Installation Guide

Face
Mount
Baluster
Inline
Baluster
4x4 Post
Support
Block
Top Rail
Post Cap
Post
Sleeve
Bracket Cap
L-bracket
39"
Post
Sleeve
Height
(Rail
Height
plus 3")
36"
Rail
Height
3" Sweep
Less
than 4"
Bottom Rail
26"
Baluster
Height
Prior to construction, check with your local regulatory agency for special
code requirements in your area. Common railing height is 36" or 42". Structural
support should come from either the continuation of deck support posts that extend
up through the deck floor or railing posts that are bolted to the inside of the rim or
outer joists. Important: Never span more than 6' on-center between railing posts.
Install railing posts before deck boards are fastened to the joists. Pre-drilling of all rail-
ing components is essential to successful installation. Do not over-tighten screws. Read
instructions completely to get an understanding of how the product goes together and
how each piece affects the other.
Step 1 Determine the number of railing posts needed for your deck. Post spacing
is 6' on-center. Example: A 12x16 deck attached to a building with a 4' access opening
on one side will require a total of eight posts.
Step 2 Install rail posts prior to installing deck boards. Cedar or pressure-treated
pine 4x4 railing posts provide the structural strength for the railing. The length of
each structural post is determined by the total of the joist width (7-1/4") + decking
thickness (1") + railing height (36" or 42")= 44-1/4" or 50-1/4".
Important: Do not notch the 4x4 railing posts (fig. 2a). Notching will reduce
the strength of the post and could result in railing collapse or failure.
Step 3 Position, plumb with a level, and clamp the rail post on the interior face of
the joist. Plumb again. The 4x4 railing post should be bolted to the inside of the joists
using two 1/2"x6" galvanized carriage bolts. Corner posts use a third carriage bolt
inserted through the adjacent joist (fig. 2b).
Step 4 Install decking. Notch deck boards to fit around the 4x4 railing posts.
Step 5 Trim 4x4 post sleeves to length. Post sleeves should be a minimum of 1-1/2"
longer than the overall railing height to allow for post cap clearance. Example: For a
36" high railing, trim post sleeve to a minimum of 37-1/2". Post sleeve can be left longer if
desired.
Step 6 Measure the distance between installed post sleeves to determine the length of
the top and bottom rails (fig. 1). The distance between the post and first baluster should
be less than 4" and equal on both ends (fig. 3). Remove an additional 9/16" on both
ends (1-1/8" overall) for the bracket to fit between the rail and post. Trim the top and
bottom rails to length.
Step 7 Determine the spacing of the balusters.
Classic and Estate Balusters The rails are pre-drilled with the proper
spacing. Attach baluster connectors to the top and bottom rails (fig. 1). 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.
Traditional, Baroque and Arc balusters Both top and bottom rails will be
installed with the pre-drilled holes facing down to prevent water from collecting in
the rail. Maximum 4-1/2" on-center and equal spacing for the end spacing. Start
by finding the center of the rail. Rail length ÷ 2 = center of rail. Start the first aluminum
baluster on-center of the center line. Mark every 4-1/2" from this line to each end.
In-Line Railing Installation Instructions
2x4 RAILING
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Tools and Items Needed
• Drill/power screwdriver
• Miter or circular saw
with carbide-tipped
blade
• Adjustable wrench
or socket wrench
for bolts, etc.
• Assorted fasteners
(see instructions)
• Tape measure
• Rubber Mallet
• Marked speed
square
• Carpenter’s level
• Carpenter’s pencil
• Safety glasses/
goggles
• Two clamps
• Silicone Caulk
(optional)
fig. 1
fig. 2b
fig. 2a
Face
Mount
Baluster
Inline
Baluster
4x4 Post
Support
Block
Top Rail
Post Cap
Post
Sleeve
Bracket Cap
L-bracket
39"
Post
Sleeve
Height
(Rail
Height
plus 3")
36"
Rail
Height
3" Sweep
Less
than 4"
Bottom Rail
26"
Baluster
Height
fig. 3
fig. 4