How to Install Deck Railing Posts - Both Wood and Metal
Whether you're completing a new deck build on your home or looking to renovate your outdoor space with a DIY deck railing makeover, learning how to install a deck post on your deck surface is an essential part of the process. You can install deck railing posts on any deck or patio surface including pressure-treated wood, composite deck boards, concrete, brick, and more easily as long as you're using the correct fastener.
Read on for a collection of tips from our team of expert deck designers so that you can build a better deck, one post at a time. For more pro tips and deck project planning, give our team a call at 1-888-824-5316.
Table of Contents:
- How To Mount Deck Posts That Meet Building Codes
- Before You Begin
- How to Install a Wood Deck Post
- How to Install a Metal Deck Post
How To Mount Deck Posts That Meet Building Codes
Posts are the basic support of your deck railing.
Your deck is essentially an elevated outdoor floor, supported by a frame and joists. The mounted railing is what makes it safe for people to be on your deck, especially children and pets, as it provides support and prevents falls. Railing is an essential piece of framing for any deck that's higher than 30 inches off the ground. Railing - most importantly, the posts that support your railing - must be installed properly to function as a successful safety feature.
Deck Railing should be able to:
- Support someone leaning against it
- Support someone pushing against it
- Secure built-in seating or storage (if desired)
- Hold up decorative accents like railing planters or decorative lights
While your plans for your deck may change over the years, your railing should be able to support all of them. And railing posts are the foundation of any strong deck railing.
Before You Begin
Before you begin installing your deck railing, especially the posts, it is essential to research your local building code. You should also look into the rules set by your homeowners’ association, if you have one.
Building codes vary widely depending on where you live, and each location has a different local building code. You can’t do any kind of construction unless you’re up to code, so take the time to dig into the details or hire an expert to help you.
If you have a homeowners’ association, take a look at their rules as well. Just because your building code allows something doesn’t mean your HOA does.
You should also ensure you have the right hardware required to install your chosen rail design. Some anchors need a bolt or two, some need nails. It depends on how the post is mounted to your deck surface. The easiest way to do this is to purchase a complete railing set with all the necessary hardware, usually in the form of a base kit.
Here’s a run-through on how to install deck railing posts made of either wood or metal:
How to Install a Wood Deck Post
The quickest and most secure way to mount a wooden 4x4 or 6x6 deck post to an existing deck surface is via a Titan Post Anchor. Titan Anchors provide a solid, powder-coated steel connection point for your wooden post to attach to the surface below. Be sure that you have at least 4 inches of blocking or substructure beneath your post location for a secure attachment.
Titan Post Anchor
To install a deck post with the Titan Post Anchor, first use a Hole Saw to create an opening in the bottom of your wooden deck post. Insert the top portion of the post anchor into the opening, and tap it into place with a hammer.
The Titan Post Anchor comes with two sets of lag screws - larger 5-inch galvanized lag screws and smaller 3-inch ACQ-compatible lag screws.
Use the larger 5-inch galvanized lag screws to attach the post to the post anchor. Pre-drill 5/16-inch pilot holes through the holes in the post anchor and into the wood post. The 5-inch galvanized lag screws (4 of them for 4x4 post anchors or 5 of them for 6x6 post anchors) go through the post anchor holes, into the pilot holes, and up into the post.
Use the smaller 3-inch ACQ-compatible lag screws to attach the post anchor to the deck surface. These smaller lag screws (typically 8 of them) drive down through the holes in the post anchor and into the blocking underneath your deck surface.
Note: If you're installing a deck post anchor onto a concrete or stone surface, the included smaller lag screws won't work. We recommend using specific concrete screws like these GRK Caliburn™ XL Concrete Screws instead.
Installing A Wood Post Anchor Onto Wood, Composite, PVC or Pressure-Treated Decking:
Use GRK Pheinox™ RSS™ Rugged Screws
Installing A Wood Post Anchor Onto Concrete or Stone:
Use GRK Caliburn™ XL Concrete Screws
How to Install a Metal Deck Post
Mounting a structural post or a metal deck railing post couldn't be any easier! These posts will all feature a pre-welded base plate at the bottom with pre-drilled screw openings in the corners. Simply place your post in position per your deck railing layout, ensuring that you have at least 4 inches of blocking underneath, shim and adjust until plumb, then drive your fasteners fully in place.
- If you're installing a metal deck post onto a deck surface made of wood, composite decking, PVC decking, or pressure-treated wood, use a stainless steel structural or lag screw that is at least 4 inches long. We'd recommend these GRK Pheinox™ RSS™ Rugged Screws, shown below.
- If you're installing a metal post onto a concrete or stone surface, we recommend using specific concrete screws like these GRK Caliburn™ XL Concrete Screws.
Installing A Metal Post Onto Wood, Composite, PVC or Pressure-Treated Decking:
Use GRK Pheinox™ RSS™ Rugged Screws
Installing A Metal Post Onto Concrete or Stone:
Use GRK Caliburn™ XL Concrete Screws
No matter your deck setup, DecksDirect has the largest selection of posts and mounting options that ship to you fast. To get your project moving, give our design team a call at 1-888-824-5316 to learn more or set up a project estimate.