Were wrapping things up on this deck, we've gone from planning the design to building the stairs and now you’re ready to install the railings. After that, we have a few more things to do so let's get to work.
Besides the railing we’ll install skirting around the base of the deck. And then we’ll touch on some necessary maintenance for our deck but first on the list are the railings. Now, when you install your railings you should follow any local building codes such as rail heights and balusters spacing. You can buy preassembled railings at Lowes or build your own like were doing. Now were going to notch our post at the top and bottom, attached the balusters to the joists and 2x4 along the top and then add the top rail made of 5/4 decking, to do all that we’ll need our post, balusters, 2x4’s and 5/4 decking. A tape measure, pencil and square, a level, a post level, a circular saw and a hand saw, a miter saw is great for cutting quarter joists, a three pound hammer, a drill with bits, a socket wrench and a sockets, carriage of bolts, washers and nuts, screws, work gloves, dust mask and safety glasses. Be sure to check out the printable instructions for this part of the project at Lowes.com/videos we put together a complete list of tools and materials along with additional building information.
Now, the first thing to do is figure out how many posts you’ll need and where to locate them. Building codes may require a maximum spacing between post usually between six and eight feet. You should figure on having post next to the house and post at the outside corners and don’t forget to place them at the top of the stairs. Now here how to figure out how many post you’ll need. Measure the distance between two corner posts and divide by the distance allowed between post, round up to the nearest whole number and then subtract one for instance on this side without the stairs is 15” divide it by 5” to get three minus one, so well need two post in between. Just make sure the posts are evenly spaced.
Then mark the position of the post on the joists. Start by cutting the posts to length, then cut notches at the bottom you’ll need to remove the width of the floor joist plus the decking thickness at the depth of one and a half inches, also knocks the top of the 2/4. Use a circular saw and finish the cut for the hand saw. Next clamp the post in place, make sure they're plum. Drill two holes and attach the post with carriage bolts, for extra support along the end joists, attach bracing adjacent to the post with screws.
So with all of our post in place were going to install the 2/4 at the top. Attached them with screws, use a miter saw to cut corner joints and joints on the stair rail. Then attach the balusters and now you can't buy them precut or you even cut them yourself. They need to be flushed with the 2/4 rail and extend to about the middle of the joist. Evenly spaced the balusters at the top end bottom and then keep them plum. We can use a spacer to ensure equal distance between balusters.
Now attach the top rail with screws 5/4 decking makes a great top rail because it has a smoother surface than regular lumber. So with our railings attached were going to install lattice skirting around the bottom of your deck, now this may not be required by your building code, but it really finishes the look. Here’s what we’ll need the lattice 2/4 a tape measure, saw horses, a circular saw, screws and a trash bag or container for recycling wood.
We’ll start by screwing 2x4 cleats to the inside of the joists, extending down a little bit. Measure the area to be cover. The most lattice comes in 4x8 sections, so you may have to cut them to fit. Notch the lattice around the beams and attach it for the cleats with screws. After you’ve completed the construction of your deck, call your local building inspector for one last inspection. Now, when you pass inspection call your local recycling center for treated lumber disposal instructions, do not burn the wood. Later we’ll apply a weather sealer; we’ll allow our treated lumber to dry at least two months before sealing. Check the requirements for your sealer.
For some tips watch Clean and Treat Your Deck at Lowes.com/Videos, finally add some furniture and plants to your new outdoor space. Building a deck will definitely take some time to complete but in the end it’s worth it. For other home improvement projects outdoor and indoor check out the how to videos at Lowes.com/videos.
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