Maintenance Guides / Exterior & Structure

Tighten deck railing & balusters

Difficulty: easyTime: 60 mins

Why it matters

Code requires railings to resist 200 pounds of load. Loose railings create fall liability and injury risk.

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How to do it

  • 1

    Inspect all railing posts where they bolt to the deck frame.

  • 2

    Tighten bolts and fasteners using a wrench or screwdriver.

  • 3

    Check each post by applying firm outward pressure; posts should not move.

  • 4

    Inspect all balusters (vertical spindles) for loose screws or bolts.

  • 5

    Tighten baluster fasteners; gaps should be no more than 4 inches.

  • 6

    Check for soft or rotted wood in railing components and replace if needed.