Installation Guide

requirement isn’t met. Temporarily assemble the three-piece stair bracket and use to
mark the location on the rail and post (refer to fig. 6b). Add an additional 3/4” on both
ends (1-1/2” overall) for the stair bracket to fit between the rail and post. Trim the top
and bottom rails to length.
Note: The distance from the end of the top rail to the first stair baluster will
be 2-1/4” longer than the bottom rail to ensure the balusters are plumb.
Step 5 If using Classic or Estate 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.
Step 6 Disassemble stair bracket hinge and attach L-bracket and bracket cap
to rails. Place hinge plate on the post with the previously marked line. Center and
mark the screw locations. Pre-drill through the post sleeve only using a 1/4” drill bit.
Attach each hinge plate to the post with four 1-3/4” long screws (refer to fig 7).
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. 5). Find the center
of the rail and pre-drill using a 1/8” drill bit. Attach the support block connector using
the included screw.
Step 8 Position the bottom rail between the posts and attach hinge plate to the as-
sembled stair rail bracket using the mating bolts (refer to fig. 7).
Step 9 Temporarily install one baluster on each end of the bottom rail to help posi-
tion the top rail between the posts. Check for plumb end-to end-and vertically. Mark
the top stair bracket assembly on post sleeve and remove rail (refer to fig 8). 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 hinge plate to the post with four 1-3/4” long
screws at one end. Repeat for the other end. Attach L-bracket and bracket cap to
rails.
Classic and Estate balusters Attach balusters to the lower rail by sliding onto
connectors. 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 hinge plate to the assembled stair rail
bracket using the mating bolts.
Traditional, Baroque and Arc balusters Place the top rail in position. Attach hinge
plate to the assembled stair rail bracket using the mating bolts.
Step 10 Traditional, Baroque and Arc balusters Find center of rail and mark
baluster locations 4-1/2” on-center. Place a baluster on the rails on-center of one of
the marked positions. Make sure the baluster is plumb. Using the baluster as a guide,
drill 1/8” holes in the top and bottom rails. Drill and attach baluster with the screws
provided. Use a 2x4 spacer block to space next baluster (refer to fig 10). Drill and at-
tach 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.
Step 11 Apply exterior-grade construction adhesive to the inside edges of
the post caps and place over each post sleeve.
Stair
Bracket (4)
fig. 11
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.
©2018 Universal Forest Products. Deckorators is a registered trademark of Universal Consumer Products, Inc. in the U.S. All rights reserved.
68956 U.S. Highway 131, White Pigeon, MI 49099
10375 12/18
www.lowes.com
fig. 9
fig. 10
fig. 8