Installation Instructions

The stair railing was designed to work on stairs that have a 10-1/2" run and
7-3/8" rise, which creates a 35-degree angle. Check local building code
requirements prior to starting your project.
Step 1 Determine the number of stair railing posts needed for your deck. Post
spacing is 6' on center.
Step 2 Install stair railing posts prior to installing stair treads. Cedar or
pressure-treated pine 4x4 railing posts or a post mount provides the structural
strength for the stair railing. The length of each post is determined by the total of
the stringer width + tread thickness + stair railing height + spacing for post cap.
Important: Do not notch the 4x4 railing posts. Notching will reduce the
strength of the post and could result in railing collapse or failure (fig. 3).
Step 3 Position, plumb with a level, and clamp the stair railing post on the interior
face of the stringer. Plumb again. The 4x4 stair railing post should be bolted to the
inside of the stringer using two 1/2"x6" galvanized carriage bolts. Corner posts
use a third carriage bolt inserted through the adjacent joist (fig. 7). Ground level
posts should be set in concrete.
Step 4 Install treads; notch treads to fit around the 4x4 stair railing posts. Allow
1/4" space between the treads and any permanent structure or post. Additional
blocking may be necessary on the 4x4 for fastening treads.
Step 5 Trim 4x4 post sleeves to length. Post sleeves should be a minimum
of 1-1/2" longer than the railing height. Example: For a 36" high railing, trim
post sleeve to a minimum of 37-1/2"; it can be left longer if desired. Slide
a trimmed post sleeve over each 4x4 railing post. Post sleeve should slide
easily over the post. DO NOT FORCE post sleeve onto post. Twisted or
crooked 4x4s should be replaced. Slide a post base trim over each post
sleeve for a finished look. Note: It is recommended to install the post base
trim prior to installing the bottom rail. However, the two-piece design does
allow the installer to add the post base trim after the rail has been installed.
To install, apply a thin line of clear exterior construction adhesive to the
inside of the post trim, where it will contact the post sleeve, and snap into
place around the base of the post sleeve.
Step 6 Measure the distance between installed post sleeves to determine the
length of the top and bottom rails. Place the bottom rail on the stair treads next
to the posts and adjust so the distance between the first baluster hole and post
is greater than 2-3/4" minimum or equal on both ends (fig. 8). Mark the rail to the
proper length and angle. Cut the bottom rail. Cut the top rail to the same length
and angle (fig. 9).
Step 7 Attach the baluster connectors with stair adaptors to the bottom rail
through the pre-drilled holes using the screws provided. (fig. 10).
Step 8 Place the proper rail bracket covers and stair brackets on the ends of
Stair Railing Installation Instructions
(continued on following page)
Top Rail Bracket
and Bracket Cover
Support
Block
Bottom Rail
6" Maximum
Stair Adapter
StairAsm.pdf
•
Top Rail
Equal spacing on
both ends
•
•
•
Post
Cap
Post
Base
Trim
•
Post
Sleeve
•
•
•
Baluster
•
•
Bottom Rail Bracket
and Bracket Cover
•
•
Baluster
Connector
•
•
Post
Sleeve
Post
Cap
Post
Base
Trim
Post
Sleeve
Bottom Rail
StairRail.pdf
Distance
Between
Posts
Mark Rail
for Length
and Angle
Mark Rail for
Length and Angle
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
fig. 8
fig. 9
Stair Adapter
Baluster
Bottom Rail
•
Baluster
Connector
•
•
BottomStairRail.pdf
•
fig. 10