Deck Rails to Posts...How?

Melanie337 · 02-17-2008, 05:21 PM

I'm installing milled railings between my deck posts. I'm wondering what tips people have for fastening these. They get fastened between the 4x4 posts, not on screwed top like some. I can screw from the side (like toe-nailing?) but that leaves a messy hole. Any suggestions? Thanks! Melanie

Kingfisher · 02-17-2008, 10:16 PM

realy depends on the rail, maybe you could fasten them from the bottom upward an hide the hole completely. Its hard to say without seeing your rails

robertcdf · 02-18-2008, 07:22 PM

These connectors are an option. You can also "toe screw" just make sure you predrill. If you go this route you can use trim head screws and just put them in from the backside. Almost all of mine are toe screwed from the back with GRK T-10 trim head screws. I also do a 5/4 X 6 top cap so I also put one in the 2x4 on the top then the 5/4 covers it.

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 02-18-2008, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertcdf

These connectors are an option...

Nice mounting option....

BuiltByMAC · 02-21-2008, 02:01 AM

If, by milled, you mean shaped, the Deckorator connectors wouldn't work. You could build each rail section first before installing - top rail, balusters, bottom rail and put a baluster flush with each end of your top and bottom rails. You can then run 3" screws through these outside balusters into the 4x post for a solid connection. Predrill your screw holes to prevent baluster from splitting.

Edit to add: Obviously, the balusters would need to be SECURELY fastened to your top/bottom rails for this to be a solid connection.

Good luck with your project,

Mac

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 02-21-2008, 08:03 AM

FWIW: (As Mac sugggested) -We generally build our railing sections separately, then install them between the railing posts.
That method is the quickest way to do deck railings.
It can also increase the options that you have for mounting and securing the railings.
Lastly, it can give you more control to ensure that the railing sections are all the same dimensions and consistent with each other.

02-17-2008, 05:21 PM	#1
Melanie337 Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 60	Deck Rails to Posts...How? I'm installing milled railings between my deck posts. I'm wondering what tips people have for fastening these. They get fastened between the 4x4 posts, not on screwed top like some. I can screw from the side (like toe-nailing?) but that leaves a messy hole. Any suggestions? Thanks! Melanie

02-17-2008, 10:16 PM	#2
Kingfisher Woodworker and Contractor Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Tampa FL Posts: 224	Deck Rails to Posts...How? realy depends on the rail, maybe you could fasten them from the bottom upward an hide the hole completely. Its hard to say without seeing your rails

02-18-2008, 07:22 PM	#3
robertcdf Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 625	Deck Rails to Posts...How? These connectors are an option. You can also "toe screw" just make sure you predrill. If you go this route you can use trim head screws and just put them in from the backside. Almost all of mine are toe screwed from the back with GRK T-10 trim head screws. I also do a 5/4 X 6 top cap so I also put one in the 2x4 on the top then the 5/4 covers it. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

02-21-2008, 02:01 AM	#5
BuiltByMAC Custom Deck Builder Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Eugene, OR Posts: 76	Deck Rails to Posts...How? If, by milled, you mean shaped, the Deckorator connectors wouldn't work. You could build each rail section first before installing - top rail, balusters, bottom rail and put a baluster flush with each end of your top and bottom rails. You can then run 3" screws through these outside balusters into the 4x post for a solid connection. Predrill your screw holes to prevent baluster from splitting. Edit to add: Obviously, the balusters would need to be SECURELY fastened to your top/bottom rails for this to be a solid connection. Good luck with your project, Mac Attached Thumbnails

02-21-2008, 08:03 AM	#6
AtlanticWBConst. Lic. Builder/GC/Remodeler Join Date: May 2006 Location: New England Posts: 7,554	Deck Rails to Posts...How? FWIW: (As Mac sugggested) -We generally build our railing sections separately, then install them between the railing posts. That method is the quickest way to do deck railings. It can also increase the options that you have for mounting and securing the railings. Lastly, it can give you more control to ensure that the railing sections are all the same dimensions and consistent with each other. __________________ - Build Well -

Deck Rails to Posts...How?