Advice on porch rails

   / Advice on porch rails
  • Thread Starter
#11  
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?

I have full 2x6 cypress boards and I was going to mill one down to a full 1”. So knowing that I can use the full 2”x6” for a top rail but it has to look good per the wife. The aluminum balust are 1” wide and take two screws on top and two on bottom. That should give support also
 
   / Advice on porch rails #12  
I have full 2x6 cypress boards and I was going to mill one down to a full 1”. So knowing that I can use the full 2”x6” for a top rail but it has to look good per the wife. The aluminum balust are 1” wide and take two screws on top and two on bottom. That should give support also

Maybe bevel the edges to 1 inch, cuz she isn’t gonna be happy when the current configuration doesn’t work.

Edit to add
If you have the material, make a sample of each for her approval.
 
   / Advice on porch rails #13  
This is how I did my top rail, used a 2x6 and beveled the top on the table saw, then routed a Roman pattern in the bottom.
Really like the look and how it feels. I used a block in the middle with 2x4 bottom and top. Very stable. 1384759538.jpeg1308509652.jpeg
 
   / Advice on porch rails #14  
Nicely done TMGT
 
   / Advice on porch rails #15  
Why don't you go to steel ballasts and weld the rail sections first with 1" (or 2") T-stock so the rail sections will be welded structure. Then trim out with cypress. You can dado out the 2x4's and slide the section of T into them. You would see the steel section on the bottom since it is sitting on top of the wood, but if you powder coated the steel sections, I think it would look pretty nice. You would have some really good structure, and the wood would be for show.

Remember tho, if you slot the bottom rail, you need to add drain holes for the slots.

ASTM A36 Hot Rolled Steel Tee Bar | A36 Steel Tee Bar | Buy Online | Cut to Size | No Minimum Order
 
   / Advice on porch rails #16  
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:

Well, the tile on my deck, having been through I think 3 Wisconsin winters now would disagree with you. I did my best to pitch the decks so water would not pool, used a very sturdy substrate of 2 layers of 3/4" treated ply and 3/8" backerboard, plus waterproofing. Of course the tile needs to be rated for freeze-thaw conditions but that is not hard to find with modern porcelain tiles.

Screen porch tile complete (Large).jpg

As for railings, you can go with just metal and make it very sturdy. Here is the railings I later completed for that deck. The cap rail is 6"x 1/4" and it is rock solid. Longest span is about 8'. The frames are 1.5" x 1/8" angle. Toe kicks are 14 ga with a 90 deg bend for a leg to sit on the tile. All 304 SS. Eventually this will get screened in.

Screen porch initial install (2) (Large).jpg

Screen porch railings polished (1) (Large).jpg

Screen porch railings polished (2) (Large).jpg
 
   / Advice on porch rails #17  
I have never heard of or seen cermacic tile outside hold up outside but if yours does I stand corrected. TMGT has the classic top rail conf, excellent work!Dstig1 did you just but your pine t&g roofers or did yuogive the edge a slight bevel I can,t tell from the pictures. I did all the cathedreal ceilings in my house with white pine roofers and scarfed the butt joints. When I do the soffits outside I might just but them and chamfer edge.:drink:
 
   / Advice on porch rails #18  
A good topic, I have given thought to installing porch rails for times when the old folks come to visit.....now my wife and I are the old folks!LOL
 
   / Advice on porch rails
  • Thread Starter
#19  
This is why I post my questions on this site. You guys truly have given me a lot of ideas and have done some great work for yourselves. Thanks again for your time
 
   / Advice on porch rails #20  
I have never heard of or seen cermacic tile outside hold up outside but if yours does I stand corrected. TMGT has the classic top rail conf, excellent work!Dstig1 did you just but your pine t&g roofers or did yuogive the edge a slight bevel I can,t tell from the pictures. I did all the cathedreal ceilings in my house with white pine roofers and scarfed the butt joints. When I do the soffits outside I might just but them and chamfer edge.:drink:

It was T&G and the ends were also T&G
 

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