Remarkable Redwood Railings

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Every year the California Redwood Association receives hundreds of calls and letters from do-it-yourselfers asking for deck railing ideas. In response to these requests, the Association has compiled the following summary of railing design trends and how-to information.

In the nineties, railings are curved and angled to define the shape of the deck. Redwood posts are intricately routed, machined or carved in rounded, geometric and classic patterns. Posts are often topped by interesting added details such as capitals, moldings or lights. The spaces between the posts are filled in with redwood patterned inserts or detailed uprights that can alternate in size for extra design interest.

Increasingly, redwood is being combined with other materials such as metal piping, bricks and glass to create unique railings. Another trend is the incorporation of redwood benches and planters into the railing design.

One thing that never goes out of style is quality, and redwood is a classic for decks and railings because of its beauty and decay- and insect-resistance. There is a grade for every use, and redwood is a good choice for railings because its dimensional stability means that components will stay in place and not warp, cup or bend. Do-it-yourselfers enjoy working with redwood because it is lightweight and easy to saw, shape and bend.

When working with redwood in an outdoor application, be sure to use stainless steel or top-quality hot-dipped galvanized hardware. An application of a water repellent finish is also recommended.

Whether a redwood railing is down-to-earth or fanciful, it usually consists of similar elements and is built with the same basic rules and techniques. According to most building codes, a deck railing should extend from 36 to 40 inches above the deck surface.

Redwood railings typically consist of three elements:

• Railing posts--4x4 railing posts should be spaced four feet on center, with posts located at deck corners and against stair stringers.
• Rails--these two-inch members extend between posts and support the balusters. Some railings are designed to have three rails: a top rail, a bottom rail and a capital. Other railing designs have only a top rail or top and bottom rails.
• Balusters--typically 2x2's, balusters are installed vertically in a conventional railing. The space between balusters should be six inches or less. In some railing designs, baluster ends are cambered or beveled for appearance.

Remember to design a redwood railing that doesn't encourage sitting unless it is intended for that purpose. Railings should be sturdy barriers erected at the deck's edge without completely obstructing the view.

Railing supports should be securely fastened to the framing of the deck. They should be bolted to joists or beams, or they may be an extension of the post.

With a little imagination and know-how, a do-it-yourselfer can design and build a redwood deck railing that is creative and functional and blends beautifully with the design of the house and deck to which it is attached.

A good idea-starter is the 12-page, color booklet, Redwood Landscape Architecture. This features state-of-the-art decks, railings, trellises, gazebos, fences and other amenities. It is a hardworking information source which discusses the properties of redwood and shows grades and sizes suitable for landscape applications. It also suggests beam and joist spans, hardware, nailing patterns and finishes. Send $1.00 to California Redwood Association, Department LA6, 405 Enfrente Drive, Suite 200, Novato, California 94949.