Planning permission and decking
In the UK, planning permission is only required for decked areas if they are located within 20 metres of a road, the surface is at a height greater than 30cm from the ground, or the decking covers more than half of the total area of the garden. The 30cm limit ensures neighbouring gardens will not be overlooked, based on an average height person standing on a decked area no higher than 30cm from the ground being unable to see over a standard height fence.
Decking handrail regulations
Safety regulations dictate that any decked area built up to 30cm off the ground should have railings and a hand rail at least 90cm higher than the deck. Areas with an elevation in excess of 30cm above ground level must have a railings at least 110cm higher than the decking with a hand rail at least 90cm high.
How to attach a handrail to decking
In its simplest form, handrails are installed by fixing spindles to a base rail, attaching the handrail to the top of the spindles and then attaching this whole structure to the decking. The following steps explain what you need to do. N.B. the timber components of the balustrade and handrail will need more than one person to manoeuvre them safely.
Step 1 – Measure the distance between two decking posts to determine the length of the handrail needed. Use an offcut to measure the distance between the spindles and mark their positions on the hand rail.
Step 2 – Repeat step 1 on the base rail, drilling a 3mm pilot hole through each mark and marking the centre of each spindle.
Step 3 – With someone holding the spindle securely against the rail, attach the spindle by screwing up through the pilot hole in the rail, from the underside, into the centre of the spindle. Work along the length of the base rail, attaching each spindle along the length.
Step 4 – Attach the handrail to the spindles with galvanised nails, taking care not to split the timber.
Step 5 – Screw an L bracket at the end of the base rail positioning it centrally in the channeled groove. The bracket must be flush with the end of the rail and not sit proud of it at all.
Step 6 – Mark the decking post where the top railing will go, ensuring a height of at least 900mm from the deck surface, and screw an L bracket into position on the marks. Hang the handrail onto this bracket and secure from the underside with screws.
Step 7 – Secure the bottom rail to the decking posts with an L bracket and screws.
Step 8 – Finally, mark 25mm from each end of both the base rail and the handrail and drill a countersunk pilot hole into each mark, making sure the hole goes in to the decking post. Secure the balustrade in place by screwing into each hole to secure the post to both rails.
Timber decking from Witham TImber
At Witham Timber, we have over 40 years’ experience in the provision of quality timber decking materials. Our range includes everything you need to install a handrail on your decking, including decking handrails, decking spindles, and decking fixings. If you need any advice on your next project, call our experienced staff on 01205 359188 or email us at sales@withamtimber.co.uk