How to Create and Install a Porch Railing

Learn how to install a distinctive railing on an existing porch; step-by-step how-to instructions along with tips, materials, and tools lists.

In this first episode of Ron Hazelton's HouseCalls, Ron takes us to the home of Ray and Kathie Mueller. The Muellers have a beautiful front porch and they asked Ron if he could help them build a new porch railing. Click Here For a list of what you will need in order to complete this project.

1. Setting posts: On the front of the Muellers porch, the posts were spaced just about perfectly. The railing sections could be built and then set in between. On the side of the porch, however, they needed to add a post in the center. They started by measuring the length of the porch and then marking the halfway point where they would set their post. In order to cut a square opening on the deck, first you need to drill a starter hole. Next, cut out the opening using a jigsaw the size of the railing post. In this case, they marked off a 4x4 opening with masking tape to guide the saw. Drop the post into the opening. Underneath the porch, use a right angle attachment for the drill to bore pilot holes through the post and into the rim joist on the underside of the porch. Attach the post to the support beam, using lag screws and a ratchet.

2. Cut Balusters: Ron started by cutting out the lengths they needed from standard dimension pine lumber that they got from the home improvement center. For this project Ron needed two different types of saws: a power miter box for the crosscutting-- the cuts going across the grain of the wood, and a table saw for the ripping--the lengthwise cuts going along the grain of the wood.

Tip: Ron recommends this easy method for cutting multiple pieces of wood to the same length. Set up a power miter box by securing it to the worktable with some screws so it can't move. Measure and cut one baluster and set it up against the blade. At the end of the baluster, nail in a stop block. All you have to do is to set the piece of wood in the saw with its end up against the block and go ahead and cut. Regardless of whether you're cutting just a few pieces or a thousand, they're all going to be exactly the same length.

3. Build Railing: Next you are going to assemble the railing. Measure and mark the bottom rail and top rail where each evenly spaced baluster is to go. First screw the bottom rail into one end of each baluster. Then stand the railing up on end and nail on the top rail. To keep the balusters from swiveling, you will need two nails in the top of each one because there is only one screw in the bottom. Ron recommends using a square head driver bit and finish head screws to attach the railings to the post. Start by drilling a small pilot hole to make the screws go in a lot easier, especially since you will be working at an angle.

4. Painting and Finishing Touches: Finish by adding a decorative cap to the new railing post. Paint the finished railing.

THE RESULTS: Before Ron's visit, the Muellers porch was lovely, but it just wasn't complete. Now, after Ron's help and a beautiful new railing, it is a perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon, sipping lemonade and watching the world slowly pass by.