Deck Railing

Smoke · 10-23-2011, 08:34 AM

Hello,
I am installing the cap piece on my deck railing. On the long run I joined two pieces together by putting a 45 degree cut on the ends of each board (Scarf Joint?) My question is, I am now coming to the ends of my deck where it is angled like an octagon. Once I find the angles that I need to cut the boards, do I also "Scarf" joint them or just butt joint them? (IE: The angle will be 22 1/2 to make a 45, but do I also use the compound mitre to make a scarf joint?)

**kwikfishron** · 10-23-2011, 08:56 AM

I never do it that way but you certainly could.

Joeychgo · 10-23-2011, 09:00 AM

I would think a butt joint would be fine.

Daniel Holzman · 10-23-2011, 09:05 AM

A butt joint with a biscuit works very well.

woodworkbykirk · 10-23-2011, 10:01 AM

but joints are the most common.. making a scarf joint on the end is just time consuming

**kwikfishron** · 10-23-2011, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wooworkbykirk

making a scarf joint on the end is just time consuming

DIY just might have the time. Couldn’t be a bad thing with wood since the heels usually open up on you some day anyway.

Smoke · 10-23-2011, 10:53 AM

Thanks for all the replies, I think I'm just going to butt the angles. When you start "Scarfing" the chances of all those edges lining up perfectly gets slim with the way the different pieces of wood lay. Thanks again!