Building Handrails For Deck Stairs

These stair railing posts have coordinating secondary handrails that will create a clean line along your concrete stairs.

Building handrails for deck stairs.

Cut 4x4s to be at least a little higher than the railing will be plus extra length to hang below the deck planks. You don t need to pour a footing. For stairs with 4 or more risers most codes require a handrail on at least one side. Building deck stair balusters install the first deck stair railing using an electric screwdriver and 3 wood screws.

For instance if you want a railing that is 36 inches 91 cm high cut posts that are perhaps 44 inches 110 cm high. How to build stair railing. Deck stair handrails handrails are installed on stairs to assist in ascending and descending by providing something to grasp for balance. 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.

Most building codes require deck railings to be between 36 inches 91 cm and 42 inches 110 cm high. The handrail is a custom build that uses the top fix rail assembly the standard railing flange and wall mounted handrail bracket. 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. Just dig out and compact a minimum 4 in.

Sturdy deck railings are an important safety feature for raised decks and are required by code for any deck 30 in. Building codes require any flight of stairs with four or more rises to be built with a handrail on at least one side. Shorter than the others. And you won t need any hard math to figure it out though your calculations must be accurate.

Edward wanted something to grab when going up and down the stairs particularly in the winter when the steps are icy. Sure building deck stairs can be tricky. 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. Would a complete deck railing section add the missing element to your backyard space.

Measure out the posts. First build a level landing pad for the stair stringers. This railing was built by edward for the staircase attached to his back deck. 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.

Use a vertical 2 x 4 pressure treated board with routed edges or an exterior grade metal rail. See how to build deck stairs for more information make the bottom tread cut 1 1 2 in. 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.

Handrails are required on stairways and must meet specific guidelines. Fasten the third 2 by 4 to the posts with railing brackets. Or more above grade.