How to Fasten Deck Posts

One of the final stages of any new or remodeled exterior deck is the installation of the deck railing and, regardless of style or design, the railing depends on securely fastened deck posts for support. The common method of attaching deck posts is a basic procedure that can be used for any deck type or post size and ensures a strong, dependable structure to carry the railing assembly.

• 1

  Mark the center lines of the desired layout for the post spacing, using a pencil. Use a hand square to extend the layout lines down the face of the deck's outermost joist.

• 2

  Measure from the top end of the post and mark a pencil line at 40 1/2 inches. Extend the measurement mark across the surface of the post, using a hand square. The line will be the top of the notch cut to attach the post and result in a total standard railing height of 42 inches. This height can be adjusted, if desired, to comply with the railing design being installed.

• 3

  Adjust the circular saw's cut depth to 1 5/8 inch and cut the pencil line marked across the post in Step 2 on the side of the line toward the post's bottom end.

• 4

  Mark a square line on the side of the post from the depth end of the saw cut to the bottom end of the post. Rotate the post to the opposite side and duplicate the line. These lines define the notch cut in the base of the post.

• 5

  Adjust the circular saw's cutting depth to its full depth and cut the pencil lines marked in Step 4, from the post's end to where the line intersects with the first saw cut completed in Step 3. Do not cut past the first saw cut on either side.

• 6

  Complete the notch cutout, using a handsaw. This notch will fit over the rim joist to support the post and railing assembly.

• 7

  Position the post with the notch down and mark a centerline of the post's width, then use a hand square to extend the line from the base of the post to the approximate top of the notch.

• 8

  Mark the bolt hole center points on the center line marked in Step 7 as follows: For decks with 2-by-6 rim joists, mark the center lines at 3 inches and 5 1/2 inches from the bottom of the post. For decks with 2-by-8 rim joists, place the center lines at 2 inches and 5 1/2 inches from the bottom of the post.

• 9

  Drill a 1/2-inch hole at the center points marked in Step 8, using an electric drill.

• 10

  Set the notched post on the rim joist, aligned with a post center line marked in Step 1. Hold the post level using a builder's level and mark the rim joist at each bolt hole in the post.

• 11

  Remove the post and drill a horizontal 9/16-inch hole in rim joist at each of the center points marked using an electric drill.

• 12

  Set the post in place and insert one 1/2-inch carriage bolt into each hole. Place a flat washer and hex nut onto the threaded end of each bolt, then tighten firmly with an adjustable wrench. Check the post for level before final tightening.

• 13

  Repeat Steps 2 through 12 for each additional post to be installed.