Chapter 3

Decking, Railings and Stairs

Once your foundation and footings have been set, it’s time for your deck to really begin to take shape! This next phase of construction involves laying deck boards, installing railings, and building stairs. While framing your deck and laying the foundation contribute to a structurally-sound deck, it’s equally important to be sure your deck boards are properly spaced, stairs are constructed properly, and railings have been secured to make a deck that’s safe and can provide you with years of enjoyment.

Laying Deck Boards

Laying deck boards is the part of the process when your deck truly begins to come to life. The materials you’ve chosen and the style and color of your decking play a role in creating your outdoor aesthetic. Whether you plan to lay your boards in a more traditional linear style, or have decided that an intricate inlaid pattern is right for your design, there are some best-practices to follow when installing decking boards.

Save

Pro Tip

Make sure you level both joists to the same height and fasten with 4 screws every 12" to support the composite butt joints.

Installing Composite Decking

Composite decking offers the look of wood without the rigorous upkeep. From controlling deck seams to working with hidden fastener systems, learn more about how to install composite decking.
How to Properly Space Deck Boards

When laying down your decking, it’s important to have just the right amount of space between your boards. The amount of spacing between boards varies by deck materials, but proper spacing and ventilation can make it easier to clean between boards.
How to Install a Picture Frame Deck Edge

Picture framing (or racetrack decking) finishes the perimeter of a deck and covers exposed deck edges. Learn how to do this edging technique for a “picture” perfect look.

Pro Tip

Make sure you level both joists to the same height and fasten with 4 screws every 12" to support the composite butt joints.

Installing Deck Railings

Installing deck railings is critical for elevated decks, making them compliant with building codes and helping make enjoying your deck safer. Before you start installing railings, familiarize yourself with the components and steps involved to make the process smoother.

Save

Pro Tip

Build a jig using scrap material to assist in drilling the baluster connector locations. The width of this jig was cut to 1 1/4" wide to fit inside the channel in the top rail and center on the bottom rail. The manufacturer recommends 4 3/8" on center spacing for 3/4" steel balusters. If you plan on tightening your spacing of balusters, make sure you order extra balusters.

Parts of a Wood or Composite Deck Railing

From railing caps to balusters, learn about the different parts and components of deck railings.
Installing Deck Rail Posts

Current building codes call for stronger posts that need to be installed prior to adding decking. Learn how to install sturdy deck rail posts to give your railing greater stability.
How to Install Deck Railing Balusters

While balusters may be the most expensive railing component, they’re one of the most important and crucial to your railing’s safety and adherence to IRC codes.
How to Install Composite Deck & Porch Railings

Composite deck railings are a low-maintenance option that requires minimal upkeep, and is available in easy-to-install kits and systems. Learn how to install composite railings.

Pro Tip

Building Deck Stairs

Building deck stairs can be one of the most difficult parts of building a deck. It requires patience, precision, and a grasp on the mathematical calculations required to construct your deck stairs properly. Your deck stairs will also require hand railings of their own to add greater stability. Learn more about the calculations and components involved in building deck stairs and completing your deck.

Takeaways From This Chapter

The amount of spacing between decking boards varies depending on the material you’ve decided to use, but proper spacing is essential to ventilate and more easily clean between deck boards.
Railings add an extra element of safety to your deck. Making sure there is correct spacing between balusters and that rail posts are compliant with building codes is critical to proper construction.
Building deck stairs can be one of the most complex parts of constructing a deck. Having the right calculations for the dimensions needed to build deck stairs beforehand can make for a smoother process.

< Return To Beginning

Continue To Chapter 4 >