Warning signs
- Railing posts that move when pushed.
- Loose, missing or cracked balusters.
- Stair treads that flex, crack or are soft.
- Stringers pulling away from the deck or resting on soil.
- Handrails that are loose or missing.
Keep it safe in the meantime
Block off stairs or sections of railing that seem unstable. Do not test a railing by putting your full weight against it.
Repair or rebuild
Sometimes a loose post or baluster can be refastened or replaced. Other times the stair or railing section is better rebuilt. Rebuilt railings and stairs may need to follow current building code requirements, and permits may apply depending on the work and location.
What to send
Photos of the full railing or stair, close-ups of loose connections, the number of steps and the height of the deck. A short video showing the movement can help.
Related: deck board replacement.
Common questions
My railing moves when I push it. Is it safe?
Treat it as unsafe until it is assessed. Keep people from leaning on it, especially children and guests.
Do railings need to meet a code?
Building codes set requirements for guard height, baluster spacing and stair geometry. Ask how those apply when railings or stairs are rebuilt.
Where TLC Repairs offers deck railing & stair repair
Based in LaGrange and serving communities within about 30 miles, including: