Deck Railing Plans

If you're having your deck built or doing it yourself, deck building requires planning and forethought. Even the best deck plans can get off to a bad start if you don’t understand how your deck construction components fit together.

Deckorators offers special connection products to make installing these glass baluster infills on a wood deck rail quick and easy. A few easy steps will get your deck rail up and looking good in no time.

Before you install Deckorators Scenic Glass Deck Balusters, check with your local building inspector to verify the product made with 5/16-inch tempered safety glass matches code requirements. Your inspector can also guide you on the proper baluster spacing for deck rail construction in your area.

STEP 1: Measure and Cut
Two different rail configurations may be chosen when incorporating Scenic Glass Balusters in your deck project. If you are using 6x6-inch posts, twin top and bottom rails should be built with 2x4 lumber.

If you’re using 4x4-inch posts, choose 1-1/4-inch lumber for the twin rail construction.

STEP 2: Determine Openings
First measure the rail opening, post to post. Attach outside top and bottom rails to the posts. Scenic Balusters will be installed between two rails on the top and bottom.

Check local building codes for railing to post attaching guidelines. Keep in mind that 6 feet is the maximum recommended span for railings.

STEP 3: Connect Balusters
Measure and mark the center point between rail posts, both on the top and bottom rail.

Using a cordless drill, attach the first baluster with the stainless steel screws provided to the inside of the top and bottom rails. Turn screws only until rubber grommet starts to mushroom. Use caution not to over- tighten.

STEP 4: Placing deck rails
Choose a separator board, possibly a 2x4, which creates a 3-1/2-inch spacing between each baluster. Mark for installation of remaining glass balusters. Ideally, spacing will remain consistent across the length of the rails for the best appearance. When you have a pleasing spacing, attach the remaining balusters with provided screws.

STEP 5: Inspect
Install the inside top rail, covering the top of the balusters. This board should be attached directly to the 1st board that has the glass attached to it. It will not attach directly to the scenic glass balusters.

Install the inside bottom rail, same as above and add a rail cap to give the railing a professional, finished look.

See complete detailed instructions with illustrations here.

Using other deck baluster styles? View this blog post on proper baluster spacing.

See Deckorators full line of deck railing balusters.

In a perfect world, no one would ever have to face the challenge of trying to sell a house when there’s snow on the ground and the trees are bare. In reality, people have to sell and buy homes throughout the year.

While winter may not be the optimum season to showcase your landscaping, there is one improvement you can make that will help you boost your home’s outdoor appeal no matter what the season: a deck.

When potential buyers visit your home in winter, they might not be able to envision how green and lovely your backyard will look come spring. But they will be able to see with their own eyes the square footage that a deck adds to the home’s living space.

Decks, patios, sunrooms and porches have always been popular with home buyers, but real estate agents say that too often those spaces are neglected or not used to their best advantage. Yet outdoor improvements like a deck can significantly enhance your home’s value and appeal. In fact, at the time of resale, a deck will recoup, on average, about 73 percent of the original cost of building it, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report.

"Anything that adds living space adds value, and the least expensive way to gain space is to build a deck or turn the one you have into an outdoor room by staging it so that it flows seamlessly with the rest of the house," says Mary Beth Harrison of The Harrison Group, a Dallas-based real estate agency. "A great deck can set your home apart from others with the same interior floor plan or square footage, and deck additions typically add value when it comes time to sell."

The cooler temperatures of fall and early winter make the season a great time to add a deck to your home. Or, if you already have a deck, you can enhance its appeal by adding simple touches and accessories.

A bonus space - for example, a tiny deck or rarely used balcony off a master bedroom - can be transformed into a romantic getaway by staging it with cozy, cushioned seating and a raised firepit. You can safeguard your deck and add designer style with Latitudes deck stones, 16-inch interlocking square tiles made of natural slate or granite. Deck stones can provide an effective fire barrier that's an asset under firepits or grills, or when used to create an outdoor kitchen.

Lighting is another way to boost appeal. LED deck lighting kits, like those offered by Deckorators, are both practical and visually appealing. Adding lighting to a deck can be an important safety feature, and also helps create a warm, welcoming mood for evening entertaining.

Another improvement that speaks to both safety and visual appeal are deck railings. Decorative railings with ornate balusters, post caps and postcovers can give virtually any wood or composite lumber deck a distinctive look for a modest investment.

More than ever before, people look at their decks as outdoor entertainment areas. Latitudes Composite Decking and Railing and Deckorators, a leader in decking railing systems and deck accessories provide many ways to turn the inside out – For some, it's a kitchen; for others, a living room. Decks can be party spaces or quiet retreats. With so many different types of deck materials, lighting, rail systems and decorative accents, it’s possible to turn a plain deck into a great outdoor space.

