A deck railing is much more than just a pretty feature; it’s a critical part of your deck’s structure, providing safety and structural integrity. Without it, a deck is essentially a raised platform that poses significant risk of injury from a fall.
But simply installing a deck railing doesn’t automatically make your deck safe and reliable. It needs to be done well. That said, even the most experienced DIY enthusiasts can make mistakes when they’re building and installing them—mistakes that could lead to costly repairs or even injury. Avoiding these pitfalls can save you time, money, and in some cases, lawsuits, so let’s shed some light on the common mistakes and how you can avoid them.
Mistake 1: Incorrect Measurements
When it comes to measurements, you need to be precise. “Close enough” won’t cut it here. At best, it’ll result in something you can’t “unsee” once it’s noticed. At worst, it can have a cascading effect that impacts the whole structure. You could be dealing with improper fitting, gaps, cluttered appearances, or instability.
So how do you avoid those dreaded mismeasurements on your deck rail? Try this:
- Always use a tape measure to determine the length and height of the deck area in which the railing will be installed.
- Always double check your measurements! Cutting is the point of no return for your materials. A bad measurement can result in the waste of precious supplies.
- That said, you should always have some extra materials on hand to account for possible mistakes.
When you measure everything with care, you’ll achieve that desired seamless fit and avoid wasting too much material on your deck rail.
Mistake 2: Choosing the Wrong Materials
Not all materials are created equal. Your selection can have a big impact on your deck’s structural integrity, safety, and longevity. That’s why it’s good to take your deck design or the climate you live in into account when making this important decision. As an example, it’s not advisable to use untreated wood in an area with high moisture that will quickly rot or warp it.
Here are a few pointers for selecting your deck railing materials:
- Consider the weather-resistant qualities of each option. If your deck will be subjected to frequent rain or high humidity, use composite, vinyl, or treated wood.
- Make sure your deck doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb! The materials you choose will have a visual impact on your home, so you want to go with something that complements your house well.
- Want to truly understand the best options for your specific project? Get in touch with a professional deck builder who can steer you in the right direction.
Mistake 3: Improper Spacing Between Balusters
This one would be right at home as part of our first tip, but it’s such a prominent mistake that it needs to get its own callout. Improper baluster spacing can make your deck railing look pretty awkward, but there’s more to it than that. If the spacing is too wide between balusters in even one spot, adventurous children or pets can slip through.
Here’s how you can make sure your balusters are done right:
- Safety guidelines dictate that there should be no more than 4 inches between balusters, so measure and install each one accordingly.
- To make sure you achieve uniformity, use a spacing template during installation.
- Measure and mark each placement before actually attaching balusters.
Proper spacing helps your deck meet safety standards and look good doing it!
Mistake 4: Failing to Secure Posts properly
Posts are the backbone of your deck railing installation. If they’re weak or loose, it can compromise structural integrity and put everyone at risk. You can avoid it by using heavy-duty brackets and bolts to secure each post to the frame. Ensure every post is level before tightening by using a level. Finally, provide additional support to the base of each post with blocking. If you take these steps, your foundation will be stable and everyone who uses the deck can enjoy it safely.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Local Building Codes
Building codes don’t exist to make your deck rail project stressful. They’re in place to ensure safety, and overlooking them can lead to fines or safety issues. You’ll need to redo your work, as well, compounding the monetary fallout of such a mistake. To avoid these troubles, you’ll have to adhere to height requirements, spacing guidelines, and material standards.
So how do you stay in compliance? Start by doing some research on local building codes and consulting with your local permitting office before your project begins. They can provide you with the rules around safety and structural requirements, as well as guidelines around materials or any other area-specific requirements. And of course, consult a professional deck contractor if there’s any doubt you’ll be able to stay in compliance. They do this day in and day out, so they’ll be able to help you follow the rules and avoid headaches down the road.
Great Deck Railing Installation is Within Reach!
A decking project is a big undertaking—the deck railing especially so. Careful preparation and execution is required from start to finish. When you avoid the common mistakes we outlined above—incorrect measurements, bad material selection, improper baluster spacing, failing to secure posts properly, and ignoring building codes—you’re well on your way to having a deck that will stay sound and safe for years to come.
If you’re in need of quality supplies for your deck railing installation, we’re always happy to help! Reach out to us or stop by our lumber yard and hardware store for a glimpse of what a great deck is made of!
