When homeowners design or update a deck, they typically focus on the floor, dazzled by the array of handsome decking choices available. But another component — the railing — makes an even greater overall impact. Unlike decking, which is visible only when you are on the structure, the railing defines the appearance of the deck from any vantage point. It also affects the view from the deck and, most important, enhances safety.

Today’s deck railings are made from a variety of materials: wood, metal, cable, glass, plastic and wood composites. Within each of these categories you’ll find a variety of style options, and you don’t have to limit yourself to just one. Many designs incorporate combinations of materials to add visual interest.

Considering the aesthetic and safety implications and the material and style choices available, the railing may be the most important component in creating or upgrading a deck.

Choosing your style
The first step in choosing a deck railing is to determine its purpose (beyond safety, of course). Should it act as a decorative accent? Offer privacy? Enhance your view?

Whatever your preference, you’ll find options that suit it. For example, an older home with ornate details might call for a wood railing customized to match the house’s architectural features. But homeowners who prize minimal maintenance would be better served by a railing made of composite components. If you want to limit how much you see or are seen by your neighbors, a tight picket design can provide privacy. On the other hand, if you want a completely unobstructed view from the deck, a railing made of glass panels or cables practically disappears.

­­­Determining the purpose of the railing will help narrow your options to a manageable number. To review your choices and get design ideas and assistance, check out manufacturers’ and trade associations’ Web sites (see SOURCES).

All railing designs must adhere to building codes that are intended to prevent people from falling over or through the railing. So before you proceed with your design or purchase any materials, be sure that the railing system you are interested in meets local codes and will be approved by your inspector. Manufactured railing systems must pass an evaluation by the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) to be deemed code-compliant. Evaluation reports are available at the ICC-ES and manufacturers’ Web sites.

Once you have selected an approved railing system, you can complete your design and purchase materials. Manufactured systems provide instructions to walk you through this process and often offer assistance if you need it. If you choose a custom wood railing, you’ll have to create your own construction drawings and shopping list. When your design is complete, get the plan formally approved by your local building department before ordering materials.

Constructing the railing
The deck framing, deck boards and deck railing are parts of an interconnected system. Each component depends on the others to create a safe deck. The railings must be built with the same attention to structural integrity as the rest of the components.

Deck materials have changed over the years, even beyond the introduction of plastics and wood composites. Currently available solid-wood materials don’t have the same structural properties that they once did — in today’s materials, screws and nails don’t create strong enough connections to meet the railing force-resistance requirements of the building code. The railing must be able to withstand a single concentrated load of 200 pounds placed at any point and in any direction along the top rail. Note: IBC testing uses a safety factor of 2.5, meaning that the railing must actually withstand a load of 500 pounds of force and meet minimum-deflection limits at 200 pounds to be considered a code- compliant assembly. Metal brackets provide the best reinforcement of connections. Design the connections so that the resistance force acts across the fastener, using its shear strength (see “Post-
to-Deck Connections,” p. 35). A connection that relies on the fasteners’ shear strength can fail only if the fastener, connector or structural material breaks.

Use fasteners approved for your materials: For example, ACQ-treated lumber requires approved hot-dipped galvanized or type 304 or 316 stainless steel fasteners. Fasten the metal connectors with bolts when possible; otherwise use at least No. 8 screws (though No. 10 are preferable). Always use compatible metal connectors and fasteners to prevent corrosion.

A sturdy railing starts with a secure post connection. The structural integrity of many railing systems relies solely on the strength of the post connections. Don’t notch the posts, and never place the post on the deck boards and attempt to toe-nail it in place. The posts should be bolted to the inside or outside face of the rim joist and connected to the adjacent joists with metal brackets.

Some types of railings must be assembled in place on the deck. If the railing is divided into sections that fit between the posts, I prefer to build the sections in the shop or on a worktable set up in the yard. I build each section slightly long and then trim it to fit between the posts. When possible, use brackets to secure railing sections between posts.

Building a railing requires attention to many details, but considering the amount of money you will invest in materials and the importance of safety for the people who will use the deck, it’s worth the effort. Follow approved building codes and use exterior-rated materials to create a railing that will not only enhance the appearance of your home but also provide a great place to rest a drink for many years to come. 

 

Sources


Deck Images (glass panels), 877-446-7397
Deckorators (metal balusters and faux-stone post covers), 800-332-5724
Dixie-Pacific (composite rail), 800-468-5993
Feeney Wire Rope & Rigging (Cable Rail) 800-888-2418
Southern Pine Council, (253) 620-7400
Veranda (composite rail), 800-230-7547
Western Red Cedar Lumber Association 866-778-9096


CONNECTORS
DeckLok Bracket Systems
(DeckLok Bracket and RailLok Bracket) 866-617-3325
Simpson Strong-Tie (post bracket HD2AHDG, railing bracket FB24 and FB24R), 800-999-5099
USP Structural Connectors, 800-328-5934

INFORMATION
International Code Council (deck material evaluations), www.icc-es.org