New Railing on Old Deck

A DIY deck had stood for a long time without railings but the owner wanted it to be safe so hired me to build railings. I used a special post anchor on the center post on the left side railing to stiffen up the attachment. Without it the post would bend the joist when push or pulled. All the other posts were within reach of solid attachment with long lag screws. I also trimmed up the ends of the deck boards and the stair treads to neaten things up.

After the railing was on, I found a used sliding glass door to prevent the snow from blowing into the walkway behind the deck. I proposed installing it and the owner agreed it was a needed upgrade.

Adding the notched posts.

Adding the top and bottom rails

Completed with railing cap, pickets and hand rail.

A view of the old stairs with the new railings.

A used sliding glass door and a fixed glass panel keeps the walkway behind the deck dry.