Connecting Stair Railing Posts with Titan Post Anchor

by Stan Gardner
(Lyndon, KS)

I am using your post connectors (Titan Post Anchor) and would like to use them on the stairs. Any ideas on how to reinforce underneath the steps?

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Mar 24, 2008
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starstarstar 		Simple Tips for Stair Railing Post Connections
by: Rich Bergman - Editor - IdeasForDeckDesigns.com

Thanks for the question Stan. Many people use the Titan Post Anchor to provide a stiff secure means of connecting a wood stair railing to the deck stairs or as newell posts for interior applications.

Here's what you should consider.

You want to have something substantial for the fasteners to screw into. On the main deck surface I recommend using 2x6 or 2x8 blocking installed between joists below each post location.

For steps on a stair case its not quite as easy. But you can achieve pretty much the same thing by doing one of these steps.

1. I would recommend you use full 2" lumber for your stair treads - not 5/4" that is commonly sold in the lumber yards. The extra thickness on a 2" tread will be important.

2. Use 2.5" hex head bolts. Position an anchor (without the attached post) and use it as a template. Drill starter or pilot holes into the stair tread. Remove the anchor and now use a full size bit and drill right through the tread for each hole.

3. Place the post and attached anchor over the pre drilling holes. Drop in 2.5" hex head lag bolts. Underneath, fit a flat washer, then a lock washer, then tighten the nut up.

4. You can install the very last post either on the tread or on the landing. Just check with your local building code to make sure you have enough over hang beyond the last tread for the top rail and or hand rail.

A lot of people don't know that the code does call for a minimum over hang of the hand rail beyond the tread.

This will be more than enough and will be even stronger once you fit in the railing sections and make the posts connected as one entire railing system.

You could also try to add extra wood right underneath the tread right below where your post will go. This can look a bit awkward if you have open stair treads. If the stair case is enclosed then its not an issue and you can double up material under the treads as blocking.

This is a common question a lot of people ask about using the Titan Post Anchor on outside and inside stairs so I am sure this discussion will be helpful.

If anyone else has other questions, do not hesitate to leave a comment or question.

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