How to Put Up Metal Railings on a Garden Composite Decks?
You can sell your home for more money if you have composite decks that look good and don’t need much upkeep. Depending on the building codes in your area or for safety reasons, you may need to put up deck railings after you’re done making your outdoor deck. Railings made of composite materials might be just what you need. But you might also want to change the look. For example, you could put a metal railing on top of composite decks.
Also, metal deck railing is strong and lasts a long time, and it doesn’t need as much upkeep as wood railing. On top of that, it can give your outdoor deck a lot of different looks. Also, they can make sure that your family and friends are safer while they’re outside. There are a lot of different kinds of metal deck railings that you can buy already made, as well as a lot of do-it-yourself tools. You have a lot of choices when you go shopping for this deck area.
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Various kinds of metal deck railings
There are three kinds of deck railings on the market today: powder-coated aluminum, wrought iron, and stainless steel. Since stainless steel has a shiny sheen on its surface, it stands out more. Some people like wrought iron because it is strong and can be painted. It’s very tough, and powder-coated metal can be any color you want.
Out of these three types of deck metal railing, aluminum is the easiest to keep up. The metal railing made of stainless steel is next. This type of metal doesn’t rust. You should know that cast iron can rust in cold and wet weather. Since you can paint cast iron, you might need to touch it up every year or two.
Things to consider before installing metal deck railing
There are many good things about metal deck railings. You should think about a few things though before you install it.
The first thing you need to do is get a permit from your local building code. Each place has its own rules about this. You might need a permit in some places to put metal railings on your deck. To find out more, call the building code office in your area.
How many metal railings you need and the size of your deck will determine how much it costs to add deck railings. You should also think about the deck’s edges and any stairs that might be there. Also, would you like to put it yourself or have someone do it for you? Hiring a pro will cost more than doing it yourself.
Is it easy to match the style of the metal railing?
There are many kinds of metal deck railings to choose from. Traditional fleur-de-lis tips can be added to wrought iron, which gives your composite decks a classic look. The look is modern with stainless steel and coated metal, or you can pick a color that doesn’t match your deck or house. Using colors that don’t match can make your home look better overall.
How long does a railing made of metal last?
The metal deck railing lasts a lot longer than the wood one. Water and ice rot can’t hurt metal railing, and the powder coating is safe from chemicals, rust, and corrosion. For at least 20 years, the powder-coated metal railing will still look good.
Does a metal railing on a deck get hot?
Yes, especially when they have the sun shining right on them. So, to avoid getting burned, don’t touch metal railings when the sun is out. But metal railings have a different way of getting rid of heat. Railings made of metal lose heat quickly when the sun goes down. But wood will keep its heat for a short time after being out of the sun.
Is it easy to put up a metal deck railing?
Is it easy for people who want to do it themselves to put up metal deck railing? Yes, especially if you can get a kit to help you build the metal deck railing yourself. One or two people will also need to help you and the right tools. On the weekend, someone who is handy can put up a metal railing.
What tool do you need to install the metal railing?
Some of the tools you will need to put up metal deck rails are shown below.
- A cordless drill with a screwdriver bit
- A cut-off saw that can cut metal
- A leveling device
- A tape measure
- A rubber hammer
- Retractable hobby knife
- Markers, pencils, or pens
How to cut metal rails for a deck
A regular saw blade can be used to cut aluminum just like it can be used to cut wood, so it will work great for your plans. Prefabricated steel or aluminum pieces make some metal railing systems easy to put together. The railing posts are usually bolted to the deck frame to make a metal fence. You will need to put baffles in the frame so that the railing has a stable base in order to make a strong link. Check and follow the building rules in your area as well.
How do I put up a metal railing on my deck?
If you want to install metal deck railings yourself, you need to plan ahead. And get ready for at least one afternoon on the weekend. Before cutting a metal deck railing piece, you should measure your deck and draw out a plan for how to put it together correctly. To make sure the surface-mounted posts are properly supported, you should do this even before you install the deck. It is very important to finish the framing design properly so that there is room for surface-mounted posts after installing the deck.
Step 1: Put some room between the posts and label them.
If you’d like to know how to put up a metal railing on a deck outside. First, you need to measure and mark where the posts will go. Mark where the metal posts will go on your deck with the tape measure. These days, there should be six to eight feet of room between each post. This varies by building code and whether the deck is for a home or a business.
Step 2: Put the metal posts on the deck
Before you put the metal posts in your deck, you should drill holes for them. Putting the metal posts on the deck will be easy after this. Set up the first metal post and bolt it down. Then, put up the next one and do the same thing again. A friend could help you hold the post up until you can add the first few bolts. To make sure the post is straight, use a level. To make sure you’re installing the product correctly, you should always check the manufacturer’s directions.
Step 3: Attach the track brackets to the posts
You can move on to the rail clamps once all of the metal posts are connected to the deck. There is the right amount of space between the rails and the posts thanks to these clips. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how to put the clamps on. You might need a small drill to put the brackets on, and the posts should be marked to show where they go.
Step 4: Install the bottom rail
Because each metal deck railing kit is unique, you should read all of the directions that come with it to make sure you do everything the right way. Most of the time, start with the bottom rail. The bottom rails are the right size and have holes in them for attaching the boards. Use a level to make sure the bottom rail is straight, and then bolt it to the bottom.
Step 5: Secure the railings
Each railing should fit into the bottom rail without any trouble. There shouldn’t be more than 4 inches of space between the railings. Check that the railing is straight with your level.
Step 6: Install the top rail
Now, tightly connect the top rail to the railing. Once more, these rails are already made with holes in them so they can be snapped together. Fix the top rails to the top posts at each end once they are in the right place. Grab your level and take some measurements to make sure the lines are straight.
When you figure out how much your deck railing will cost, you might want to add lights to your plans. You can make your late-night parties outside more fun by putting deck lights along the railing. Before you put the cover on, you should set up any deck lights.
Step 7: Capping
Putting caps on the ends of the posts is the last step in finishing off the metal deck rails. To hold them in place, just put the caps on top of each one and use the screws that come with the kit.
Summarize
Even though putting up metal deck railings isn’t too hard, it’s still a big job for people who have never done it before. So, you can definitely find a nearby contractor to help you put it in. Before you hire the worker, you can definitely find a few more to compare prices with.