Additional inserts are added at the top, making a snug fit between the steel column and sleeve. The composite post sleeve is placed over that. Next, a plastic insert is slipped over the steel column and pushed to the bottom. Leg screws are inserted and tightened until secure. Pilot holes are drilled through the remaining two holes, since they sit over the porch rim joist. Clearance holes are drilled through the deck, bolts are inserted - a metal support plate is slipped on underneath and the nuts are threaded on and then tightened with a socket. The posts on the porch deck have an inner steel column with a mounting flange at the bottom. Finally, adhesive is applied to the composite post caps and they're set in place. The process is repeated on the other side. Then the entire assembly is locked in position with rust-resistant screws. Anchor pins are inserted and snapped into place. The pre-assembled sections are set in place and lowered so that the angle brackets engage the bracket bases. Next, the composite rails are cut to length and plastic angle brackets are attached to the ends. The plate is mounted first, then railing bracket bases are installed, top and bottom. This mounting plate with a convex back is designed specifically for attaching the upper ends of the stair railings to the round porch columns. Then the brackets are clamped in position and secured in place with rust-resistant screws. Now the posts are pre-drilled for the railing brackets. Then the post is set in place, plumbed and the hole is back-filled with gravel and soil. Inside the sleeve, we place a pressure-treated 4 x 4, then plastic inserts at the bottom and top. Next, we cut the composite post sleeve to length. We're going to begin by digging post holes for the stair railings, using first a shovel and then a clamshell post-hole digger. The pre-assembled railing is made from a composite material by Barrette Outdoor Living. After a trip to the home improvement center to pick up the new fence, we unload it and get to work installing. The rails were toe-nailed into the post and house and are easily cut away, using a reciprocating saw.Ī pry-bar and claw hammer make short work of removing what remains. The only option that makes sense is to replace it.ĭemolition is fairly straightforward. Flaking paint and rotted wood have rendered it not only unattractive, but also unsafe. From a distance, it looks fine but on closer inspection, it's clear that it's seen better days.

Installing stair railing on deck