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Deck railings play a vital role in protecting you and your family. Improperly
installed deck railings lead to death and injuries every year due to failed deck
railings. It is critical that deck railings be installed correctly and to proper
building codes. Before designing and building a deck, permits should be pulled
so that the deck design can be checked for safety and conformance to local and
industry building codes.
Deck Railing System Styles and Types
Besides their structural purposes, deck railings also play an important role in
providing aesthetic beauty to your deck and home.
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Though wooden deck railings have been the norm for centuries, there are other
deck railing material types available today that offer lower maintenance, and
numerous styles and options. Besides wood, deck railings are also constructed
out of composite materials, PVC, and metal. Typically these products are much
more expensive than wooden deck railing material but are lower maintenance and
last much longer. In addition, deck railing systems are also available today
with built in channels for routing electrical wiring for deck lighting.
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Besides deck railing material types
there are also a plethora of deck railing styles to choose from. With wood deck
rail systems, deck post and balusters are available in a wide variety of
options. In addition, deck railings can be constructed in a number of different
ways to provide various finished looks. Prefabricated metal and composite deck
railing systems are also available in numerous styles and sizes.
Deck Railing Construction Tips
When building deck railings it is vitally important that the deck posts are
properly attached to the deck floor joists.
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| Preferably, through bolts should be used with large washers on the front and
back sides of them. Lag bolts typically do not hold deck posts as well,
particularly if they are over-tightened. In addition, wood blocking should be
used to add even additional rigidity to the deck posts. Also, always use
stainless steel fasteners when building a deck and installing deck railings. Non
stainless steel fasteners either corrode and/or bleed unsightly stains. If you are building wood deck railings, paint or stain the deck railing
pieces before assembling them. |
Photo by Mark Donovan |
And whenever cuts are made, touch up the ends with paint or stain prior to
installing the deck railing pieces. Exposed deck railing pieces, even attached
end pieces, will wick moisture and lead to rot in short order.
For help on building a new Deck, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Deck Installation Bid Sheet.
The
Deck Installation Bid Sheet
will teach your how to hire the right deck contractor, and help to
ensure that your deck project is completed on time and budget.
How to Finance your Deck Project
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can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if
financing is required.
Additional Deck Information
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