Step 9: Attaching Handrail

Along the side of each 4"x4" handrail post where a rail will be installed, make a mark 3/4" back from the inside corner of the post 3 inches above the deck's surface. Measure from point to point between each 4"x4" handrail post. If you are using the Deckorators® Rail Connectors as we are in this example, subtract 1/2" from this measurement. Cut two 2"x4" treated boards at this dimension with the same degree angle used for the Support Frames (typically 5, 7.5 or 10 degrees). The angled cut should be "out" from this measurement.

Position the two 2"x4" rail boards together with the longest edge of the boards touching each other. Mark the center of the two boards. From the center point, mark a line every 4-1/2 inches. If the last mark is less than 2 inches from the end of the board, offset each line 2-1/4 inches. At each line, mark the center of the 2"x4" rail board. Position a baluster connector over each center mark and secure with the manufactures recommended or included hardware. Verify after balusters are installed that no openings are 4" or greater. At each end of each 2"x4" rail board, secure a Deckorators® Rail Connector Bracket with the supplied hardware. The bracket should be flush to angled cut. (Depending upon the thickness and angle of the lumber, you may need to remove a small amount of material from the end of the 2"x4" rail board. We found a touch of a belt sander worked well. Remove material from the "sharp" point of the rail at a 90 degree angle to the angled end of the board.)