How to build a porch stair railing

This step by step diy project is about how to build a porch stair railing. Building railings for the porch stairs is the last step of a complex and larger backyard project. Therefore, we strongly recommend you to check out the rest of the project, if you want to learn how to build a front porch from the frame up to the wooden stairs. Make sure you adjust the design of the project, as to fit your needs.

If you want to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to work with attention and to plan everything from the very beginning. It is essential to invest in quality materials and to use professional tools, otherwise the end result might not satisfy your tastes. Align the components at both ends and drill pilot holes before inserting the galvanized screws, to prevent the wood from splitting.

Work with attention and with great care, if you want to get the job done properly. Read the building codes before building the porch stair railing, as there are a couple of requirements that you need to comply with. Make sure you leave no more than 4″ between the balusters, especially if you have small kids. Check if the wooden components are in a good visible condition, before locking them into place. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building porch stair railing

Building stair railing

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 75” long POSTS
B – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 57 3/4” long CLEATS
C – 16 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 26 3/4″ long BALUSTERS
D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 64″ long HANDRAILS

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface

Time

One Day

Part 1: How to build a front porch
Part 2: How to build porch railing
Part 3: How to build porch stairs
Part 4: How to build porch stair railing

Installing the steps

The first step of the outdoor project is to attach the the posts into place. If you want to get the job done in a professional manner and to lock them into place properly, we recommend you to dig 3′ deep holes and set them into concrete. Check out the step by step procedure here.

Attaching the cleats

The next step of the woodworking project is to attach the cleats, made out of 2×4 lumber. Adjust the components at the right size, making sure both end are cut at 53 degrees. If you want to get a neat appearance, you have to use a miter saw. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the cleats and lock them to the posts with 2 1/2″ galvanized screws. Add waterproof glue to get a rigid structure.

Fitting the balusters

Continue the backyard project by attaching the 2×2 balusters to both sides of the stairs. Cut the top of he balusters at 53 degrees, making sure they all have the same size. Drill pilot holes trough the balusters and insert 2″ screws into the cleats, after plumbing them with a spirit level. Don’t forget to place a 4″ block of wood between the balusters, in order to get consistent gaps.

Installing the handrails

One of the last steps of the porch project is to attach the hand rails to the top of the cleats. As you can see in the image, we recommend you to use 1×4 or 2×4 lumber. Cut the components at the right size, making sure one end is adjusted at 37 degrees. Attach the handrails into place, drill pilot holes and lock them into place with galvanized screws. Countersink the head of the screws, if you want to get a professional appearance.

How to build porch stairs

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Afterwards, smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper and vacuum the residues. Take a look on the rest of the project is you want to learn how to build the frame of the porch and the stairs.

Thank you for reading our project about how to build a porch stairs railing and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets. SUBSCRIBE to be the first that gets our latest projects.

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