How to Assemble Deck Railings with Wickes

This detailed video guide from our Wickes experts will show you how to assemble and fit deck railings, helping you transform your outdoor space and ensure essential safety if your deck is raised above ground level. Learn the correct step-by-step process for installing posts, assembling the railing sections, and securing the final structure.

Deck Posts:

1. Cut posts to size, ensuring the handrails will attach at a minimum of 900mm from the deck. If posts are not pre-notched, extend the notch using a hand saw or circular saw.
2. Drill pilot holes before fixing the deck posts to the bearer using two 130mm exterior coach bolts per post and tighten with a socket set.
3. Measure and mark the top of the deck and the fascia where the post will be.
4. Remove the fascia and saw off the section you’ve marked out using a handsaw.
5. Use a jigsaw to remove the top section, put the post into position and check that it’s flush to the decking.
6. Secure the post as before and reattach the fascia.

Assembling the Railing

1. Measure the gap between the posts so you can cut the top and bottom rails to fit between them.
2. Measure 81mm from the end of the top rail and mark a line (this line will be where you place your first spindle). Repeat this step the whole way along the top railing until you've marked out where all your spindles will be.
3. Repeat the above for the bottom railing with the addition of drilling a 3mm pilot hole through each mark.
4. Attach the spindles to the bottom rail using 76mm deck screws.
5. Attach the top rail to the spindle using 64mm galvanised finished nail.

Fitting the Railing:

1. Using L brackets, place the long side centrally into the fillet slot underside of the bottom rail (check the L brackets do not stick out past the end of the rail before fixing the bracket to the bottom rail).
2. Mark on your deck post where you want the top railing to be, making sure it’s at least 900mm from the deck.
3. Centrally place the short side of the L bracket on to the mark and fix the bracket on to each deck post using two 25mm screws.
4. Place the railing assembly on the fixed post L brackets and secure to the underside of the top rail.
5. Centrally locate the bottom rail on the deck post before fixing the bottom rail L bracket using two 25mm screws.
6. Measure and mark 25mm from the end of the rail and mark on each side of the top and bottom rails.
7. Drill a countersunk 3mm pilot hole approximately 30 degrees through the rails and into the post.
8. Finally, use two 50mm screws to secure the rail to the post.

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Browse our Gardens and Landscaping How-to-Guides here for more helpful tips: spklr.io/6002Bie24

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Watch more videos from our Decking & Garden Maintenance list and learn how to install a composite deck, lay turf, or build a wooden shed base!

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