Time-Saving Guardrails Northampton MA

This belt-and-suspenders approach yields sturdy, good-looking results

Mark Clement



No matter how you slice it, installing effective, good-looking guardrails takes time. Cutting, plumbing, shimming, and fastening the numerous individual parts is not full-speed, turbo-charged framing. It's trim work, where you can (and should) show off your carpentry skills to customers.

That doesn't mean, however, that guardrails can't be built efficiently. The system I've developed over the years combines simple installation with crisp looks and bomb-proof structure. Two key aspects are integrating the post with the framing on the inside of the band joist, and assembling the 2x2 balusters and the top and bottom rails into panels that install between the posts. I can employ the same process equally well with composites or wood.

Blocking Anchors the Posts
The first step is to lay out the post locations on the band joists. For MoistureShield composite railing and decking (Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies; 866/ 729-2378, moistureshield.com), which I used for some of the projects shown in this article, post spacing must not exceed 72 inches on center. Measuring from the outside corners of the deck frame, I mark the locations of the posts as evenly as possible around the deck's perimeter. This is the time to make final decisions about openings in the guardrail — for stairs, gates, and upgrades such as planters and benches.

Click here to read full article from Deck Magaziner