"Potential home buyers always react positively to nice decks that look like a great place to hang out," says Harrison. "From a buyer's perspective, if all else is equal, it's true that the home with the best deck wins."

See blog entitled "Update your deck, add value to your home".

• add unique features to railing with decorative post caps or postcovers
• incorporate metal or glass baluster infills to your deck rail
• built in bench seating
• incorporate deck stone transitions
• install low-voltage or solar deck lighting
• place colorful plants on your deck and stairs
• incorporate colorful outdoor furniture
• add a portable water feature or fire bowl

Is this summer your family’s year to finally put in that backyard pool they’ve been dreaming about? Or maybe you already have a pool and you’re looking for a way to make using it an even more enjoyable experience.
Composite pool decking is a great way to enhance the look, appeal and usability of any pool or hot tub. Latitudes composite decking is a great choice, especially around water, as it's slip resistant. Add matching composite pool deck railing, aluminum pool railing from Deckorators or  Veranda vinyl pool fencing and you’ve got a great start on your own personal outdoor oasis.

Whether your pool is above-ground or in-ground, the area around it is an important part of how much your family can enjoy their pool. Bare ground could result in some very muddy summers. Concrete or patio pavers can cut the mud but get blazing hot in the summer sun.

Swimming pool decking is a practical and beautiful alternative to other types of around-the-pool landscaping.

When you’re planning your pool deck, keep all the cosmetic details in mind. Doing so will ensure you end up with a backyard feature that looks great and that your family will enjoy for many summers to come.

Check out these blog posts on tips for planning your pool deck:
- Pool Decking: The Sun Factor
- Location, Size and Access for your Pool and Deck
- Pool Deck Safety
- The Right Look for Pool Decking

A graspable secondary handrail is an important component to consider when planning a deck with stairs. So whether you're constructing a residential composite deck, lumber deck or a deck made from other decking material, you're typically required to install a graspable secondary handrail on one side of the deck's stair railing when there are four or more stair risers present.

Key Residential Stair Handrail Requirements (IRC - International Residential Code)

1. Stairways having four or more risers, or rising more than 30 inches in height, whichever is less, must have at least one grab rail.
2. Handrails with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of at least 1-1/4 inches and not greater than 2 inches. If the handrail is not circular it shall have a perimeter dimension of at least 4 inches and not greater than 6-1/4 inches with a maximum cross section of dimension of 2-1/4 inches.
3. The grab rail must terminate at the newel post (top and bottom posts).
4. Clear space between a handrail and a wall or other surface shall be a minimum of 1-1/2 inches.
5. The height of handrails must be installed 34 inches - 38 inches from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread.

Graspable secondary handrails are required by more and more building codes / deck codes in areas across the country. Both Deckorators and Latitudes brands feature a secondary handrail system in their respective deck railing products lineups.

These attractive and highly versatile graspable handrails are ideal for meeting building codes when required. Made of heavy gauge aluminum and durable PVC, these systems include five different radius elbows and several styles of returns to meet every possible installation. The railing is available in three colors (adobe, tan and white) to complement a homes exterior.

Check out the American Wood Council's "Design for Code Acceptance" document for complete details. Stair handrail requirements are outlined on page 18.

Looking to distribute secondary handrails or components? Look to Waymark to supply all your fence and railing accessories.

Let’s say you’re contemplating having a treated lumber deck or a Latitudes composite lumber deck built or remodeled, and you don’t have the time or the inclination to do it yourself. Choosing the right contractor/deck builder is both art and science. Doing your homework goes a long way toward being satisfied with the end result.

Important tips for choosing the right professional deck builder:
Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations or reference the decking or railing manufacturer's web site for a list of preferred installers (composite decking installers, deck railing installers). Narrow the list by interviewing several installers by phone. Ask lots of questions and request referrals. Pick your top three candidates and meet them face-to-face. Communicate your needs and expectations. Provide a sketch or a deck design using Deckorators Deck Visualizer, and get several bids. Make sure the contractor will accept a graduated payment plan for work completed. And never, ever pay 100% up front.

Three key things to remember

1. Don’t let price make or break any deal.
2. Get everything in writing.
3. Go with your gut.

Turn your deck design ideas into reality with the Latitudes Deck Visualizer interactive deck program. This deck design software allows you to freely design a unique, conceptual composite decking and railing layout.

