Installation Guide

FIG. 1

Installation Steps:

1. Install and prepare posts for TAM‑RAIL Railing installation. Ensure mounting surfaces are level and plumb. (Fig. 1) TAMKO

recommends using TAM‑RAIL post mount systems or wood posts covered with our matching TAM‑RAIL post sleeve.

2. Measure the length between posts and conﬁrm the TAM‑RAIL Railing Kit required. (Fig. 2)

Refer to the TAM‑RAIL Stair Slope Chart on page 5 for the degree of angle required.

TAM‑RAIL STAIR RAIL KIT RAIL LENGTHS

Nominal Rail Length 6' 8'

Actual Rail Length 78" 102"

3. Lay the bottom rail beside the posts with baluster holes facing upward. The rail should extend past each of the mounting

surfaces. For 8' Rail Kits, verify that the crush block location on the underside of the bottom rail will be positioned securely

onto the stair tread.

4. Mark the required rail length with an additional 1/8" removed from each end to compensate for the metal brackets. (Fig. 3)

IMPORTANT: For even end spacing a minimum of 2‑3/8" rail length is required from the end of rail to ﬁrst baluster hole on

both ends of the rail. If even end spacing is not required, a minimum of 2‑3/8" rail length on the lower end and 2" rail length

on the upper end of the rail is allowable. Check end spacing and verify minimum length requirements prior to cutting. Ensure

that the end space gaps between posts and balusters will not exceed 4".

When positioned and marked cut the bottom rail to the proper angle.

5. Lay the top rail beside the bottom rail with baluster holes facing and aligned. (Fig. 4) Using a straight edge mark the

continuation of the bottom rail angle onto the top rail. Ensure that the end spacing from end of rail to ﬁrst baluster on each end

of the top rail matches the bottom rail end spacing below. Cut the top rail.

6. Slide the bracket covers over both ends of the bottom rail and position the bottom rail between posts at the desired height and

angle. Mark the location on the posts. (Fig. 5)

SKIP STEP 7 IF YOU ARE INSTALLING A 6' STAIR SECTION

7. Trim the crush block to accommodate the desired bottom rail clearance and insert into the pre‑cut hole on the underside of

the bottom rail.

Be sure to check with your local building code ofﬁcials for any bottom rail clearance or rail height requirements.

Improper clearance or rail height could cause a safety hazard.

8. Position the bottom rail metal brackets (marked “B”) so that they are centered on both the post and bottom rail and install

using two of the screws provided. Use the 2" screws for mounting to a wood post, or the 1" screws included in TAM‑RAIL

Post Mount kit when mounting to the TAM‑RAIL Post Mount System.

9. Position the rail between the bottom rail metal brackets. (Fig. 6) Level the rail at the desired angle and secure in place on both

sides of the metal brackets using two of the 1" screws provided. Snap the bracket covers over the metal brackets.

NOTE: When installing the bracket covers over the metal brackets, it may be necessary to use a ﬂat‑tipped screwdriver or

putty knife to assist the cover over the metal bracket.

FIG. 2

STAIR RAIL INSTALLATION

Fig. 6

MINIMUM

2-3/8"

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

6' or 8' Stair Rail Kit available in 36" or 42" rail heights