Advice on porch rails

[rickyb01]

I have a second story porch that has 8x8 cedar post 10’ on centers. I’m going to build my own rails with full stock cypress 2x4’s and 1” aluminum ballasts. The 2x4’s will be on edge with a 1”x 6” cypress top rail.
I’m thinking about putting a 1/8” flat steel stock in the middle of top 2x4. Rip it with my table saw and insert the 1/8” by 11/2 steel stock in 2x4 with liquid nail. This will give me stability and strength. The floor of the second story porch is ceramic tile and I just don’t need to drill holes thru it for a middle post. Which is why the steel flat stock embedded in the top 2x4. I’m thinking this will enable me to span the 10’ and keep the rails sturdy and safe.
Would you guys use 1/8” or 1/4” thickness with the width of 11/2. Thanks Ricky

 

[sodamo]

Got a drawing?

Years ago I made 8ft railings using 2x4 top and bottom, 1 in pvc for balusters, drilling top and bottom to recess. Tied together with all thread in middle. Used a 2x6 on top. Quite stable.
Not sure why use 2x4 on edge as more stable across wider dimension.

 

[spitter]

1\4 ".. 1\8 is pretty flimsy I don't think it will give you the stability you are looking for . Price diff is minimal so wtf go with 1\4 .:drink:

 

[EddieWalker]

Add a support block to the bottom rail midway and avoid dealing with metal.

 

[sodamo]

An old pic of mine.

 

[rickyb01]

You guys think with a support block I want need any metal?

 

[3Ts]

The picture in post #5 shows a railing like you are describing, except it has a 2x6 for a top rail. You won't need any metal with that.
I also think that you will be disappointed with the flat bar performance, you need a different shape, like an angle, or pipe, or something.

 

[sodamo]

Actually when I tiled the deck I found I didn’t really need the middle block, but I’m only 8 ft not 10.
And all 250 lbs on me can sit on the top.

 

[spitter]

trying to get my head around this . 1x6 on the flat for railing. 2x4 on edge for installment of spindles. How does the aluminum spindles attach to the 2x4's? Whats your climate ? Cermic tile outside ?That wouldn't last a winter here. Cypress I guess your down south how is the Ctpress pretty true? The block in the middle eddy said is fine . Don't bother penetrating tile just anchor to bottom rail.:drink:

 

[EddieWalker]

I have a second story porch that has 8x8 cedar post 10’ on centers. I’m going to build my own rails with full stock cypress 2x4’s and 1” aluminum ballasts. The 2x4’s will be on edge with a 1”x 6” cypress top rail.

The 2x4 bottom isn't big enough for a 10 foot span, but if you put a block midway, you now have a 5 foot span, which is ideal. Most people just use a piece of 2x4 for the block, which is also an ideal height for the bottom rail to be above the deck.

Your 1x6 top rail has my a little worried. Was that a typo or are you really wanting to use something that thin?