This How To Build A Railing Out Of 2×4 is a woodworking project that can add a lot of value to your home. The project plan provides easy-to-follow instructions for building the railing and attaching hardware. As you begin this DIY project, make sure you have all the necessary tools and are comfortable using them before beginning.
Outdoor stairs without a railing can be dangerous, so having a well-built railing will make your exterior stairs safe. This article will teach you how to build a 2×4 wood railing for your exterior steps using simple carpentry skills. The materials include a few 2x4s and some basic tools like an electric drill, hammer, wood glue and screws.
To build a railing out of 2×4, you’ll need to install a slightly taller post at the corners of your deck. Then, measure diagonally from corner to corner and make sure the distance is equal; if it’s not, adjust your posts as needed until it is, and use a level on both sides to make sure they’re straight.
Lay the 2-by-4 rails across the tops of the posts, and space them about 1/4 inch apart. Nail the top rail to both posts, using two 16d (3-1/2 inch) nails into each post.
Lay the 2-by-4 rails across the tops of the posts, and space them about 1/4 inch apart. Nail the top rail to both posts, using two 16d (3-1/2 inch) nails into each post. Measure from the outside edge of one post to the outside edge of the other post; this will be the length of your railing pieces. Measure and cut four pieces of 2-by-4 lumber of this length for your bottom rail.
Use 10d common nails to attach these to each end of each bottom rail so that they stand at 90 degrees from it with their ends flush with its outer face. Drill pilot holes through all four pieces before driving screws into them using an electric drill with a screwdriver bit or cordless drill/driver kit including driver bits as appropriate for your situation.
Measure from the outside edge of one post to the outside edge of the other post — this will be the length of your railing pieces. Measure and cut four pieces of 2-by-4 lumber of this length for the bottom rail.
- Measure from the outside edge of one post to the outside edge of the other post — this will be the length of your railing pieces.
- Measure and cut four pieces of 2-by-4 lumber of this length for the bottom rail. Put a piece on each side at the bottom, then nail each one in place with two 16d (3-1/2 inch) nails into each support; drill pilot holes first to avoid splitting. Cut 19 pieces of 2×4 lumber to equal lengths for balusters. Space them 4 inches apart, then use JB Weld or epoxy glue to fasten them together at an angle, making sure they’re level when you check them with a level; clamp until dry.
Put a piece on each side at the bottom, and nail each one in place with two 16d (3-1/2 inch) nails into each support.
- Measure and cut a piece of 2-by-4 lumber for the top rail that is 3 feet long.
- Position it against the posts, making sure it’s flush with the inside edge of each post, then nail it in place with two 16d (3-1/2 inch) nails into each support.
- Cut four pieces of 2″ x 4″ lumber to this length for the bottom rail; space them 4″ apart along its length with their tops flush with those of the posts; then nail them in place with 16d (3-1/2 in.) nails through their bases into both rails
Cut 19 pieces of 2-by-4 lumber to equal lengths for balusters — these are the vertical members that go between rails to hold them in place.
Cut 19 pieces of 2-by-4 lumber to equal lengths for balusters — these are the vertical members that go between rails to hold them in place. The length of your balusters should be the distance between the top and bottom rails, plus about 1/2 inch extra.
Using a level, make sure all your balusters are straight, then fill any gaps with wood filler (paintable if you want to finish them later). Sand smooth once your wood filler has dried.
Space them 4 inches apart, and nail them in place with 16d (3-1/2 in.) nails through their bases into both rails. Use a level to make sure they’re all straight, then fill any gaps with wood filler. Sand smooth.
- Measure the distance between posts.
- Measure the distance between rails.
- Measure the length of balusters.
- Measure the distance between balusters.
- Measure the distance between the bottom of the balusters and top of rails.
Install a slat cap on top of your deck railing — this is a raised piece of wood that helps shed water off your deck surface. Measure from one end of your railing to the other and cut a piece from 1×6 lumber roughly 1/2 inch shorter.
The next step is to install a slat cap on top of your deck railing — this is a raised piece of wood that helps shed water off your deck surface. Measure from one end of your railing to the other and cut a piece from 1×6 lumber roughly 1/2 inch shorter. Use nails to attach the 1×6 slat caps at each post and then nail them together into one piece, so they run along both posts in a V shape. Make sure you leave room for balusters; these should be placed about 6 inches apart from each other, and 3 inches above the top rail (where you’d install them).
Now it’s time for those balusters! Before installing them, however, you’ll need to make some cuts with an angle grinder or sawzall: You’ll want two cuts per baluster—one at 90 degrees (to create two equal legs) and another at 45 degrees (to create an angled bottom side). The 90-degree cut will go just below where you installed your bottom rail; set its length according to what looks right based on how wide you made them earlier when cutting out openings for doorways or windows. The 45-degree section should protrude about 3 inches past where leg meets leg–this way when installed vertically there will be enough room between each pair of balusters for people walking through without hitting their heads.
Final words
If you want to take on a home improvement project, and you’re looking for something that’s a good investment, building your own railing is a great idea. It will not only save you money and increase the value of your home, but it also allows you to get creative with your design. Plus, it can be done in just a few days if done right.