The Latitudes Deck Visualizer is an intuitive program that allows users to create a custom look in just a few minutes. This unique deck design tool can be used on virtually any computer or mobile device and allows you to print your custom deck design, save it, e-mail it to your contractor or share it with friends and family.

Latitudes Deck Visualizer incorporates real life background scenes and gives the user control of selecting decking types and color, railing styles and a multitude of railing accessories like baluster infills, post caps and more.

Three simple steps for creating your custom deck design
 

1. Choose from hundreds of decking and railing product combinations
2. See how your choices look on various deck scenes.
3. Select a different deck scene and compatible product selections will transfer to the new scene

Program Features

• Information Icon: Click on the information icon to learn more about a product
• BOOKMARK: Save your design for future reference or additional changes
• EMAIL: Send your custom deck design to your builder and friends
• PRINT: Print a summary of your customized design—complete with a rendered image list of selected decking and railing products
• SHARE: Post your custom designer deck on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter

Deckorators Deck Visualizer is a free interactive deck design program for generating a unique, conceptual deck design.

The Deck Visualizer is an intuitive program that allows users to create a custom look within minutes. This unique deck design tool can be used on virtually any computer or mobile device and allows you to print your custom deck design, save it, e-mail it to your contractor or share it with friends and family.

Deckorators Deck Visualizer incorporates realistic background scenes and gives the designer complete control of selecting decking types and color, railing styles and a multitude of railing accessories like baluster infills and post caps.

Three simple steps for creating your custom deck design

1. Choose from hundreds of decking and railing product combinations
2. See how your choices look on various deck scenes.
3. Select a different deck scene and compatible product selections will transfer to the new scene

Generate a product summary and a final image of your rendered deck, so you'll know exactly which products you've selected.

Program Features
 

• Information Icon: Click on the information icon to learn more about a product
• BOOKMARK: Save your design for future reference or additional changes
• EMAIL: Send your custom deck design to your builder and friends
• PRINT: Print a summary of your customized design—complete with a rendered image list of selected decking and railing products
• SHARE: Post your custom designer deck on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter

If you want to preserve and build a tree into a pressure treated lumber deck or composite lumber deck, then be sure to incorporate the tree into your deck design or deck plans.

Begin construction near the tree by running a beam in front and behind the tree between two double wood joists running perpendicular to the house surrounding the tree. The joists should then be fastened on both sides of the tree with their load being relocated around the tree. Install diagonal supports at the corners between the joists and the tree to allow for a round opening.

For an added touch, consider installing landscape lighting in the tree opening or recessed LED deck lighting in treated wood or synthetic decking planks surrounding the tree. Top off the deck railing posts with ambient lights using Deckorators solar post caps. When dark, lights will make the tree and surrounding deck railing stand out.

Build with caution when constructing a deck around a tree. A tree’s root system is very complex and can be easily damaged during construction, especially if you need to dig piers for vertical support. In addition, the root system of the tree must be able to receive enough water to live, so make sure planks are spaced accordingly (about 1/4 inch between each deck board). It’s important to leave enough room around the trunk of the tree (at least 3 inches on all sides) for growth. If designed and constructed properly, you’ll be able to enjoy an attractive deck featuring a unique, natural centerpiece.

Adding or updating a deck to your home's outdoor living area can be a significant investment, so you’ll want to make sure you have a top notch deck builder working on your wood or composite decking project. It’s critical to make sure you hire a experienced, reputable contractor with a history of quality deck building and satisfied customers.

Doing your homework will help make a good choice
Get recommendations from your friends, family and local lumberyard and then check in with the Better Business Bureau for a list of members in your area. Look for yard signs and see what work is underway in your neighborhood. Talk to both the contractor and homeowner at the site to get a feel of how the job is going.

Do phone interviews
Once you've assembled a list, I recommend that you make a call to each of your prospective deck builders / contractors and ask a series of important qualifying questions:

• Are all deck builders on site bonded/insured?
• Will they provide a list of past projects and customers?
• Do they have a portfolio to show examples?
• How many other projects would they have going at the same time?
• Does the contractor have liability insurance?
• Are background checks run on the builders?
• Will they offer a warranty on their workmanship?

Answers to these questions will reveal a lot about the builder's availability, reliability and how much attention your deck project will get. And if your phone call is not returned within a few days, cross that builder off your list.

Always meet face to face
Based on the phone interviews, pick the top three deck contractors for further discussion. Make sure you take notes for reference.

Investigate the facts
Call up former customers of the deck builders to find how their deck project went and ask to see the completed deck project. And just as important, visit a current job site to see how the builder works. Is the job site in order? Are the deck builders considerate and careful with the homeowner's property?

