A railing that moves is the most common safety problem we find on Charleston decks. Posts that were notched or only nailed loosen over time, balusters split, and stair treads rot from the ends. We rebuild railings and stairs with through-bolted posts, code spacing and treads that drain.
This service is part of our Charleston deck repair and replacement services. Homeowners who need it often ask about a free deck safety inspection, a full deck replacement or new deck construction at the same time, so we price and schedule them together.
Railings
We reset or replace posts with through-bolts and blocking, replace balusters at code spacing of under 4 inches, and install a graspable handrail on stairs. Options include wood, black aluminum and composite rail systems.
Stairs
Stringers are checked for rot at the bottom where they meet the ground, treads are replaced with proper overhang and spacing, and landings are rebuilt on solid footings. Pair it with a deck safety inspection if the stairs are older than the deck.
Typical cost
Railing replacement runs about $45 to $95 per linear foot depending on material, and stair rebuilds usually run $900 to $2,500.
Areas we serve
Railing & Stair Repair is available for homes in Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Daniel Island, Johns Island, Folly Beach, Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms and Hanahan.
Frequently asked questions
How high should a deck railing be in South Carolina?
Residential guards are generally required at 36 inches where the deck is more than 30 inches above grade, with openings small enough that a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through. We build to the current code adopted by your jurisdiction.
Can you replace wood railings with aluminum?
Yes. Black or bronze aluminum rail systems are popular in Charleston because they do not rot and hold up well in salt air.
Can a loose railing post be fixed without replacing it?
Often, yes. If the post is sound, we add blocking and through-bolts. If it is rotted at the base or was notched too deeply, we replace it.
Related deck repair & replacement
All deck repair & replacementDeck Board ReplacementDeck Safety InspectionDeck ReplacementNew Deck ConstructionComposite Deck Installation