Deck Railings - Installing Posts
There are several methods of installing posts for deck railings. Learn
the different methods and then decide which technique is most appropriate
for your dream deck.
Installation methods for deck railing posts will fall into the following categories:
In most post installations, the posts are notched and fitted snuggly against either the outside or inside face of the rim joists along the permeter of the deck.
The choice is really all about the look and design of your deck. An exterior mounted post is a bit quicker to install then a post set into the joist because deck boards must be cut as well to accommodate the post.
Looking into the future, you can expect to see more improvements to wood post anchors which eliminate the need for notching posts and can also eliminate rotting and futur maintenance at the post deck contact points.
A Brief Word About Post Anchors
Wood posts for deck railings can be attached to deck surfaces through the use of a variety of metal brackets or anchoring devices.
The most common type are externally attached metal or cast aluminum brackets which the post base fits into. The bracket has a flat base through which screws or bolts secure the entire post to the deck surface.
These types of brackets are usually strong enough to pass the building code horizontal load requirements but don't look very good.
In fact, some of them are better suited to construction site barriers or other non-residential applications such as the one in this picture to the left.
A Less Conspicuous Method
Another installation method is to use a flat square shaped metal base which is screwed onto the end of a post and then secured to the deck surface by screws or bolts that go through the corners of the base that protrude beyond the periphery of the post.
Installing posts with this method is simple and looks pretty good as only a small portion of the base and the bolts are visible. And if the posts are tied into a connected run of railing the entire railing system becomes much stronger.
But this kind of bracket can not withstand the same forces that the external brackets can.
Screws or bolts that are installed parallel with the end grain of a post do not have as much holding power as they do when they are screwed perpendicular through the grain. Try it sometime to find out yourself.
So be careful when using this type of post anchor and make sure it will be safe for your intended use.
Consider the Titan Post Anchor which is the most advanced wood post anchor system available... anywhere. It successfully bridges the gap between good looks and strength all in one internal anchoring system.