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Homeowner’s Guide To The Best Deck Railing Installation

Whether you’re adding a deck to your home or replacing an old one, you’ll need to install a railing. This can seem like a daunting task, but we’re here to help. 

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a quick and efficient deck railing installation, from measuring and cutting the posts to attaching the balusters.

Keep in mind, though, that we would never advise anyone to do a deck railing installation by themselves. This feature is of immense importance, and you’ll want a real pro to take care of it!

By the end, you’ll be ready to enjoy your new deck!

Composite deck with steel cable railing and wood

The Benefits of an Investing in Durable Deck Railing

When it comes to outdoor living, there’s nothing better than having a deck or patio where you can relax and enjoy the sunshine. 

But if you’re planning to build or renovate a deck, one of the most important components is your railing system. Installing a durable and reliable railing is essential for both safety and style. 

Let’s take a look at why investing in a quality deck railing is well worth the cost.

Safety First

The first reason to invest in a quality deck railing system is safety. 

A strong and sturdy railing will ensure that anyone who uses your deck does so responsibly, without the risk of injury from falls or missteps. 

If you live in an area with harsh winters, make sure you choose a material that won’t become brittle during cold weather—aluminum is an excellent choice as it won’t rust or corrode no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

Added Value

A good quality deck rail adds value to your home not just in terms of safety but also its aesthetic appeal. 

There are lots of options when it comes to picking out the perfect railing for your home; aluminum offers more flexibility than wood but still provides plenty of design options, while glass railings provide maximum visibility and unparalleled style points. 

Choose something that complements both your outdoor space and the rest of your house for maximum impact!

Durability & Maintenance

It pays off to invest in good materials when building or renovating anything—this especially applies to decks! 

As mentioned before, aluminum won’t corrode or rust over time—it will last through many years of wear and tear without requiring much maintenance. Other materials such as wood may require more maintenance but still offer great durability as long as they are properly cared for with regular staining/sealing treatments. 

One of the best metal railings out there are Westbury Aluminum Railings or Fortress Building Products!

Plus, if you decide on wood railings you could always opt for composite materials which require virtually no upkeep at all!

deck railing installation of a steel cable railing

How to Install Deck Railing in 7 Simple Steps

Installing your own deck railing is an easy and affordable way to upgrade the look of your outdoor space. It can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before, but don’t worry—it’s actually a straightforward process that anyone can do. 

Here’s what you need to know about installing deck railing so you can get the job done right.

Note! Sure, you might be able to install the deck railing by yourself if you have at least some experience and the right tools, but what if you don’t? Our best advice is to work with a professional and install your railing in accordance to the codes in CO. Besides, they’ll look much better!

Step 1: Measure Your Deck Area

Before you start, you need to know exactly how much material you’ll need. 

Measure the length of your deck area and determine how many post holes and rails you’ll need for your desired railing system. 

You’ll also want to take into account any obstructions, such as staircases or posts when measuring out your deck area so that your measurements are accurate.

Step 2: Buy Your Materials

Once you have all of your measurements handy, it’s time to buy the materials for your project. 

You’ll need posts, balusters (the vertical supports between the top rail and bottom rail), a top rail, a bottom rail, post caps, screws or nails, and any other necessary hardware. 

Make sure every piece of hardware fits together correctly before moving on to step three.

Step 3: Mark Out Post Locations

Using stakes and string or chalk lines, mark out where each post will go on the perimeter of the deck area. 

Make sure each marker is level with the rest so that there won’t be any unevenness when installing the posts later on.

Step 4: Dig Post Holes

Once all of your markers are in place, it’s time to dig out each post hole using either a power auger or a shovel. 

The holes should be at least 6 inches deep for stability and support. 

If needed, use the concrete mix to fill in any gaps around the posts once they’re installed so that everything is secure and level with one another.

Step 5: Install Posts

Now it’s time to install each post into its respective hole, making sure that each one is completely level with one another before securing them into place with a concrete mix or another fast-setting adhesive like epoxy or glue. 

After every post has been secured into place let them sit until completely dry before continuing on with step six!

Step 6: Attach Balusters and Rails

Now that all of your posts have been installed securely into place, it’s time to attach balusters along both sides of the deck area using galvanized screws or nails, which can be found at most hardware stores near the fasteners section! 

Once all of those have been attached, then attach both top rails and bottom rails along both sides as well, making sure they’re all level with one another before moving onto step seven!

In the image that you see, we installed steel cable railing in combination with a beautiful composite balustrade.

Deck Railing In Colorado By Land Designs By Colton

Step 7: Install Post Caps

Finally add some decorative touches by adding post caps onto each post which will help protect them from rainwater damage as well as give it a more polished look overall! 

Make sure these are screwed into place tightly so they don’t come loose over time due to weathering effects like sun exposure, snow etc… 

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed a new deck railing around your outdoor space!

Composite decking with metal railing and wood balustrade

Conclusion

Now that you know more about deck railings, the installation process should be a breeze. 

However, what are the chances that you’ll install the deck railings like a professional does? It only takes a small mistake to mess everything up and compromise the safety of your deck.

If you need help building a deck or installing deck railings, our team at Land Designs By Colton is always happy to lend a helping hand. We have years of experience in the outdoor improvement industry and would be more than happy to share our expertise with you. 

Contact us today by requesting a free quote or by giving us a ring at (720) 580-3677 to get started on your next project!