Installation Instructions

Assembly and Installation:
It is strongly recommended that you leave the bands on your completed rail sections until after
they are fastened to the support posts. Read and follow any special instructions that may arrive
with your railing order. If room permits, we recommend laying each section out in advance with
the support posts in between.
Start by attaching a support post at one end of your project, slowly working your way across. If
you ordered a flush mount support post, you have two options for securing it. One method is to
lag screw up through the deck from underneath. The other option is to purchase a newel post
connector from your local hardware store and follow the directions included for securing your
posts. A newel post connector is needed if you do not have access underneath the surface you
are mounting your post to.
Decide what height you want your railing to be and measure down on each post the same
distance. Some installers will cope the edge of the top and bottom rail slightly to follow the
curvature of the support post for a cleaner fit. Whether you cope the rails or leave them square,
attach rail sections to the support posts by screwing from the top and bottom or both sides if you
prefer. (See sketch, method 1 or photo)
You may also lag bolt from the back of the post as shown for end posts. (Method 2) Continue
working your way across your deck or loft until complete.
Stairs: Stair rail sections are left long to allow some finish trimming on site. Because the stair
rail sections are banded tight, the angle of your stair railing may be compressed. Sometimes the
angle changes during shipping. You may need to remove the bands from the stair rail sections
before installing. Adjust the rail sections to the proper angle and use rope or bungee cords to
hold the rails together while marking for trimming and during installation.
Staining and Finishing: Your rails will arrive unfinished. For exterior applications we
recommend a good quality exterior stain. Do not use polyurethane or varnish on exterior railings
as the elements may cause peeling and blistering to occur. Interior railing can be finished with
polyurethane, stain or varnish. Always check and follow manufacturer’s recommendations on
the container before proceeding.
To complete your project using Meadow Valley Log siding products please go to
www.menards.com and order today and have shipped to your local Menards store.