Building Handrails For Deck Stairs

Deck stair handrails handrails are installed on stairs to assist in ascending and descending by providing something to grasp for balance.

Building handrails for deck stairs.

These stair railing posts have coordinating secondary handrails that will create a clean line along your concrete stairs. Would a complete deck railing section add the missing element to your backyard space. Shorter than the others. Fasten the third 2 by 4 to the posts with railing brackets.

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. Handrails are required on stairways and must meet specific guidelines. And you won t need any hard math to figure it out though your calculations must be accurate. See how to build deck stairs for more information make the bottom tread cut 1 1 2 in.

Building codes require any flight of stairs with four or more rises to be built with a handrail on at least one side. 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. Lay out and cut the stringers. Building deck stair balusters install the first deck stair railing using an electric screwdriver and 3 wood screws.

You don t need to pour a footing. How to build stair railing. Use a vertical 2 x 4 pressure treated board with routed edges or an exterior grade metal rail. 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.

Measure out the posts. Thick gravel base then pour a concrete slab or lay paving stones. Choose from vinyl stair railing kits metal stair railing kits or cable stair railing kits to create the look your landscaping need. This railing was built by edward for the staircase attached to his back deck.

For instance if you want a railing that is 36 inches 91 cm high cut posts that are perhaps 44 inches 110 cm high. Most building codes require deck railings to be between 36 inches 91 cm and 42 inches 110 cm high. First build a level landing pad for the stair stringers. The handrail is a custom build that uses the top fix rail assembly the standard railing flange and wall mounted handrail bracket.

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. But in this story we ll make it easy by showing you how to estimate step dimensions layout and cut stair stringers and assemble the stair parts. Sure building deck stairs can be tricky. For stairs with 4 or more risers most codes require a handrail on at least one side.

Cut 4x4s to be at least a little higher than the railing will be plus extra length to hang below the deck planks. Edward wanted something to grab when going up and down the stairs particularly in the winter when the steps are icy. Or more above grade.