Post Anchors - Surface Mounted Solutions
Surface Mounted Posts
This is a great option for wood deck railings because posts for wooden decks are always susceptible to moisture damage.
But railing posts can be secured to a deck surface through the use of metal brackets or anchoring devices. Learn more about surface mounted post anchors here...
The most common type are externally attached metal 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 mounting brackets can be strong but usually the fasteners are visible taking away from that beautiful finished look you are trying to achieve.
Here are two post mounting brackets all of which have visible fasteners.
These types of brackets are usually strong enough to pass the building code horizontal load requirements but don't look very good for finished deck railings.
In fact, some of them are better suited to construction site barriers or other non-residential applications.
Another type of surface post mounting device is a flat square shaped metal base. It 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.
Posts installed with this method look 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 cannot withstand the same forces that the external brackets can. So be careful when using this type of post anchor and make sure it will be safe you.
Advanced Internal Post Anchor Solutions
The best post anchors that combine the strength of the external style brackets but also has a concealed anchor system so you don't have to see a big bulky metallic shell and bolts are the Titan Post Anchors. Learn more...
Consider each of these installation methods of post anchors for your wood deck railings design. The choice is yours. Good luck building your deck railing!