How To Install Paired 45 Degree Set Back Corner Railing Posts

Another challenging situation is a when you have double 45 degree corner posts that are set back from the corner and attached to the inside of the rim joist. This is similar to other 45 degree corner framing techniques but here the posts are further apart as the illustration depicts.

Setting a pair of posts further apart on the inside of the rim joist at this kind of corner will require your patience and attention to detail.

You can see in the drawing that one of the joists is cut short to allow a pair of 45 degree blocking pieces.

In addition there is a long threaded rod required which is an extra level of detail and work to make this whole post configuration come together properly.

The last thing you will have to consider is filling the gap between the two posts so that no single opening between posts or balusters is greater than 4" (10 cm). This makes for some finicky railing work and is one of the main reasons this kind of construction method is not as common as using a single corner post.

This is not for first time builders. You should be competent cutting angles with your circular saw and accurately. Take note of the blocking and the hardware you will need.

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Required Hardware And Cost

There are four custom cut 2x8 blocking and two very long threaded rods. You will need a long ½" drill bit and a steady hand to make the holes accurately.

This makes for a strong set of set back corner posts set inside the perimeter joist.

This way of installing set back rail posts at corner locations is difficult for a the average homeowner and can be well beyond the ability or desire of most people to install all this hardware, or notch the decking boards around each post.

Some don't want to have their posts and railing off set back away from the corner because of the complications with the railing to fill that gap.

The other challenge for many people is the vulnerability of the wood posts to moisture damage over the years because of direct wood on wood contact.

If you fall into this camp, there are railing solutions for decks available to get you a high quality and beautiful looking railing.

What you may wish to consider is to build deck railing with posts that are connected to the deck boards by a low profile surface mount anchor.

Take for example this low profile internal wood railing post anchor shown here.

At less than twenty bucks, it can be used in code compliant residential rail applications when installed according to the manufacuturer's engineering guidelines.

A Simple And Cost Effective Option

This is a very good solution for building new wood deck railings, replacing rotted railing posts, or as support posts for pergolas, gazebos, decks, etc.

Then watch this video of a surface mount wood post anchor that has been tested for use with wood deck railings and costs less than $20 with all the hardware you will ever need and it covers all the possible situations described above.

So there you have it.

A thorough explanation of building traditional wood railing for decks and alternative solutions for great looking deck railing. You decide which is right for your specific project.

Find out more about this innovative post anchoring solution.