Deck Fences, Hand Rails. Some examples of wooden deck or patio fences. Same construction could work for larger fences.

This fence around the deck was built out of a bunch of two foot long 2X2s that was given to me.The deck fence was built out of 2X2s screwed onto ripped 2X6s that made 2X3 runners or stringers. The cap was 2X6 redwood.

I used deck screws and predrilled the holes so as not split the wood. Cap was screwed into 4X4 post and the stringers. Stringers were hung on 4X4 post with the cheapest 2X3 metal clips. (Simpson A34, A35F, or TP15)

The deck had deteriorated over the last 70 years or so. The 4X4's were more than show, or the hold the hand rail. They were used also the replace the undercarriage of the deck.

Screwed from top and bottom with wooden keepers front and back..

the corner of one of the deck fences. Screwed from top and bottom
This deck rail was a bunch of 2X2's, tacked top and bottom on to the hand rail and bottom runner. The little facia is to stabilize and keep it from spinning The rails were nailed and assembled before they were hung. The keepers stabilize the vertical.
Easiest done before you hang the fence panel. Also note that a 2X4 split or turned sideways is half as wide as the wide side. One keeper on outside of runner, and on keeper on the inside of runner.
The other side of the old deck rail. The KISS principle
An old deck rail made legal.		 To make a 80 year old porch rail legal, I attached 2X2's and added a bottom runner.
The inside of the old deck rail.
A deck corner, handrail are 2X6's cut at 90 angles. Deck fence. Top runner 2X6, screwed to 2X4 under it, 2X3 bottom runner, 2X2 verticals.All screwed together, requires predrilling and counter sinking holes on the 2X2's, or they will split. No nails or stables, please. We had to replace most of them as they came out after just a few years.
The 2X6 cap is screwed to 4X4, the 2X3 or 2X4 runners are toe screwed in. Screw the corner to keep it from separating.
Even the ringed nails caused some problems, the wood splitIf you like more formal hand rails, you can buy these at a hardware store.
You can use ringed nails, but the wood probably will split.
Formal hand rail? You can buy some hardware at a hardware store that makes building a handrail easy.
This is where the hand rail and step rail come together This handrail is probably 60-80 years old, but it commonly comes off in dry weather. A metal clip inside the rail with screws will keep it on.
Metal clips like these are useful, but ugly. The counter sink should be slightly shorter and small than the deck screw.
Counter sink drill bit goes on drill. Only sink the screw as deep as the counter sink or you will split the wood.
KISS, keep it simple, stupid. Along with BuildItForFiftyYears, BIFFY.
KISS BIFFY!
"Oh, it's just going to fall apart anyway."
Redwood decks can last for a hundred or more years if installed by someone who cares. Why would you want to do this again?
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 A side view of the finished deck rail. Total cost for 30 feet about $200 and two days, including fixing the porch itself
Behind the facade of trim the verticals are tacked, you may use counter sinked screws or small nails. The nails may split.