How to Build a Hand Rail for Outdoor Steps

How to Build a Hand Rail
for Outdoor Steps

your outdoor steps are concrete or wood, providing a
Whether
adds safety and may be required by your local codes. This
handrail
will be for steps coming off a wooden deck between
procedure
Some handrail systems can be very elaborate with balusters
posts.
decorative ornaments. Once you have established the top
and
as described here, you can easily add these other items.
handrail
the post hole digger, dig two holes at least 18-
Using
deep directly in front on both ends of the last
inches
These holes should be perpendicular to the
step.
posts on the walking deck and be equally
existing
from those posts. Use the framing square laid
spaced
line with the upper post, the long side projected
in
the last step indicating proper alignment with
toward
post. upper
a 5-foot long, 4 x 4 inch post in each hole. Mix
Stand
and the concrete in the bucket to the
water
of toothpaste. Carefully pour about half
consistency
contents into each hole containing the wooden
the
Use the 4 foot level to stand the posts perfectly
post.
in both directions so that the posts are in line
vertical
parallel with the upper existing posts. Do not
and
until the concrete has set, usually the next
proceed
day.

the handrail material on top of the stairs so that the
Lay
is alongside the upper and lower posts. Place
handrail
angle divider on top of the handrail. Slide it down
the
the lower post and extend the metal arm outward to
to
the vertical post. This will establish the angle of
match
stairs. Move the set angle divider to the upper post
the
again lay the angle divider on the rail to compare
and
two posts. If the angle is the same you will not need
the
second angle divider. If it is not the same, use the
the
divider to establish the angle of the upper post.
second
the handrail and angle divider(s) aside for future
Set
use.

the speed square on the
Set
a few inches beyond
handrail
post and draw square a
the
Place the angle divider on
line.
speed square and note the
the
that it projects on the
angle
degree settings.
compass
the table on the circular
Adjust
to the angle noted on the
saw
square and cut the line.
speed
on the upper post and
Repeat
other side of the stair
the
system.
Article source
ehow.com
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