Installation Guide

Step 2 Install railing posts prior to installing deck boards. Cedar or pressure-treated pine
4x4 railing posts or a post mount provides the structural strength for the railing. The length of
each post is determined by the total of the joist width (typically 7-1/4") + decking thickness (1")
+ railing height (36") + spacing for post cap (1-1/4") = 45-1/2". 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. 4).
Step 3 Position, plumb with a level, and clamp the railing post on the interior face of the joist.
Plumb again. The 4x4 railing post should be bolted to the inside of the joist using two 1/2" x 6"
galvanized carriage bolts. Corner posts use a third carriage bolt inserted through the adjacent
joist (fig. 7).
Step 4 Install decking; notch deck boards to fit around the 4x4 railing posts. Allow 1/4"
space between the deck boards and any permanent structure or post. Additional blocking
may be necessary on the 4x4 for fastening deck boards.
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 38-
1/2", 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 (optional) 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 in position next to the posts and adjust so the
distance between the first baluster hole and post is greater than 2" and equal on both ends
(refer to fig. 5). Mark the rail. Cut the bottom rail. Cut the top rail to the same spacing and
length.
Step 7 Find the center of the underside of the bottom rail and attach the baluster connector
included with the rail support using the screw provided. Check building code requirements for
the maximum spacing between deck surface and bottom of rail (sweep); we recommend 3"
but it can be less if desired. If necessary, trim the rail support to the determined height
(fig. 6). Drill two ¼" drain holes through the bottom of the rail to prevent trapping
water. Center drain holes between two baluster locations as baluster can block the
pathway and stop water from properly draining.
Step 8 Place the line rail bracket covers and line brackets on the ends of the bottom rail.
Install the rail support and prop the bottom rail between the posts using blocks cut to size.
Check the rail for level. Using the line bracket as a guide, mark the screw positions on the
post sleeve and rail on both ends. Pre-drill 1/8" pilot holes through the post sleeve and rail.
Attach the line bracket to the post sleeve using four #8-15 x 2" - #2 square drive pan head
screws and then attach line bracket to rail using two #10-16 x ¾" - #2 square drive pan head
self-drilling screws (fig. 5).
Step 9 Place a baluster into each routed hole in the bottom rail. Make sure baluster is fully
seated in rail.
Step 10 Place the line rail bracket covers and line brackets on the ends of the top rail.
Position the top rail by placing the balusters inside the routed holes, while working from one
end to the other. Check the rail for level. Using the line bracket as a guide, mark the screw
positions on the post sleeve and rail on both ends. Pre-drill 1/8" pilot holes through the post
sleeve and rail. Attach the line bracket to the post sleeve using four #8-15 x 2" - #2 square
drive pan head screws and then attach line bracket to rail using four #10-16 x ¾" - #2 square
drive pan head self-drilling screws. Important: For the top rail only, pre-drill and attach
two additional screws through the top of the bracket, into the top rail (fig. 8).
Step 11 Slide the rail bracket cover over the rail bracket and snap into place.
Step 12 Apply a thin line of clear exterior construction adhesive to the inside rim of a post cap
and place firmly on the post. Repeat for each post.
fig. 4
LevelRailInst.pdf
3" Sweep
Rail
Support
Bottom Rail
Bracket and
Bracket Cover
Equal spacing on both ends
Baluster
•
• •
•
•
•
•
• •
Temporary supports
•
Bottom Rail
fig. 5
Routed Holes
For Baluster
Bottom Rail
Rail Support
Connector
Rail Support
•
•
•
•
Drill 1/4" Drain Holes
Through Bottom
fig. 6
fig. 7
PostDetail.pdf
Galvanized
Carriage Bolts
into 4x4 Post
•
•
•
fig. 8
Assembled
IMPORTANT:
SEE STEP 10
For top rail add
two screws here