How do I add a railing to a half wall on a loft to prevent children from going over the edge?

Question

I have a loft that has a half wall on two sides that I want to install a rail on top of it to prevent children from going over the edge. It would be easy except there is no stud in the wall where the rail will end and the other end of the rail will be at an opening.

Answer 1

With the interest of safety for children you get it done by a mason or a construction consultant

Answer 2

http://www.doityourself.com/

Answer 3

If you really want it to be safe, hire someone to do it for you. Otherwise check with some friends who understand construction and they might have some suggestions for you.

Answer 4

Think of steps coming up from a floor below where there is no wall around the stairway.  You would see a railing around the stairway with balusters coming up from underneath the railing to support it.  This is what you will have to do to support your railing over the 1/2  wall.  

But no matter what height you put the railing children could still climb on something and find a way over the top.  To be sure this could not happen you have several other options depending upon what is best for the location.  

Whatever you do it should be from the top of the 1/2 wall to the ceiling.   It could be a glass or acrylic plastic wall (large window).  It could be wooden "bars" that fill the same space or you could complete the wall.  I have done all three in different situations.  For the first two you will frame the space with finished lumber.  This could be 1+x 4 pine, oak, poplar, birch... For the window if you don't start with a framing piece that has been rabbited out you will be putting molding on both sides.  For the bars you will be drilling holes top and bottom and installing the frame and bars together.  

Actual construction must at least be able to withstand lateral pressure equal to a large man falling against the wall, bars or glass wall.  Material and construction techniques must be sized accordingly.  

If you are not confident in your capacity please call for expert construction assistance.