block might not seem necessary to install deck railing when you begin the project, but there’s a reason why it was included in the kit: Foot blocks prevent people from stepping on parts of the railing that can be damaged by the pressure of human weight.
Find Your Ideal Deck Railing at Envision Outdoor Living
When you’re looking to add railing to an outdoor living space, the experts at Envision are here to help. Our Fairway Railing Collection has a variety of styles and materials that are perfect for almost any project. Plus, all the deck railing options in the Fairway Railing Collection come with detailed installation instructions to set you up for success. Request your own personal quote for any of our railing products today.
