Installation Guide

Subtract 0.5”
Distance between posts
Subtract 0.5”
Stair Railing Installation Instructions
Railing Installation
Prior to construction:
• 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.
Step 1: Measure the distance between installed posts to determine the length of the top and bottom rails. Position rail adjacent to
installed posts. The distance between the post and the first baluster should be less than 4” and equal on both ends. Mark the length on
top and bottom rails.
Step 2: Remove an additional 1/2” on both ends (1” overall) for the bracket to fit between the rail and post. Trim the top and bottom
rails to length. (Fig. 4)
Step 3: Place the brackets on ends of the rails. Attach the brackets to the rails with a screw attached through back of bracket into
each internal screw boss. (Fig. 5)
Step 4: Prop rail in place and mark the bracket holes on both posts. Remove rail. Predrill screw locations through the posts, using a
3/16” drill bit at top bracket locations and 9/64” drill bit at lower bracket locations.
Step 5: A rail support is needed every 2 feet (2 are included in the 6ft kit, 3 in the 8ft kit). Attach rail support connectors to the
bottom of the lower rail at 2-foot intervals. Predrill using a 1/8” drill bit. Attach the rail supports to the support block connectors. Mark
the location of the rail support on the deck surface and attach the other rail support connector to the deck using the included screw.
(Fig. 7)
Step 6: Position the rail between the posts. Check for level end-to-end and vertically. Attach brackets to the post at one end. Repeat
for the other end. Note: Use a driver extension bit to avoid marring the rail with the drill chuck. (Fig. 6)
Step 7: Set post caps on each post. Gently tap with rubber mallet to secure.
fig. 4 fig. 5
fig. 6
fig. 7
Prior to construction:
• 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 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