How To: Build handrails for your deck

Home improvement expert Danny Lipford discusses an important feature of any deck - the rails. Just check out this video tutorial to see how to build handrails for your deck.

To give a deck that perfect finishing touch, as well as to address safety concerns, it needs to have a handrail around it. Here Danny shows how to construct the railings and spindles from pressure treated wood. The top hand rail is made from a horizontal 2×4 while the bottom rail is secured vertically with a beveled cut to shed water. 2×2 spindles are toe nailed into the rails before the whole unit is set in place. The top rail is then capped with a piece of 5/4" material to finish it off. Be sure and check your local building codes for approved heights as well as for the gap allowed between the spindles.