Installation Guide
145
SELECT RAILING
HOW TO INSTALL TREX SELECT RAILING/CONTINUED 
TREX SELECT
Installing Pressure-Treated Posts
»   Select Railing Kits are 
designed for posts to 
be installed at maximum 
of 6' or 8' (1.83 m or 
2.44 m) ON CENTER 
depending on the length 
being used. 
NOTE: Smaller spans are 
allowed.
»   Attach posts using 
1/2" (13 mm) carriage 
bolts.
»   Minimum joist size is 2" x 8" (51 mm x 203 mm).
»   Top bolts must be 1" (25 mm) from tops of joists.
»   Bottom bolts must be 5-1/8" (130 mm) from top bolts.
NOTE: Blocking MUST be added for extra strength. 
Installing Post Sleeve 
Skirts and Post Sleeves 
2.  Slide post sleeve skirt 
over post and down to 
rest on decking surface. 
Slide post sleeve over 
post and position inside 
post sleeve skirt.
NOTE: Shims can be used to plumb post sleeves.
Cutting Railings
3a. Position bottom and top rails between posts, 
ensuring baluster holes are lined up and spaced 
evenly.
3b. Also allow for a minimum of 1-9/16" (40 mm) on 
each end of rail for bracket placement AND baluster 
clearance. Mark rails at intersection of rail and post.
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING FOOT BLOCK 
INSTALLATION:
»   Refer to detailed instructions (Trex 
Select® rail instructions) included with 
foot block prior to installation of railing 
section as these include other required 
steps for proper installation.
Attaching Foot Block to 
Bottom Rail
4. Invert the bottom rail. 
Center and drill a hole 
using a 3/16" (5 mm)
drill bit. This will be 
location for foot block 
attachment (to be 
installed last).
Attaching Brackets to Rails
5a. Position brackets on each end of TOP RAIL on the 
same side as baluster holes. Attach brackets using 
three #8-18 x 1" self-drilling screws (provided).
5b. Position brackets on each end of BOTTOM RAIL on 
the OPPOSITE SIDE of the baluster holes. Attach 
brackets using three #8-18 x 1" self-drilling screws 
(provided).
NOTE: For ease of bracket attachment place rail against 
stationary flat vertical surface along with bracket.
Assembling Railing Section
6a. On a clean flat surface, lay bottom railing on its side. 
Make sure to allow enough room for installation of 
balusters and top rail. Place a scrap piece of 1" 
(25 mm) decking board running parallel to bottom 
rail for support when installing balusters.
6b. Insert balusters into bottom rail slots until balusters 
are fully seated.
1
5-1/8" (130 mm) min.
2" x 8"
(51 mm x 
203 mm)
min.
1" (25 mm) min.
1
2
2
3a
1-9/16" 
(40 mm)
3b
1
4
2
2
5b
Bottom Rail
5a
Top Rail
6a
6b










