Help Design My Deck Rail

[mroper]

Number 2 then seal it with readi seal

 

[Sasquatch]

Another vote for number 2, I just like the aesthetic more, and it seems to be a stronger overall design.

 

[MountainGirl]

This is a rail hanger. Change your opinion any?

Yep, it does.
I was wrongly thinkin these

The rail hanger you posted might actually dress up the design of #2 quite a bit.. less 'country' more 'modern'.

I'd like to change my vote.
(The Poll in the OP wont let me though)

 

[Fishkiller]

I vote Number 2. To me it is a cleaner look, not so busy. And the 8 year old in me likes to tell you to make a Number 2.

 

[FireInTheWire]

I'm just here for the bourbon.

 

[karlac]

Personally, I'd rent a pressure washer, if the wood is softwood 500-600 PSI, clean it, sand, stain, and seal it. If done right you can get another 7-10 years of life out of this.

I do not care for the look of either of your choices, today wood bends and twists like a live snake in a hot skillet.

Ditto, and why I didn't bother to vote.

Judging by the photos, neither option appears to be up to building safety codes, with respect to child safety.

Future resale disclosures, and possible liability in case some young child (any grandchildren yet?) crawls between the horizontal rails, could hinder a future sale, or worse.

Prepare for the future - bottom line, rebuild to code whether it is a requirement or not, or consider other more conventional options that will not be a liability or hinder sale.

 

[Bozz10mm]

A vote for #2. It just looks sturdier and not froufrou.

 

[jimbo]

I like #2 best.

 

[toddnjoyce]

Ditto, and why I didn't bother to vote.

Judging by the photos, neither option appears to be up to building safety codes, with respect to child safety.

Future resale disclosures, and possible liability in case some young child (any grandchildren yet?) crawls between the horizontal rails, could hinder a future sale, or worse.

Prepare for the future - bottom line, rebuild to code whether it is a requirement or not, or consider other more conventional options that will not be a liability or hinder sale.

This is actually good feedback. Spacing of the 1x2s would comply with IRC requirement to not pass a 4” sphere. I’d have to do a little testing to validate infill, uniform, and concentrated load tests. At first glance, the only test I’m a little concerned about is the concentrated load test. I do have access to a person who designs these for a living and could spit me out an IRC compliant design plan.

Or, I could bypass that with pre-drilled rail caps and manufactured balusters, which is the third option I’m considering with the knowledge that Momma won’t get the surprise this weekend and that’s okay, too.

 

[no2gates]

Yep, it does.
I was wrongly thinkin these
View attachment 407629

The rail hanger you posted might actually dress up the design of #2 quite a bit.. less 'country' more 'modern'.

I'd like to change my vote.
(The Poll in the OP wont let me though)

Holy shit! @toddnjoyce got a woman to change her mind. Impressive !!

 

[toddnjoyce]

Holy shit! @toddnjoyce got a woman to change her mind. Impressive !!

My list of skills is both long and impressive and I aim to please.

 

[MountainGirl]

My list of skills is both long and impressive and I aim to please.

Well, if you're long and impressive - I'm sure you do.







Oh c'mon you guys. That was just too good to pass up.

 

[Eastexasrick]

#2. Build up to code and aesthetically pleasing.
You are going to sell before long, no need to over engineer or over build.

 

[Lonesome Dove]

I have a 25 in 1 tool you can borrow.

 

[Dawico]

Anyone who thinks a 1x2 will hold up to the weather or someone resting their foot on it is now on my ignore list, including Todd. That option screams for a project that needs to be redone in the Spring if it makes it that long.

Since I can't recommend the modern cable or hog panel look I guess 2x4s it is.

Trying to understand how 2x4s will twist and bow but 1x2s won't proves that my alcohol intake may be way too low for this forum.

 

[popsgarland]

My list of skills is both long and impressive and I aim to please.

 

[toddnjoyce]

View attachment 407773

She was still impressed enough to put it on the internet.

 

[popsgarland]

She was still impressed enough to put it on the internet.

And everybody thanks her very, very much for NOT posting any pictures..

 

[Axxe55]

I vote #2 If you don't want to do it ever again, you might want to think about making it with Trex or some other composite wood.
I rebuilt my deck 3 years ago with Trex so I won't have to mess with it again.

if i had to build a deck that was exposed to the elements trex or something similar woulbe my choice too!

 

[popsgarland]

So much for the weekend deck build.

You ever going to start and/o finish the deck?