Stronger Deck Framing with Reliable Connector Clips
Today, we are looking at a relatively typical wood deck guardrail system. We have looked at several examples of deck structural connecting hardware ties, in the past. Today we are looking at one that is commonly recommended for use in both fence framing and deck guardrail construction. These particular brackets are called fence rail brackets.
As the name indicates, although they can be used for a wide variety of things, they are most often used for mounting 2×4 fence framing and deck guardrail framing. Also as the name indicates, these connector ties can also used, not just for inject guard rails is shown below, but also for other installations.
For example, the majority of fence elements are typically installed in a vertical orientation. Post, for example, are driven or set vertically into the ground. Most fence slats are also installed in the vertical position. However, they are generally not set into the ground. Instead, they are installed entirely above ground. In most cases a set of two or three perpendicular framing members will be installed from post to post. The slats will then be installed to hang vertically from these framing numbers.
Just like in the picture below, where the 2×4 dimensional lumber is installed at the top of the post location below the guardrail cap, the fence is built similarly. In most cases the 2×4-dimensional number will attach to the vertical post (which happens to be a 4×4, in this case). The vertical post, in most cases, is larger or thicker than the 2×4. In this particular case, when the 2×4 is turned to be installed horizontally, but on a vertical edge, it’s basically set with a wider horizontal facing. Instead of just having the thin edge run horizontally between posts, this particular installation resists sagging better.
Boards installed horizontally but with a vertical Edge taller than the board’s width, better resist sagging. Here in this deck guardrail installation a 4×4 post has been installed vertically in the area where the stairway to the deck connects to the edge of the deck. This post terminates the guardrail which creates an opening for the stairway to lead downwards to the yard below. At the same guardrail post, the handrail of the stairway attaches and leads continuously from the guard rail to the handrail.
Although guardrails and handrails sound pretty similar, the building code makes some pretty clear distinctions. It’s not that both have to be installed at all locations. In some conditions, the building code requires a guard rail and in other scenarios the building code requires a handrail. Some specific conditions require both at the same time. The biggest difference is that handrails can be required at some locations where there are solid walls next to stairways. At those locations, guardrails are not required because no one can fall out from beneath the handrail.
Essentially, at an open stairway the guard part of a guardrail keeps a person from slipping out beneath the handrail. A stairway, in this circumstance also requires a handrail. At areas like elevated decks where the leading edge of the deck leads to a drop off below, a guardrail is specifically required, over specific heights.
In that type of example, a handrail is not actually required at all though. Generally, where it’s required to walk along the edge of an open area or particularly where there’s an area that has an incline such as a stairway, a guardrail will normally be required. There are constraints around the requirements, of course. In certain cases with very short stairways, a handrail may not be required at all.
Typical, more traditional type of mounting and fastening of these types of handrail and guard rail type connections and or between post supports at fences are typically made with toe nailing or toe screwing type of fastening connections. These typical fastening type connections may have moderate strength in some cases, but they’re generally considered to be less dependable and less strength than mounting clip or mounting tie connections like the ones used in this example. In the coming week, we’ll compare these different examples.
Use a contractor who understands and cares about doing things right. Always, feel free to reach out to us here at Dupont Decks and Patios. We are happy to help with almost all steps of the deck building and design process. A backyard and outdoor space should make a significant, positive impact on both quality of life and home value. We can help with more than just decks, we also build patios, pergolas, ramadas, awnings, gazebos, arbors, and privacy fences.
Let us know about your ideas and talk to us if you have questions about possibilities. We are happy to participate in improving your outdoor space and quality of life! You can call us at (202) 774-9128. You can find us online at https://dupontdeckspatiosdc.com and you can email us there as well at https://dupontdeckspatiosdc.com/contact-us
