Deck Railing installation

[Gramps]

Originally Posted by Toujours Pret

I'm surprised they let it fly like that when it was built

It looks like it had railing at one point.
I would think someone made a weekend project, took the railing down and installed the screen. It definitely is not safe now.

[Spartacavolus]

Decks Unlimited. They are doing a tear down and rebuild for me. Current one is old and off code. Pretty fair price.

[tri_vol]

Originally Posted by Thrasher865

I would just build similar railings as your deck, but make the posts come all the way down over your end joists. I would do a 45 degree cut at the bottom of the posts, simply for aesthetics, and then bolt them into the end joists using 2 carriage bolts per post. Since your screen is flush with the end joists, it would then be flush with the inner edge of your railing.

It looks like there was a railing there at one time, because I can see where the balusters were screwed into the end joist.

I agree.

[burntorangeVOLffle]

Originally Posted by Thrasher865

I would just build similar railings as your deck, but make the posts come all the way down over your end joists. I would do a 45 degree cut at the bottom of the posts, simply for aesthetics, and then bolt them into the end joists using 2 carriage bolts per post. Since your screen is flush with the end joists, it would then be flush with the inner edge of your railing.

It looks like there was a railing there at one time, because I can see where the balusters were screwed into the end joist.

So your saying install them on the outside?

[volger]

Maybe a full length 6-8" shelf about 16 " from floor level. Place knick knack's along the shelving. Thats what my mom has on her back porch. No children have been hurt as to date.

[YorkVol]

Originally Posted by burntorangeVOLffle

So your saying install them on the outside?

Your questions scare me. Go to lowes and sign up for one of their classes, or call a handy man who can install the railing cheaply and quickly.

[burntorangeVOLffle]

Originally Posted by YorkVol

Your questions scare me. Go to lowes and sign up for one of their classes, or call a handy man who can install the railing cheaply and quickly.

I've got "my guy"coming to look at it. I've never tried anything like this and I don't want to half ass it just to have something there. I figured this was out of my league.

Thanks for the responses.

[Thrasher865]

One thing is, if the rail is installed on the outside, that will mean taking it down any time you have to replace a screen.

[burntorangeVOLffle]

I would rather do it on the inside some how. Looking at how the outer deck is constructed I think I would have to cut into the deck and run the post down and fasten them to the joist. I don't feel comfortable trying that myself.

[Thrasher865]

Why would you have to cut into the deck? You would have to bolt it through the end joist. Or, you could screw it from the inside of the joist, into the post for the railing. There is really no other way I can see to fasten it securely. You will have to secure it to the joist.

[GmanTN]

Thrasher has given you sound advice and it is not that complicated to do

[burntorangeVOLffle]

I appreciate the advice. I'm just confused about how to attach the posts to the joist from inside the screen without cutting into the deck. I can see how from the outside.

On of the reasons I would prefer doing it on the inside is so it will line up with the outdoor section. When I inspected the outdoor part they have the support posts of the railing going on the inside of the joists and attached with two large bolts. The floor was installed around it. I'm sure that was original construction and not retro fitted like I want to do.

You see this is really two decks. The screened section is original to the house, although propbably not screened in. The out door part was added on about 4years ago by the previous owners.

[Thrasher865]

Honestly, regardless of if it lines up or not, I think it would look better and be easier on the outside. The only downside, as I mentioned, is that you won't be able to replace the screens if they are damaged without first removing the railing.

And yes, you are correct, to do it on the inside, you will have to cut the decking. You'd probably have to pull up a few boards, install the railing, then cut the decking and reinstall it. It's really not a big job if you have a little experience cutting wood.

[Thrasher865]

On another note, did you stain the deck? What kind of stain is that? I like the look of it.

[YorkVol]

Since the purpose, in addition to meeting code, is to stop his kid from tumbling off the edge of the deck, I think having someone do it for him is wise.