Installation Guide

54
DESIGNER RAILING
HOW TO INSTALL STANDARD STAIR RAILING
TREX DESIGNER SERIES
NOTE: Trex rails meet major building codes for use as
a guardrail system. Local municipalities may require a
graspable handrail on stairways. Trex offers an ADA
code-compliant handrail system. Check with your local
building code officials for local requirements.
Installing Posts for
Stair Railing
1.
I
n most cases, a
railpost or post
sleeve longer than
39" (99.1 cm) is
required for the lower
stair rail sections
to accommodate
stair angle. Both top
and bottom posts need to be installed on outside
corners (nose) of stair treads.
NOTE: Posts, post sleeve skirts, and post sleeves are
installed per standard Designer railing instructions.
See page 49.
Measuring and Cutting Railings
2. Determine length and angle of top and bottom rail.
Set railings on the nose of the stair tread and mark
line at each intersection.
Cut rails on marks and place in position on
s
upports. (Supports can be made from scrap
material.)
NOTE: Allow a minimum clearance of 1” (2.5 cm) from
stair treads.
N
O
TE: Check local building codes for railing height
requirements.
Installing Bottom RSBs on Upper and Lower Posts
3. Position bottom rail between posts and set to
proper height from stair tread. Support on blocks
cut from scrap materials. Mark both posts where
underside of the bottom rail intersects.
4.
P
osition one RSB centered on upper post with top
of bracket aligned with mark on post, flat side
D
O
W
N, a
nd secure with two 2" (5.1 cm) screws.
Using a second RSB, turn upside down and
interlock into bottom bracket on upper stair post.
5.
P
osition one RSB centered on lower post with
top of bracket aligned with mark on post, flat side
UP, a
nd secure with two 2" (5.1 cm) screws. Using
a second RSB, turn upside down and interlock
into bottom bracket on lower stair post.
1
22
3
1
4
3
2
1
5
2
3
55
DESIGNER RAILING
Installing Top Rail RSBs on Upper and Lower
Posts
6. Determine height of top rail from bottom rail and
w
hile holding top rail in place, and parallel to bottom
rail, mark posts where underside of rail intersects.
7.
F
ollow Steps 4-5 to install top rail RSBs on upper
and lower posts.
Measuring and Cutting Balusters
8. Measure and cut balusters to proper height and
a
ngle of stairs.
Assembling Rails with Baluster
9. Insert and space balusters in top rails, then align
b
ottom rails at parallel angle to top rails with
balusters spaced the same and in contact with
b
ottom rail lip.
NOTE: Maximum spacing is 5" (12.7 cm) on center or
3-5/8" (9.2 cm) between balusters.
Securing Balusters to Top and Bottom Rail
10. Secure balusters to top rail with 2" (5.1 cm)
16 gauge finishing nails through side of rail. Secure
balusters to bottom rail with 2" (5.1 cm) finishing
nails through underside of bottom rail.
Attaching Foot Blocks
11. Measure and determine angle to cut foot blocks.
S
ecure with 2" (5.1 cm) 16 gauge finishing nails
through side of bottom rail.
NOTE: 2" (5.1 cm) screws can also be used. Pre-drilling
would be required.
NOTE: Foot blocks are required every 18" (45.7 cm).
HOW TO INSTALL STANDARD STAIR RAILING/CONTINUED
TREX DESIGNER SERIES
8
2
2
1
1
9
3-5/8"
(9.2 cm)
10
2
2
18"
(45.7 cm)
11