How to make notched posts notched posts take time and experience to cut but make a pleasing finishing touch for a deck railing.
Positioning vinyl posts how far from edge on deck.
For a composite railing system slide the post sleeve over the wood post then the post sleeve skirt over the post sleeve.
Both should rest on the decking.
A span is the unsupported distance between two posts.
The type of post you use can also affect the spacing between posts.
If you re using the method that uses rim joists as beams you can attach the them directly to the posts instead.
For most situations you will want to place footings and posts less than 8 apart.
The top rails extend beyond the posts to meet at the corner see detail below left.
In this case we bolted the rail post to the riser board.
As with any deck remember that any deck that is 2 feet or more above the ground must have a railing system.
This is stronger than a 4x4 post attached to the deck.
Deck railings must be a minimum of 36 inches high from the deck floor to the cap rail.
A cantilever is the unsupported end of a joist that extends past the last support post at the edge of your deck.
Maximum spacing of posts is 72 inches on center.
With posts outside the joists the simplest approach is to use two posts at each corner held back far enough to line up with the second joist about 12 to 16 inches from the corner.
Attaching deck post to rim joist.
Make sure the rail post is long enough for a 34 minimum rail plus additional room for post cap mounting.
Bolts should be vertically spaced no less than 5 1 8 inch apart.
They draw the baluster up closer to the deck edge and make a slightly firmer joint than surface mounted posts.
Most backyard decks using wooden posts rely on the 5 to 8 feet average for the post spacing but modern advancements in deck building now allow for metal posts as well as composite posts to be used in place of traditional wood.
Locate your posts on the deck s perimeter.
For a decorative 36 inch picket fence cut a spacer to ensure equal spacing between pickets.
If you are planning on installing a hot tub or porch on top of your deck you will usually need more footings and posts to support the additional loads.
Trim the exterior edge by snapping a chalk line along the top of it.
Place the first picket board in the corner of the fence or edge of the gate post aligning it with the edge and string guide then attach it to the stringers with nails.
Secure bottom stair rail post to stair framing with 2 1 2 bolts or equivalent.
You may also attach the post to the stair stringer.
Here is a list of some common joist sizes and maximum spans.
Mark the posts for a notch that is 1 1 2 inches.
Bolt the posts to the inside of the rim joists.
Then attach the final rim joist.
Maximum joist span of a 2x8 is 10 6 at 16 o c.
If the balusters will run horizontally along your deck the 4 by 4 railing posts cannot be more that 6 feet apart.
