Easy Process Of Attaching Wood Or Porch Railing To Round Columns
Don't let columns ruin your plans for adding railing to your deck or porch. There are ways to attach railing to columns regardless of the kind you want to use, but how they secure to the columns depends on the railing you want to use. Even yet, just basic woodworking knowledge is required to finish this project successfully. You might wish to ask a friend or relative to hold long railings in place while they are being installed.
Step 1: Find The Locations Of The Top & Bottom Brackets On The Column
Find the locations of the top and bottom brackets on the column. Simply look for the brackets underneath the bottom of each rail piece to create a DIY railing. The top brackets for American Porch's rail systems are positioned beneath the top rail for the 2-piece system or the Sub-rail for the 4- and 3-piece systems. For the 4-piece System, the bottom brackets are positioned beneath the Skirt; for the 3- or 2-piece Systems, they are positioned beneath the Bottom Rail.
Step 2: Make A Mark Through The Bracket's Hole
The rail's entry point into the column should be marked in the center. On either side of that central line, place a bracket. Make a mark through the bracket's hole while holding it in place.
Step 3: Drill A 9/16” Hole Through The Wall Of The Column
Make a 9/16" hole in the column's wall with a drill. This size is required to fit the toggle bolt's wings in.
Step 4: Push The Toggle Bolts Through The Holes
Each bracket's short leg has a hole in which the bolt should be inserted before the wings are threaded on. The toggle bolts should now be inserted through the holes and tightened to the column. You might find it helpful to sand a little flat onto smaller diameter columns to make the bracket rest on it more flatly. Use this method to install each top and bottom bracket.
Step 5: Align Your Rail With The Column
Next, align your rail with the column and draw its outline on the rail. Jig saw the ends to be cut. Any cut defects should be sanded or rasped. Be cautious to leave the rail long enough to accommodate the coping cut when cutting the second end. Cut once, measure twice.
Step 6: Assemble The Rails And Spindles
You may now put the rails and spindles together. It can be difficult to fit the constructed rails with coping cuts between the columns. You might be able to lift the assembly to a sufficient height and then slide it down if your columns are tapered. If not, the spindles and rail parts are put together when the rails are already positioned between the columns.