AZ ranch
- Thread starter BoFuller
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BoFuller
Veteran Member
I am starting my guard railing this week. My plan is to put a 4x4 as an upright every 4 ft. Then I will put a 4x4 as a bottom plate, with a hole drilled every 4 inches, about 1 1/2 deep, and stick a piece of 1/2 inch rebar 30 inches long in every hole. Then I will make a top rail identical to the bottom rail, except turn it over and wiggle the rebar into the holes in the top rail. Maybe some liquid nail or something in the holes, but I want them to be snug, so the adhesive may not be necessary. I will drill the holes smaller than the rebar and pound them in. I think it should work.
OP
BoFuller
Veteran Member
Yes, the front and ends will be open - easy access.
Currently my only access to the basement is through the outside small door, so I will have to crawl under the deck to get to the door.
Eventually, i want to put a trap door and stairs inside.
dstig1
Super Member
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- Apr 7, 2010
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- W Wisc
- Tractor
- Kubota L5240 HSTC, JD X738 Mower, (Kubota L3130 HST - sold)
In the bottom rail, after you drill your 1/2" holes, I would recommend coming back with a smaller bit and drilling through the center of your 1/2" hole through to the bottom of the rail so water has a better chance of getting out and doesn't get trapped. Don't glue the bottom either. The hard part in assembling will be that you have to line up all 1 million rods into the top rail holes simultaneously to get it together. It ain't fun...
EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
I wouldn't worry about a weep hole on a house in Arizona.
I like the idea of using the 4x4's. I've never seen that before and it should look very substantial. Will you raise the bottom up off of the deck?
A random thought that I just had was to wonder what your 4x4's would look like if they where installed at an angle with the pointed edge at the top?
I like the idea of using the 4x4's. I've never seen that before and it should look very substantial. Will you raise the bottom up off of the deck?
A random thought that I just had was to wonder what your 4x4's would look like if they where installed at an angle with the pointed edge at the top?
OP
BoFuller
Veteran Member
The bottom rail will be about 3.5 inches off the floor (height of 4x4). Diagonal sound interesting but i like the idea of a little edge on top, for coffee cup or whatever.
I have not decided on method of securing horizontal 4x4 to the vertical 4x4. Bolt to one side (inside), or notch part way, or cut to 4 ft lengths and put exactly between the uprights with angle brackets.
I have not decided on method of securing horizontal 4x4 to the vertical 4x4. Bolt to one side (inside), or notch part way, or cut to 4 ft lengths and put exactly between the uprights with angle brackets.
3Ts
Elite Member
There are also "timberlok" screws in various lengths that will go thru the 4x4 horizontal and well into the 4x4 vertical. It will give it a cleaner look, but you'll need to put the bottom rail and posts together before placing the railing in position.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/FastenMaster-14-6-in-External-Hex-Flange-Hex-Head-Wood-Screws-12-Pack-FMTLOK06-12/202284481
https://www.homedepot.com/p/FastenMaster-14-6-in-External-Hex-Flange-Hex-Head-Wood-Screws-12-Pack-FMTLOK06-12/202284481
OP
BoFuller
Veteran Member
I have a box of 6 inch timber locks that I bought for something else and then did not use them. i will try those. Yes & no of the pre-assembly. I am going to lay a 4x4 on the deck and then put another one, which will be my bottom rail, on top of that, and then drill and pound and attach.