Mounting Guidance - Tip Sheet

A critical factor in successful guardrail application is the attachment of the posts to the substrate. Many pre-engineered post-attachment methods are available to meet the diverse needs of your projects, including mounting to concrete, structural steel, and engineered wood.

Additional post attachment options can accommodate fascia mounting with an offset, core mount and block-out, and parapet or pony wall applications. They all can be used in conjunction with various types of connecting hardware, including lag screws, thru-bolts, expansion anchors (for concrete), or other specialty connection hardware.

Post attachment options

The most common post mounting option for guardrail applications includes surface, direct fascia, fascia bracket, and stanchion.

Surface Mount

A surface mount solution is used to mount posts with an attached base plate directly on the deck, patio, or stair tread surfaces. This type of mounting method can be used on both flat surfaces and angled runs and is a good choice for expansive decks or walkways and cases where there is no concern with posts consuming space on the structure.

In most instances, concrete decks, wall top railings, interior pony walls, and exterior parapet walls will call for surface-mounted posts. Similarly, level wooden decks with at least 3 in. of structural backing at the post locations and rooftop decks with gutters or other obstructions that can prevent fascia mounting are well-suited for surface mounting.

Direct fascia mount

Surface-mounted posts can require up to 6 in. of space around the perimeter or the post due to the size and location of the mounting Flange; direct fascia-mounted railing posts do not take up space on top of the deck. Additionally, fascia-mounted posts can be less expensive, especially in cases where they are bolted directly through the post, typically utilizing two to three bolts instead of a mounting flange with four bolts.

Direct fascia mounting is usually recommended for smaller surfaces where space is an issue, and the surface is uneven. It is essential to be able to adjust the posts up or down, as needed. Fascia mounting also lends itself to situations where a standoff plate needs to be used to avoid a drip-edge flashing or where minimal backing makes it necessary to use a four-bolt mounting plate.

Many decks, especially rooftops, use a waterproof membrane to ensure the structure is protected from water. Direct fascia mounting helps ensure the railing posts do not puncture the waterproof membrane. Additionally, it provides a cleaner aesthetic as they hide the deck hardware along the side of the structure.

When using this method, post spacing may have to be reduced to account for the reduced cross-section where the hole is drilled.

Fascia bracket mount

Fascia mount brackets are designed for side mounting to fascia or rim joists when decking or nosing trim extends beyond the edge of the fascia board. These brackets are often used for the installation of posts on flat roofs and concrete decks and accommodate both straight and corner runs.

Posts are attached using metal brackets that have a stand-off and are installed flush with the fascia board.

Stanchion mount

Stanchions are used to mount posts to stone or tile-covered concrete slabs or on roof decks where the penetration of waterproof roofing membranes must be minimized. Short stanchions are attached to the structural members prior to pouring the slab or laying the roof membrane. Railing posts are then sleeved over the protruding stanchion ends and secured with screws. Stanchions are available in steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.

Post fastener method by substrate

A heavy timber beam, either Douglas Fir or Western Red Cedar, EWP, glue-laminated timber known as glulam, laminated veneer lumber, and treated framing lumber are the most common substrate materials guardrails are attached. Other materials might include concrete, steel, and a pedestal system over the substrate.

The fastener method chosen is often the most critical aspect of ensuring a railing frame can withstand the loads as prescribed by the building code.

Heavy timber

Guardrail attachment methods include base, direct fascia, and fascia bracket mount applications. These methods can use either lag screws or thru-bolts, with specific considerations that depend on project variables and the type of wood used.

The American Wood Council’s National Design Standards dictate thread engagement requirements for lag screws into wood and respective tension strengths. This standard is referenced in the International Building Code (IBC).

Treated framing lumber

Guardrail attachment options include base, direct fascia, and fascia bracket mount applications. Lag screws or thru-bolts can be used. When opting for the former, it is crucial to ensure adequate blocking to achieve necessary thread engagement. When using thru-bolts, sufficient access must exist to install the washer and nut.

It is essential to focus on the method of preservation, which may require particular fastener alloys or specially coated fasteners (hot-dipped, zinc-coated, galvanized steel, stainless steel, silicon bronze and/or copper.

Concrete

All mounting methods can be used with concrete. The method chosen will depend on unique project specifications/variables. When using an attachment method requiring fasteners, options include expansion and epoxy anchors and various embed hardware. It is essential to pay attention to products designed and tested with both cracked and uncracked concrete.

In addition to concrete strength, adequate embedment (depth of anchor), edge distance, and anchor spacing are important engineering considerations when mounting concrete. The slab must be at a depth sufficient to accept proper anchor mounting.

Mounting options are be limited with post-tensioned concrete slabs because the tendons may be too close to the slab edge, effectively eliminating the possibility of drilling/cutting the slab. Inadvertently damaging one of the tendons can release a tremendous amount of energy quickly, potentially causing severe injury or death while irreversibly damaging the substrate.

Similarly, special care should be taken to not collide with or drill through rebar or interfere with rebar locations.

Steel

As with concrete, all mounting methods can be used when attaching posts to steel. Whether fastening to an H-beam, I-beam, C-channel, box beam, hollow structural section, architecturally exposed structural steel, or other structural steel members, project specifics need to be taken into consideration. Fastening methods can include drill and tap, welded studs, welded stanchions, and thru bolting.

When welding stanchions to a steel member, it is essential to use similar metals and adequately account for environmental conditions. For example, in coastal areas or in environments that regularly use de-icing chemicals such as magnesium chloride, potential galvanic reactions can occur when dissimilar metals make contact with one another.

Floating deck systems

Typical attachment methods include a stanchion or base mount. These systems add distance between the walking surface and mounting surface, impacting the post's structural loading and attachment connection. As a result, the moment load is increased due to the long lever length. Therefore, the mounting system must be adequately designed and strong enough to accommodate a higher bending strength on the post and more significant withdrawal (tension) capacity on the fasteners.

Mounting Guidance - InlineDesign

Tip Sheet - Fascia Mount - link

Tip Sheet - Core Mount - link

Tip Sheet - Welded Mount - link

Tip Sheet - Surface Mount - link