Hi All,
I am building a deck with TREX decking, posts, and railings. I deviated from the recommended spacing between my posts (72″) by spacing two 78″ apart. The railing only comes in 76″ sections so I am short two inches. I’d rather not move my posts because I already picture framed the decking around the posts. So, I would like to extend the railing 2″ by using biscuits and glue in the butt joint to attach a 2″ piece of railing to the 76″ piece. I want the joint to be strong because it is that 2″ piece which will be screwed to the post. Will wooden biscuits and wood glue (Tightbond III) work or should I use Gorilla glue or Epoxy? Also- would 2 dowels be stronger than biscuits? Any other suggestions are welcome.
Thanks,
Lyptus
Replies
PL Premium. Sounds like a bad idea tho' no matter what, I'd do something different, like add a mid post or switch to different rail stock...glueing on a fix-it just reeks of HACK.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
The secret to a long life is knowing when its time to go. M. Shocked
I was typing while you were - great minds think alike :-)
Yup. That just ain't cool.
Maybe, just maybe a decorative block on the side of the post, or something, but splice a 2" hunk on? BARF.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
The secret to a long life is knowing when its time to go. M. Shocked
Yea! That's the ticket.. make it into a "design feature". :-)
Actually, sounds like a re-do to me :-(
It's been a while since I worked with Trex, but I thought the top and bottom rail pieces came in 12'. I haven't had a lot of luck with gluing it. I tried gorilla glue and it didn't work very well. To tell you the truth, the thought of splicing a railing like you describe would not even cross my mind - generally, they just need to be 1 piece, regardless of what material they are - maybe if you were doing some kind of laminated curved design...
Move the post.
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
Yeah something this funny belongs in the Tavern. LOL
Oh, THAT post..nevermind.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
The secret to a long life is knowing when its time to go. M. Shocked
I say do it. Put screws end-wise as well. I don't think it will ever show, and with the screws added will be fine for strength.
Forrest - make it work
If you elect to try it, I might suggest a 1'' pc. each end. Screw through from each end. Ease the edge of both sides of the splice. Carve a slot in the same spots on the other rails, make it look like a McDesign'd feature.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
<and a sucker punch.>
Ooof!
Forrest
Forrest, no punch intended. If he's gonna scab on a pc. , just thinking two is more balanced. And you know hiding something, just doesn't happen easy. Might as well accentuate.
See, now you've got company. Wouldn't think of leaving you hanging out to dry with the purists.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Yea - that would work.
On second thought, I wouldn't do it if I were charging someone though. Probably wouldn't do on my stuff either...
Edited 1/13/2007 11:14 pm ET by Matt
There's a reason that they only make them that long (strength, amount of defection, etc). Now granted 2 more inches aint a whole lot but I wouldn't do it. I'd go with a mid post or build out the sides of the existing posts somehow.
BILL
can you add a plate in which to mount the railings on the inside of each post to shorten the distance?
Before you start thinking about tagging a little piece onto that Trex railing, consider that it's basically made of recycled HD shopping bags and sawdust - no adhesion and little strength. Now imagine the barbecue party where 300lb uncle Harry leans back against the railing. Then imagine having to find a good lawyer.
Move the posts and replace those picture-framed deck boards or rip a deck board in half, ease the cut edges with your router and scab them on the sides of the posts to reduce the span.
Or maybe you can move those two posts right and left (move the picture-framed deck boards with them) and insert another post between, resulting in three 50 3/4" spans.