How to install balustrade on deck?

[MollyT]

Hello 

(Please excuse the state of our decking!) The previous owners of our house installed a small decking outside the back doors of our house but there is no balustrade. I'm keen to install one as I have kids. Am I able to diy this? And please could you advise what is best to use

Thanks so much in advance!

 

[EricL]

Hello @MollyT 

Before installing a balustrade, it’s important to carefully inspect the structure of the deck to ensure it is strong enough to support the balustrade securely. Check that the joists and bearer's underneath are in good condition, free from rot, damage, or movement. The areas where you plan to mount the balustrade posts must be particularly solid, as these posts will carry vertical and lateral loads. If the timber feels soft, moves when weight is applied, or shows signs of decay, those sections may need reinforcing or replacing before any balustrade is added.

If you're not confident fixing into the deck’s substructure or are unsure about its current condition, it’s a good idea to have a builder assess it before you begin. They can make sure it’s strong enough to support the weight and force a balustrade might experience, especially with kids leaning or playing against it. But if you're comfortable with basic tools and DIY work, this can be a very manageable project using off-the-shelf materials and a bit of planning.

Before you begin, I strongly suggest checking with your local council, as regulations can vary slightly depending on your area, and some installations may require a permit or inspection, particularly if the deck is elevated or being altered structurally. The council will also have the details in regards to post distances, baluster gaps and top rail height. To install a timber balustrade, I suggest determining where your vertical posts will go. Posts should be securely fixed into the deck’s subframe rather than just the deck boards. This often means removing a few boards temporarily so you can bolt or screw through the post base into the joists or bearers. 

Once your posts are in place, install a top rail running horizontally across the posts. Below that, attach vertical timber balusters or infill panels. According to most Australian building codes, particularly if your deck is over one metre high, the balustrade must be at least 1 metre in height. For lower decks, 865 mm is typically the minimum for safety. Spacing between vertical balusters must not exceed 125 mm, which prevents small children from slipping through or getting stuck. It’s also good practice to avoid any horizontal rails or elements that could be used as footholds for climbing. Again, always check with your local council for details.

Finish the job by sanding and sealing or painting the timber to protect it from weather and wear. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know. 

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @MollyT 

Looking at the photo, it appears the deck is at a height that didn't require any balustrade. Building one that includes a gate can be quite involved and not particularly an easy or cheap exercise either as @EricL has very well laid out.

So, the first thing to decide on is if you want a permeant or temporary one? If permanent, do you have the skillset and tools required or do you get quotes from builders or handyman services. Aluminium ones over timber are much easier to DIY build. This range from Bunnings makes it very easy. They can be easily installed using posts.

The 5th row of decking boards from the end will need to be removed and where there will be posts fixed above, the joists will need a double up. Then the boards back down ready for the posts to be screwed to.

And if a temporary solution is required, what are your options?

If your children are only toddlers, then you can buy both new and second hand ones that could be placed near the house opening of the deck restricting how far the kids can access the deck with a gate for the adults. These could be fastened to the deck to make them more secure, but would leave holes once removed.

2nd hand pool fencing, especially non-glass type aluminium is a dime a dozen on and very cheap. this includes safety gates as well. 

This 2nd option I have done many times for people. 3 weeks ago I just removed some as the customer was upgrading their pool areas. And last summer a mate bought 12 2nd hand glass balustrade worth a few thousand dollars for $250. Albeit random sizes, we made it work. We just needed to strengthen the deck and buy the securing pillars, which was another $120. With aluminium balustrade you have the easier option of being able to cut it perfectly to length.

Hope this helped.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @MollyT 

@EricL and @Nailbag have really supplied all the information about how I would install a handrail as well. It sounds complicated but if you step through it as small styled projects it may not be as daunting.

I was looking at your photo and re-reading what you are after. If you are after just a handrail to stop the kids from being able to go over the edge of the deck in the photo I wonder if this idea would work?

Three new posts on the outside edge of the deck, one near the steps, one in the middle, one at the far end. Into concreted footings (holes 600mm deep)

The posts are connected to the deck via bolts through the posts (plus washers) into the deck substructure. As the deck is under the 800mm odd height it dosnt need a handrail but it would be wiser to have it there. 

Dave