Installation Instructions
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Install cladding (if desired). See page 8 for cladding installation. Install U-Top-It Posts onto joist and at against cladding with two countersunk
lag bolts and additional nailer boards if decking needs to be cut.
Cut post sleeves to match U-Top-It Posts. A small piece of cladding may be used to nish the bottom of the U-Top-It Post.
Evenly space the spindles on the sized metal insert to meet local building code. Pre-drill holes on the metal insert with a 1/4" drill bit, aligning
the center of the spindles to the center of the metal handrail insert.
On the top side of all the spindles, pre-drill the center, using a 1/8" drill bit to avoid splitting. Two spindles will need to be pre-drilled to attach
the completed rail to the post sleeves. Using a 1/8" drill bit, drill three holes at a 60° angle in the spindle, spacing them 3-1/2" from the top and
bottom and one on center.
Taking the metal insert, begin to slide the spindles into place, aligning the pre-drilled holes. Starting with the center spindle, attach the metal
insert and spindles using 3-1/2" premium deck screws. Remember spindles must be centered to ensure ease of assembly when attaching the top
rail. Do not use composite deck screws.
Slide the top rail onto the metal insert with attached spindles. This is intended to be a tight t; please use soap as a lubricant if needed.
Position the rail assembly between the post sleeves, following local building code height requirements. Secure the post spindles to the post
sleeves using six 3" composite deck screws through the pre-drilled holes.
Once the rail assembly is attached to the post sleeves, align the bottom of the spindles to the deck joist, keeping the same spacing as the top
rail. Pre-drill and secure the bottom of the spindles to the joist board using 3" premium deck screws, using two screws on each spindle, evenly
spaced.
Align the post caps with the top of the post sleeve and slide into place. A silicone adhesive caulk may be used to secure the cap.
Components for stair rail may need to be cut to match slope.
Method 3 Installation:
Upper
Handrail
Metal Insert
42” Beveled
Spindle
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
14
4x4 Post
Pre-drill spindles at a 60° angle
For a more nished look, use cladding on the perimeter joist boards.
42” Beveled Spindle
(with pre-drilled
screw holes on each)
Post spindle
Post Sleeve
3
6
5
Joist
Decking
U-Top-It
Post
Note: If you are using cladding on your deck, you
will have to cut cladding and decking as shown
above, so that the post sits atop the joist. Make
sure the post is sitting on the joist, not on the deck
boards. Cut post sleeve to t post.
1
Cladding
Additional
nailer board
9
i
Note: Make sure screw is centered. If screw head falls out of groove, sliding rail may be difcult.
i
10