Installing railings is an important safety feature for many homes and buildings. Railings provide stability when using stairs and prevent falls from elevated surfaces like balconies, porches, and patios. While wood and metal railings are common, concrete is also a viable option for an attractive and sturdy railing.
Page Contents
- 1 Can You Install Railings Directly Into Concrete?
- 2 Considerations for Installing Railings in Concrete
- 3 Methods for Installing Railings in Concrete
- 4 Tips for Installing Railings in Concrete
- 5 Best Materials for Concrete Railings
- 6 Costs of Installing Railings in Concrete
- 7 Building Codes for Concrete Railing Posts
- 8 Conclusion
Can You Install Railings Directly Into Concrete?
Yes, it is possible to install railings directly into concrete. There are a few methods for installing railings into concrete:
- Using concrete anchors and lag bolts
- Drilling and installing threaded rod into the concrete
- Using metal posts with a concrete adhesive
The best method will depend on the specific type of railing system and the tools available. Professional installation is recommended, especially for heavy-duty railings like stainless steel or wrought iron designs. However, DIY installation is possible in some cases using basic tools.
Considerations for Installing Railings in Concrete
There are a few important factors to consider when installing railings directly into concrete:
Concrete Strength
The concrete must be fully cured and durable enough to support the railing system. New concrete requires about 28 days to fully cure. Older concrete should be inspected for cracks, crumbling, or other deterioration before installing railings.
Mounting Method
The mounting method must be designed for concrete applications. Concrete anchors, lag bolts, threaded rod, or adhesives specifically made for concrete should be used. Standard wood screws or nails will not hold securely.
Railings Weight and Load
Consider the total weight of the railing system and the types of loads it needs to withstand. Heavier railings or high traffic areas require more robust mounting methods. Building codes may specify load requirements for railings.
Concrete Drilling
Drilling into concrete requires special masonry drill bits and tools. A hammer drill makes drilling easier. The hole depth and diameter must match the specifications for the mounting hardware.
Reinforced Concrete
Drilling holes in reinforced concrete with rebar or mesh requires identifying the location of the rebar first to avoid drilling through it. A rebar detector or metal detector can help locate reinforcement.
Methods for Installing Railings in Concrete
Concrete Anchors and Lag Bolts
Concrete anchors are devices that get embedded into a drilled hole in concrete and expand to grip the concrete when tightened. Common types include sleeve anchors, wedge anchors, drop-in anchors, and epoxy anchors. With anchors properly installed, lag bolts can be threaded into them to attach railing posts.
Threaded Rod
Threaded rod is installed by drilling holes into the concrete, applying an adhesive like epoxy, and lowering the rods into the holes. Nuts, washers, and brackets can then attach railing posts to the threaded rods.
Adhesive Mounting
Special 2-part adhesives designed for concrete bonding can be used to mount metal railing posts. The posts should have a flanged or bracketed base. The concrete must be prepared, adhesive applied, and posts adhered according to the manufacturer instructions.
Railings Set into New Concrete
For new concrete that hasn’t cured yet, mounting plates, anchors, threaded rods, or support posts can be set into the wet concrete. Once cured, railing attachments can be bolted to the mounted hardware.
Tips for Installing Railings in Concrete
- Use hex-head lag bolts or hex-head anchors for easiest installation with standard socket wrenches.
- Clean concrete thoroughly before drilling and mounting railings.
- For heavy railings, use multiple anchors spaced at least 2 inches apart.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for proper drill size, hole depth, and installation procedures.
- Use shims or washers to adjust railing posts that aren’t perfectly plumb.
- Consider hiring a professional installer for stainless steel or decorative iron railings.
Best Materials for Concrete Railings
Any material can be used for railings mounted to concrete as long as the mounting method is properly designed. Here are some of the best options:
Metal
Stainless steel, wrought iron, and powder coated steel are excellent options. Metal mounting plates, threaded rods, and posts adhere well using concrete anchors and adhesives.
Wood
Cedar, redwood, and pressure treated pine can be secured with lag bolts and anchors. Look for naturally weather-resistant wood or use a protective sealant.
PVC/Composite
PVC and composite railings made from wood/plastic blends can be installed using brackets and hardware designed for concrete. These materials resist weathering and rot.
Cable Railings
Stainless steel cable railing systems use mounting plates with eyelets for the cables to thread through. The plates attach with concrete anchors.
Glass
Tempered glass railing panels can mount to posts secured in concrete. Use metal sleeves at attachment points to allow panels to expand and contract.
Aluminum
Extruded or wrought aluminum railing components can mount to concrete using sleeves, anchors, and lag bolts.
Costs of Installing Railings in Concrete
Costs vary depending on the railing materials, size, and professional vs DIY installation. Expect to pay:
- $25 – $100 per linear foot for DIY cable, PVC, or simple metal railing installation
- $100 – $200 per linear foot for pro installation of mid-grade metal or wood railings
- $200+ per linear foot for high-end metal railings installed by a contractor
Concrete drilling tools like hammer drills, specialty bits, and metal detectors add to costs for DIYers without the proper equipment.
Building Codes for Concrete Railing Posts
Most areas adhere to the International Residential Code (IRC) or International Building Code (IBC) standards for railings. Key requirements include:
- Minimum height of 36 inches above walking surface
- Between 4-6 inches spacing between balusters or railing infill
- Withstand a load of 200 lbs applied at the top railing
- Withstand 50 lbs per linear foot applied horizontally
- Not facilitate climbing by small children (no footholds between 4-6 inches)
Consult your local building department for any additional railing codes and permitting requirements.
Conclusion
Installing railings into concrete is a versatile and durable option for safety and aesthetics. With the proper tools and mounting hardware designed for concrete applications, most any railing material can be successfully installed. Careful planning of the load capacities, railing height, and spacing of balusters is needed to meet code requirements. Following manufacturer instructions for installation and using an experienced contractor for heavy railings will yield the best results.
