Top Cap on Deck Railing

cibula11

How often do I need to put screws in my top cap for my deck railing? Is it best just to do them in the 4x4 posts, or should I go every 16" or maybe 24".

Ron6519

The problem with putting screws in from the top is that over time the wood shrinks and water goes down the screw holes and compromises the wood. I would try to design the railing so the screws entered from the bottom.
Ron

AtlanticWBConst.

I would suggest that you do it roughly about every 12". The lumber can warp and changes it's shape as it dries, so don't just go by how it looks when you are constructing the deck rail caps and ballustrades.

As far as worrying about screws and screw areas retaining water and comprimising 2x PT cap rails...umm (that's a new one)

..... I wouldn't worry about it.

Pressure Treated lumber is preserved all the way thru the lumber. If screws and screw holes were an issue with PT lumber, you'd see thousands of owners of PT deck boards (screwed and nailed down deck boards) pursuing a classaction lawsuit....which just hasn't happened yet, and will not happen.....

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citybuilder

i agree with him!! just go forward and no need to worry..

robertcdf

12"-16" but I really did not need to say anything since Atlantic already had.

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skymaster

bout the only other thing is to use either ceramic coated or stainless screws. Both Atlantic and Robert probably do this so often it is second nature