About Wraparound Deck Railings

Groundwork for Installing Wraparound Deck

POSITION: After clearing and preparing the building site, set up batter boards and mason’s lines to establish the ledger and footing locations. Take care that the lines intersect at the outside edges of the posts. Mark the locations for the footings and piers, remove the mason’s lines, and dig footing holes. Follow local building codes tor hole depth and width. Reset the lines.

CONCRETE: Set and level the concrete forms in the footing holes and pour the footings. Set post anchors in the wet concrete, wash the outer edge flush with the mason’s lines.

Despite its grand appearance, this deck is actually a simple two-level platform. Wrapped around a corner of the house, it combines privacy and style. Trim and siding integrate the design with the architecture of the home.

Ledgers

Each level of the deck is held up on one side by its own 2×10 ledger bolted to the house. The lower ledger starts as a single 2×10 and becomes doubled when it extends past the house.

• Brace and plumb the remaining posts in their anchors, but do not cut them. You’ll cut them when the deck platform is finished.
• Mark posts level with the ledgers they face.

Beams

• Nail the 2x8s for the beams together with two 8d nails or screws driven every 16 inches.
• Prop the beams in place so their top is flush with the mark on each post.
• Drill holes and bolt the beams to the post.

Joists and decking

• Install joists 24 inches on center, hanging them between the ledger and beams with joist hangers.
• Install blocking for both levels.
• Install the decking boards so their edges are tight against the posts.
• Trim the single step with 2×4 fascia.
• Nail a 2×4 cap on top of the posts and 2×4 plates between the posts just above the piers. You’ll find the plates easier to install if you use framing connectors which will hold the ends of the plates. If you do not use framing clips, toenail the plates to the posts.
• Measure and cut studs to fit between the bottom plate and the 2×4 cap.
• Nail the studs in place, 16 inches on center, and toenail them to the beams as well.

Siding

Fasten sheathing or siding to the framework in the same way you would apply exterior siding ( building paper is not necessary).

• If you use shingles, shakes, or stucco, install CDX plywood sheathing first.
• Install horizontal wood siding or plywood siding directly to the studs.
• To prevent moisture from leaking inside the railing, place 15-pound felt or metal flashing over the top plate.
• Install the 2×8 cap and 1×4 trim.

More Resources: Build It Yourself: Wrap Around Deck, home plans with with Wraparound Porches.