Step by step instructions to installing steel railings

For the accomplished do-it-yourselfer, few projects around the home result in as much pride as those done outside that can be seen and enjoyed by friends and family. Whether it’s landscaping features like a flagstone walkway, a new flower bed, or a play structure for the little ones, outdoors projects are a magnet for homeowners who want to dip their toes into the home improvement pool. When we talk with customers throughout the Greater Toronto Area, the conversation inevitably turns to the type of projects a homeowner can do that will save money.

At ME Contracting, we’ve been the premier landscaping, railings and outdoor construction company for 10 years running, and we pride ourselves on creative, quality, affordable projects – and also educating our clientele on what kind of work they can do on their own.

Many of our customers who’ve hired us to build decks often ask if they can install the steel railings on their own. The answer is, it depends. Many factors determine how successful the average homeowner would be with this sort of project, but even someone mildly familiar with power tools can get the job done of they follow these steps:

1. The first thing we encourage homeowners to do if they wish to install steel railings is to check with their municipality’s building department on codes and regulations that need to be followed. There are usually precise dimensions and placements for railings – like the height of the rails and distance between each one — so it’s always a good idea to know the information before starting work.
2. Pick a railing design that fits with the deck, architecture of the home, and landscaping features. For instance, if your home is a turn-of-the-century Victorian with yard work and deck to match, then contemporary steel railings painted bright red aren’t the way to go. The primary objective of this step is to take measurements of the deck, determine where the posts should be, and put together a parts and materials list.
3. Choose railings based on the design. Any reputable outdoor construction company that specializes in decks should have a wide range of steel railings to choose from, as would a fencing company or the local home improvement warehouse.
4. Use a pencil and mark on the deck where the steel railings and balusters will be installed, making sure the line is thick enough to be easily visible.
5. Review the parts and materials list and make sure everything is in order. If anything is missing, go back and get it before starting work.
6. Drill pilot holes for fasteners that will go into the deck.
7. Install the first post in the spot you marked, and be sure to use a level and shim so it’s properly aligned. Once the first steel railing is in place, follow the same steps for the rest.
8. Optionally, the next step is to install balusters or paneling as necessary.
9. Add the top railing.
10. Add the post tops.

Finally, if you have any questions in regards to the above steel railings installation, we always recommend customers call a professional for advice or other help to complete the project to their liking.

If you think that installing steel railings on your deck is not a DIY job you would like to undertake then we recommend you call us and we will give you a free on-site consultation.

Here at M.E contracting we have installed steel railings throughout the greater Toronto area and we are very familiar with the needs you may have. We even think we can save you money too!