Platform Decks

How can I add rail to a deck?

My husband build me a deck it's not attached we have moved it, well problem is i had an inspection. and it has to have rails the deck is tall my husband made it that way so my dad could pull his self up on it. he was a tall man, any ideas how can i add rails. There is only 2 steps the top step is down from the deck so that way the platform make's it 3.

Public Comments

1. I do not know where you live so I do not know if you can buy these where you are. Screw down metal post bases. You could screw them to the top of the deck. They take a 75mm x75mm (3" x 3") post. You can then use these uprights to support, rails, trellis panels, etc, the choice is yours.
2. Try taking some 4x4 lumber, available in 8' lengths cut in half so you have a 4' 4x4, use two half inch lags or through bolts and bolt the 4x4 post onto the outside edge of the rim board, that is the piece of framing that runs around the outside edge of the deck. The top of each post should be 36" off the deck, this is code. You need two bolts or lags for strength. two 2x4's can then be cut to fit between two posts and run horizontaly, keep the lower one four inches(no more) off the deck(again, code). then fill in the rails with 2x2's spaced about 4 inches apart. place one post to each side of the stairs, top and bottom, add rails and 2x2 ballisters on the stairs as well. make sure the top of the rail is at least 36" from the front of the steps, not the back to meet code.