Communicate plans, get bids
When you’ve narrowed your search to a short list of deck builders whose track records appear clean and work ethic looks responsible, it's time to move forward with your project. A reliable contractor will get a sense of what the homeowner wants out of a project and what they plan to spend. Be sure to communicate the type of deck structure you want. Provide all builders with a sketch or deck design that you desire as this will help manage expectations. To compare bids, ask everyone to break down the cost of deck materials and labor.

Set a payment schedule
NEVER pay 100% up front! No deck builder / contractor should ask for more than half the quoted amount of the project up front before starting the job. Most ask for a deposit when the work is first started. You should pay your contractor within 24-48 hours of the contract completion. For larger deck projects, a schedule often starts with 10 percent at contract signing, three payments of 25 percent evenly spaced over the duration of the project and a check for the final 15 percent when you feel your project is 100% complete based on the agreement.

Here are my top keys to consider when choosing a deck builder:

• Don't let price make or break the deal
• Get it in writing
• Go with your gut feeling

Making your home the hub for fun and entertainment can be as easy as creating the space and inviting folks in. But it’s important to make sure your outdoor living spaces are as safe as they are fun. If you already have a deck, give it a thorough spring checkup. See if you have any loose railings or balusters, and inspect the structure of your deck for rotting wood, corroded or loose fasteners and any mold and mildew.

If you find that your deck needs repairs, consider updating it with new composite decking and railing. Latitudes, a leading composite decking brand, offers several unique decking and railing combinations, each offering superior strength and resistance against the rotting, fading and warping that typically occur with wood due to varying weather cycles.

Low-maintenance composite decking never requires staining or sanding, and is available in several natural-looking colors. Latitudes Capricorn composite decking offers the rich look of tropical hardwood. From a safety standpoint, all of the deck surfaces are slip-resistant and splinter-free—definitely a consideration when you’re designing a space to entertain.

Are you planning to build a new deck this year? Before you begin construction, think carefully about how you’re going to use your deck. Create a space for an outdoor kitchen or barbecue area, and perhaps a place for relaxing and keeping an eye on the kids. You might even want to consider a place for dining.

You could also consider installing deck stones by Latitudes. Use these self-draining, real stone tiles to create a fire or grease barrier under your grill. You can also use these stones if incorporating a fire pit into your deck plans—making it a favorite hangout for teens and late-night marshmallow roasting.

When safety is paramount, be sure to plan for lighting. There are many new products that provide direct or ambient lighting to help make your deck and outdoor living area safer for you and your guests, even late into the night. Latitudes and Deckorators both offer low-voltage, LED recessed deck lights, which can be set to turn on automatically at dusk, adding a measure of security to your home.

Deck lighting using eco friendly solar lighted post caps come in styles ranging from the basic to the dramatic. The new Dynasty copper post cap light offers Asian flair in a Craftsman-inspired copper and gunmetal that offers illumination and high style. Post cap lights are designed to fit on virtually any railing post on your deck. And with solar caps, no wiring is required.

If your existing deck simply needs to be refreshed—or needs sturdier rails to make it safe—the easiest way to update is with new balusters or rails. Deckorators offers a durable, powder-coated aluminum exterior railing system that is sold in kits, complete with rails, post sleeves and post caps to help put a whole new face on a tired-looking deck.

This deck building season, consider spending some of your home improvement dollars on the safety of your deck and the outdoor living areas of your home. These entertainment spots not only beckon to friends and neighbors, but add safety and value to your home.

Composite decking is an excellent choice for above or in-ground pool decks. Whether you're a do-it-yourself or a professional deck builder, consider installing composite deck building material in your pool or spa area for its aesthetics, barefoot friendly, slip-resistant surface and its low maintenance performance. Most composite lumber deck boards now days are available with hidden fasteners and in several attractive colors to complement your home and outdoor living area. 

When planning your new composite lumber pool deck, don’t let the deck railing system be an afterthought. There are several attractive options on the market that will complement your home and pool design, ranging from aluminum and composite to vinyl.

Metal deck railing, with an all glass panel infill or glass balusters, is one of my favorite styles, as it allows for unobstructed views of the pool area. 

1. Railing must be at least 36" in height.
2. Bottom of the rail possess a gap less than 4".
3. A stair railing allows up to a 6" diameter gap through the triangle opening formed by the stair riser, stair tread, and bottom rail.
4. All deck railing must be able to withstand a 200 lb force anywhere and in any direction along the top of the rail.
5. Deck railing balusters are required to resist 50 lbs in a 1' square foot area
6. Rail posts should be spaced no greater than 6' apart.