How can I repair a wooden railing?

[hf]

Hi, The wooden hand rail just outside my front door has a crack at the seams. I also think the wood near the crack has started rotting as I can feel the softness of the wood when I press down (photo 1). The 'leg' supporting the hand rail needs some work done too but I don't know what's appropriate (photo 2). Any suggestions for both issues? Thank you.

[JacobZ]

Hi @hf,

Thank you for your question about repairing a wooden railing at your home.

The base of the post has rotted out. As the post is supporting the handrail, it is enough of an issue that it will require replacement of the post.

The handrails are also rotted, and it is very unlikely they could be reused, considering they would need to be removed to replace the post.

Considering the function of handrails is to prevent falls from height, and it looks like there is a fair drop from the landing, I would suggest you contact a carpenter to assist with the replacement of the railing as soon as possible.

Allow me to tag @Nailbag, @Dave-1 and @Jewelleryrescue for their thoughts.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Nailbag]

Hi @hf 

I agree with @JacobZ that there are very obvious signs of rotted timbers essentially held in place by thick coatings of paint. Both the post and at least those two sections of the handrail will need to be replaced. It's highly likely there is more in other areas. If you're not up to the task yourself, again I would agree with @JacobZ and have a carpenter or decent handy-person replace whats needed as a matter of some urgency being a handrail for a porch of considerable height.

Regards Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @hf 

I agree with @JacobZ assesment of the state the post and rails are in. 😕 a little painful but resonably easy to fix depending on how you are with timberwork.

Depending on how high your patio is from the ground (800 or 900mm) and higher you will need a certain type of handrail. Check out your local council website and they will have it listed I think.

Replacing like for like.

You have all the measurements you need. You have a post height, you have the two handrail length olus the sizing of the timber. With the rails, short sharp taps upwards near the post should pop the rotted ends easily up.

The half stirrup at the base of the pole hopefully will be fine. If it is (no rust and still secure) then undoing the screws from the other side away from the photographer is the second step. 

H3 treated timber is the type id suggest (Will wait for confirmation tho from @JacobZ or @EricL  )

I prefer bolts through the post base instead of screws. (personal preference)

I would definently paint the post and rails before you install them to make sure they are sealed.

As a note of caution, I would look at the rest of your posts and handrails to see what stae they are in, a flat blad screwdriver pushed into suspect spots will show if the timber is rotted fairly easily.

Dave