Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Help with measuring for handrail on front steps

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ArmyAviator
08-17-07, 06:18 PM
I will be covering my brick front steps in treated pine in morning. For handrail, "The Chief" (wife) wants treated wood as well. Home is southern with big sturdy square columns and other sturdy features; thought I'd use 4x6 or 6x6 for handrail posts. How do you measure for the angle/slope so it goes with slope of steps?

Lastly, any nice ways to attach the top rail? I'd thought about trying my hand at "mortice and tendon"......but perhaps this helicopter pilot better stay with countersunk or something. Thoughts?

Best regards,

--Bryant

chandler
08-17-07, 07:26 PM
Mortise and tenon will be really difficult to achieve in a handrail for an external application due to expansion and contraction of the wood. You can do it scientifically, using the Pythagorean Theorem if you want, but I usually just clamp the handrail to the top newel post and the bottom newel post laying the rail on the steps. Mark the top and bottom angle. If your posts are plumb the same measurement should be good for the top rail as well. Install the top rail at the same distance from the bottom rail all the way up. Install balusters on them and you have a handrail.