Installation Guide

ends. Mark the angle and length. Repeat with the top rail. Remove an additional
13/64" on both ends (13/32" overall) for the bracket to fit between the rail and
post. Trim the top and bottom rails to length.
Step 8 Temporarily place the brackets on either end of the bottom rail. Position
the bottom rail between posts and center. Check building code requirements for
maximum spacing between deck surface and bottom of rail (sweep). Spacing
of 3" is recommended for 36" or 42" finished rail height. Mark the location of the
bracket on both posts. Remove rail and brackets. Mark the screw locations and
predrill through the posts only, using a 1/8" drill bit.
Step 9 Attach each bracket to the posts with three 3/4" screws.
Step 10 A support block is needed every 2 feet (2 are included in the 6ft kit,
3 in the 8ft kit). Attach support block connectors to the bottom of the lower rail
at 2 foot intervals. Predrill using a 1/8” drill bit. Attach the support blocks to the
support block connectors. Mark the location of the support block on the deck
surface and attach the other support block connector to the deck using the
included screw.
Step 11 Install the bottom rail between the posts by setting it in the brackets.
Snap top trim piece to the rail bracket.
Step 12 Attach baluster to the lower rail by sliding onto connection (fig. 2).
Step 13 Position the top rail between the posts. Check for level end-to-end
and vertically. Mark the bracket location on post and remove rail. Mark the
screw locations using the bracket as a guide, and predrill using a 1/8" drill bit.
Attach bracket to the post with three 3/4" screws at one end. Repeat for the
other end.
Step 14 Lower the top rail into position, placing the balusters onto the
connectors while working from one end of the railing to the other. Tap with a
rubber mallet if needed to eliminate any gaps. Attach the rail to each bracket
by predrilling with a 1/8" drill bit and using two 3/4" screws. Tip: Use a driver
extension bit to avoid marring the rail with the drill chuck.
Step 15 Set post caps on each post. Gently tap with rubber mallet till secure.
Step 1 Begin by determining where the top and bottom post will be located.
Mark the desired location of the post. Note: To ensure post location is
compatible with railing, prior to securing to the deck, place both posts in
position, and lay the bottom rail along the stair nosing from top to bottom
adjacent to both posts. On the rail side of the post, measure up from the top
of the rail and ensure there is a minimum of 34" to the top of the post. Post
location may need to be adjusted to ensure minimum is obtained. Repeat this
step for the bottom post. For a wood deck, position the post so the fasteners
will go into the floor joists, and make sure the decking is firmly attached to the
joists at the location of the posts. Proper structural blocking/framing under the
decking material is required when attaching the post to a wood frame deck
because decking alone is not approved as structural framing.
Step 2 Four 3/8" diameter mounting holes are provided on the base. When
final position is determined, mark hole locations and remove the post assembly.
Drill the marked locations into decking and reinforcement braces.
Step 3 Reposition the post assembly over predrilled holes. Insert fasteners (not
provided), then secure the base to the deck structure. Make certain the posts
are plumb. If the post requires adjustment, add stainless steel washers under the
base plate.
Step 4 Finish by sliding a post base trim (optional) over each post sleeve for a
finished look. Note: Installing the post base trim prior to installing the bottom rail is
recommended. However, the two-piece design does allow the installer to add the
post base trim after the rail has been installed.
Stair Railing Installation Instructions