Installation Guide

ManualsBrandsWeatherShield ManualsBalusters & Spindles36 in. x 3 in. x 2 in. Pressure-Treated Wood Square Classic Spindle

Caution Always wear gloves, a dust mask and eye protection when sawing, sanding

or machining wood.

Important Always consult local building codes prior to construction to ensure that

your project is compliant and meets all safety requirements. Fasteners Use hot-

dipped galvanized, stainless steel, or exterior coated nails, fasteners, screws, or bolts

when building all components for your deck. Drill pilot holes to prevent splitting the

wood, this is especially important when nailing or fastening near the edge of any

components.

Guard Rails Common building codes require that all guard rails are at least 36” high

o of the deck or porch surface. For secure connections use a bracket speciﬁcally

designed to work with your railing. Otherwise, it is important to use exterior grade

fasteners that are long enough to secure the rail to the deck post. Bottom rails

frequently require a crush block between the bottom rail and the deck surface to

prevent sagging and provide additional strength. Underneath the railing, also known

as the sweep, must remain less than 4” o of the deck surface.

Balusters Baluster spacing typically needs to be less than 4” in order to prevent a 4”

sphere from ﬁtting between each of the balusters.

Deck Posts Do not notch the 4x4 railing posts. Notching will reduce the strength of

the post and could result in railing collapse or failure. Determine the positions of the

rail posts by measuring the runs of the project and placing the posts at the desired

spacing. Keep in mind rails commonly come in 8’ and 6’ lengths. Position, plumb with

a level and clamp the rail post on the interior face of the joist. Plumb again. The 4x4

railing post should be bolted to the inside of the joists using two ½”x6” galvanized

carriage bolts. Corner posts use a third carriage bolt inserted through the adjacent

joist. Additional blocking and connections might be required, check with your local

regulatory agency for special code requirements in your area.

Stair Stringers

1 Choose proper number of steps

• Stringers have 6-3/4” rise, 10” run

• Check precut sizes in stock

2 Develop a parts list

• Buy enough stringers to match joist

• Check precut sizes in stock

3 Assemble

• Attach stringer to deck or porch rim board with common joist hanger

• Toe nail bottom of stringer to lower tier decks

• Finish with step treads

2801 E. Beltline NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49525

ufpi.com

of Universal Forest Products, Inc, in the U.S.

7543 12/13

Railing Brackets (4)

Baluster

Outside Edge of Stairs

Post Cap

Less than 6"

Less than 4"

Support Block

34" < Tread

Nose to Top

of Rail

Top and

Bottom Rail

•

StairsOutline3a1.ai

COMMON DECK COMPONENTS INSTALLATION TIPS

Summary of content (1 pages)

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COMMON DECK COMPONENTS INSTALLATION TIPS • Railing Brackets (4) • 34" < Tread Nose to Top of Rail Post Cap • • • • • • • • Baluster Less than 6" Less than 4" Support Block Top and Bottom Rail Outside Edge of Stairs StairsOutline3a1.ai Caution Always wear gloves, a dust mask and eye protection when sawing, sanding or machining wood. Important Always consult local building codes prior to construction to ensure that your project is compliant and meets all safety requirements.