Pocket hole jig for deck railing

[John Burke]

Hello,

I am building a deck from cedar. I used the Kreg Deck Jig to fasten the decking and I'm please with the results.

Now I'm just about ready to start the railings and I am thinking of using the Kreg Pocket Hole Jig to fasten the bottom and top rail (2x4 cedar) to the support posts (4x4 cedar). Instead of hiding the screw joints like on most decks, I would like to use cedar plugs and show off the joinery.

I would like to know if anyone else has used this method to fasten railings to support posts and if the results was structurally sound?

 

All comments and advice are welcome!!

 

Thanks,

JB

 

 

[John Burke]

No one has used a pocket hole jig to put up a deck railing??

[Melanie]

I can not believe that no one answered this. Too bad for me. I am about to do the same thing except I am using 2x6's. My question was more on the line of strength. Which side would the plugs add more strength. They will also be visible as the 2x6 is vertical.

[Darrell Weingard]

Yes I have and it is very strong with what I have finished so far.  This was my first use of the jig.  I used 2x4's and used the 1inch and 1/2 side with centering the mini jig and clamping it about 1and 3/4 inch from end of the 2x4and used 2and 1/2 inch blue coat screws. I think this is stronger than face screwing it. But using 3 screws on the face of 2x6 should be just as strong. 

John Burke said:

No one has used a pocket hole jig to put up a deck railing??

[John Burke]

I was beginning to think I was the only one that thought if using the jig in this fashion. But then again, I should know I'm not that original... ;)

Unfortunately I had to pull off working on my deck so right now we are enjoying the new deck without a railing... But I hope to get back to the deck over then next 2 or 3 weeks. At least now I can proceed knowing the jig has been used in this fashion with good results.

Melanie, Thanks for reviving my post!

And Darrell, I appreciate you sharing your method and your experience!