Installation Guide

TAM‑RAIL STRAIGHT RAIL KIT RAIL LENGTHS
Nominal Rail Length 6' 8' 10'
Actual Rail Length 70‑1/4" 93‑7/8" 120"
3. Lay the bottom rail beside the posts with the pre‑routed baluster holes facing upward and evenly spaced. Mark the rail with
an additional 1/8" removed from each end to compensate for the metal brackets. (Fig. 3)
IMPORTANT: A minimum of 1‑7/8" rail length is required from the end of rail to first baluster on both ends of the rail.
Check end spacing and shift the position of the rail before cutting if required. Ensure that the gap between posts and
balusters will not exceed 4".
When positioned and marked properly cut the bottom rail.
4. Lay the top rail beside the bottom rail with baluster holes aligned. Mark and cut the top rail to match the bottom rail length
and end spacing. (Fig. 3)
5. Trim the crush block(s) to appropriate length and insert into the pre‑cut hole(s) on the underside of the bottom rail.
NOTE: Typical crush block length is 5‑1/4" to allow for a 2" clearance between the deck surface and bottom rail. Be sure
to check with your local building code officials for any bottom rail clearance or rail height requirements. Improper
rail clearance or rail height could cause a safety hazard. The formula for crush block length is: deck surface to bottom rail
clearance + 3‑1/4".
6. Use the bracket placement template to position the top and bottom metal brackets (marked “T” and “B”) and secure
brackets in place using the six screws provided, affixing four on top and two on the bottom. (Fig. 4) 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.
NOTE: The template is designed for a 2" clearance from deck surface to bottom rail.
7. Slide bottom bracket covers over the bottom rail and position the rail between the bottom rail metal brackets. (Fig. 5) Level
the rail 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.
8. Insert balusters into the pre‑routed bottom rail holes. Check with your local code officials for any rail height requirements.
NOTE: Due to the aluminum insert in the 10' rail, the top rail of 10' sections will rest 3/8" higher than the 6' or 8' sections.
The bottom of the top rail metal bracket will install flush with the bottom of the top rail. This will not affect the integrity of
the railing system.
9. Slide top bracket covers over both ends of the top rail. Align top rail over the balusters and insert balusters one at a time
until the top rail is fully installed. (Fig. 6)
10. Secure top rail in place by installing two 1" screws on both sides of the metal brackets. Snap 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.
1. Install and prepare posts or other mounting surfaces 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)
STRAIGHT RAIL INSTALLATION
Installation Steps:
1-7/8"
MINIMUM
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 3
Fig. 1 Fig. 2
Fig. 6
3
6', 8' or 10' Straight Rail Kit available in 36" or 42" rail heights