Railings and stairs
A railing is the part of a deck people lean on, so it is the part inspectors look at hardest. We build guards, handrails and stairs that pass, and that suit the view you want to keep.
A railing on a deck we did not build gets an inspection of the frame it hangs on, because a guard is only as good as what it is fixed to.
What is included
Guards and handrails in wood, metal or cable
Stairs with even risers and sound stringers
Posts anchored into the frame, not just bolted to the boards
Lighting set into posts or treads where you want it
The price
What changes the cost
We print no average, because yards differ. These are the things that move the number.
Railing style
Wood balusters, metal and cable each have different material and labor costs.
Length and corners
More runs and more corners mean more posts.
Stairs
Height off the ground sets the number of steps, and wide stairs cost more.
What it is fixed to
A weak frame has to be strengthened before a guard can hold.
Lighting
Lights in treads and posts add wiring and a licensed electrician.
The work
The work, in order
- 01
Step 1: Measure and mark
We measure the runs and check how the posts will anchor.
- 02
Step 2: Submit and order
Rail kits and custom parts take time, so the order goes in early.
- 03
Step 3: Posts first
Posts are fixed and tested before anything hangs from them.
- 04
Step 4: Rails, balusters and stairs
The guard, the handrail and the treads go in.
- 05
Step 5: The final evening
We return at dusk to check that the lights do not glare.
Permits and rules
Guards generally are required where a walking surface is more than 30 inches above the ground, and stairs have rules for the height of risers and the grip of rails. Your building department sets them for your address.
We build to those rules and do not build anything the inspector would fail.
Questions about this work
Can I have cable railing?
Yes. Cable is allowed in most places, but the spacing and tension are inspected.
Can you add a handrail to old stairs?
Usually. We check the stringers first.
Will a railing block my view?
Cable and glass keep more of the view; we show you samples at the visit.
Do I need an inspection?
If the work needs a permit, yes. We schedule it.
Plan the railing
Tell us about the yard and the hour you would use it. We write back about a visit.