Installation Guide

Stair
Bracket (4)
Figure 9
If using Classic, Estate, Twist or Ellipse balusters, use a 1/8" drill bit to open up the
pre-drilled holes to the angle of the stairs. The top and bottom connectors will be
facing opposite directions. Attach stair baluster connectors to the rails. Do not over-
tighten screws. Apply silicone caulk on each connector to prevent balusters from turning
or rattling after installation is complete. The caulk should be on the outside of the
round connector and on the inside of the designer baluster connector.
nector. NOTE:
Use screws (self tapping) that are included with rail kit for Classic, Estate and Twist Balusters.
DO NOT USE screw included with baluster connectors.
Step 6 Position the bottom rail between posts and center. Check building code
requirements for maximum spacing on a staircase, typically less than 6". A 6" ball
cannot pass through the triangle formed by the bottom rail, tread and riser (fig. 9). Mark
the location of the bracket on both posts. Remove rail. Mark the screw locations and
pre-drill through the post sleeve only using a 1/4" drill bit. Attach each bracket
to the post with two 2" long screws.
Step 7 A support block is needed at the center of each rail. Cut the support block
to desired height. Attach to the bottom of the lower rail (refer to fig. 1). Find the center
of the rail and pre-drill using a 1/8" drill bit. Attach the support block connector using
the included screw. Mark the location of the support block on the step tread and attach
the other support block connector to the step tread using the included screw.
Step 8 Position the bottom rail between the posts. Pre-drill with a 1/8" drill bit and
attach the rail to the stair brackets using four 1" screws on both ends. Tip: Use a
driver extension bit to avoid marring the rail or post sleeve with the drill chuck.
Classic and Estate balusters Attach balusters to the lower rail
by sliding onto connectors. NOTE: Use screws (self tapping) that are included with rail kit for
Classic, Estate and Twist Balusters. DO NOT USE screw included with baluster connectors.
Step 9 Position the top rail between the posts. Check for plumb end-to end-and
vertically. Mark the bracket location on post sleeve and remove rail. Mark the screw
locations using the bracket as a guide, and pre-drill using a 1/4" drill bit through the
post sleeve only. Attach bracket to the post with two 2" long screws at one end.
Repeat for the other end.
Classic and Estate balusters Lower the top rail into position, placing
the balusters onto the stair connectors while working from one end of the railing to
the other. Tap with a rubber mallet if needed to eliminate any gaps. Attach the rail
to each bracket by pre-drilling with 1/8" drill bit and using four 1" screws. Tip: Use
a driver extension bit to avoid marring the rail or post sleeve with the drill chuck.
Traditional, Baroque, Arc and Glass balusters Place the top rail in position.
Attach the rail to each bracket by pre-drilling with a 1/8" drill bit and using four 1"
screws. Tip: Use a driver extension bit to avoid marring the rail or post sleeve with
the drill chuck.
Step 10 Traditional, Baroque and Arc balusters Place a baluster on the rails
on-center of one of the marked positions (4-1/2" on-center or 7-1/2" on-center for
glass). Make sure the baluster is plumb. Using the baluster as a guide, drill 9/64"
holes in the top and bottom rails. Drill and attach baluster with the screws provided.
Use a 2x4 spacer block to space next baluster. Drill and attach each baluster to
the top and bottom rails with the screws provided. Using a pair of clamps to hold
baluster in place while fastening will make this step easier (fig. 9).
Step 11 (optional) Cut the cap rail and cap rail insert to length (Note: the cap rail
will be 1/2" longer than the top and bottom rails). Center the cap rail insert on top
of the top rail and pre-drill seven 1/8" pilot holes. Attach the cap rail insert to the top
rail with seven 1/2” long screws. Apply exterior-grade metal construction adhesive
to the mating edges of the insert rail. Position cap rail over the insert rail. Install by
pressing down, starting from one end and working to the other until the cap rail
snaps into place. Gently tap with a rubber mallet if needed.
Step 12 Apply exterior-grade metal construction adhesive to the inside edges of
the post caps and place over each post sleeve.
THE DIAGRAMS AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS BROCHURE ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AND ARE NOT MEANT TO REPLACE A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL. ANY CONSTRUCTION OR USE
OF THE PRODUCT MUST BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL LOCAL ZONING AND/OR BUILDING CODES. THE CONSUMER ASSUMES ALL RISKS AND LIABILITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION
OR USE OF THIS PRODUCT. THE CONSUMER OR CONTRACTOR SHOULD TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, WEARING THE APPROPRIATE SAFETY EQUIPMENT. EXCEPT AS CONTAINED IN THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTY, THE WARRANTOR DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY OTHER WARRANTY,
EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
©2012, 2014 Universal Forest Products. Deckorators is a registered trademark of Universal Consumer Products, Inc. in the U.S. All rights reserved.
933 US Route 202 Greene, ME 04236-3466
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