Deckorators CXT6 Rail - Manual (Page 2)

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 to accommodate a post cap
(fig. 3). Example: For a 36" high railing, trim post sleeve to a minimum of
37-1/2"; can be left longer if desired. Slide a trimmed post sleeve over
each 4x4 railing post. Use shims as needed to create a snug fit. Slide a
post base trim over each post sleeve.
Step 6: Note! The rails are pre-drilled. To ensure the outer balusters are
equally spaced, the rail components require trimming at both ends. Ensure
the holes are a minimum of 2-5/16" from post. Using the lower pre-drilled
rail as a guide, place it adjacent to the post sleeves and center the rail
so the furthest pre-drilled holes for the balusters are equal distances
from the post sleeves. Mark the gap between the posts on to the lower
rail and trim to fit.
Note! If using rails without pre-drilled holes, trim rail
components first, then mark baluster placement on lower rail and upper inner
rail, starting from the center of the rail. (Rails without pre-drilled holes are
used with glass baluster infill or other unique infill configurations).
Step 7: Note! To ensure the balusters are installed plumb, the holes between
the rail sections must all be aligned. Tip: Use a gauge pin or a 3/32" drill bit
to ensure the holes are aligned.
Using the trimmed lower rail as a guide,
set one inner rail in the trimmed bottom rail and align the pre-drilled
holes. Mark the cut lines on the inner rail with a pencil.
Note! To allow for
the thickness of the brackets, the inner rails should be 1/8" shorter than the
outer rails with all holes equally spaced. Remove an additional 1/16" from
the pencil mark on each end and trim the inner rail to length. Repeat for
the second inner rail (fig. 4).
Step 8: Assemble the lower inner rail and support block assembly. A
support block is needed every 2' on-center. Check building codes for a
maximum spacing between deck surface and bottom of rail (sweep). A 3"
sweep is recommended, but can be more or less if codes allow (fig. 3).
Trim support blocks to desired height and pre-drill 1/8" holes in the proper
location. Holes must be centered on the inner rail for support blocks to fit
properly. Using the support block connectors, fasten support blocks to the
underside of the inner rail.
Step 9: Mark the height of the brackets on the inside of the post using
the bracket placement template included in the kit. Another option is to
use the inner rail as a guide. The top of the bracket should be even with
the top of the inner rail assembly. Drill two 1/8" holes through the bracket
holes shown on the template and through the post sleeve for both the
upper and lower brackets. Remove the bracket placement template from
the post sleeve and fasten the upper and lower brackets to the post using
two 2" long countersunk screws.
Tip: For best results, use a long drill bit
or add an extension bit to the drill. Repeat on the adjacent post. Set the
inner rail in between the lower brackets and pre-drill eight 1/8” holes at
each bracket hole and into the inner rail. Fasten the rail to the bracket
using eight 1" long countersunk screws.
Step 10: Set the lower rail on the lower inner rail between the posts.
Tip: Set the drill to the lowest setting when installing baluster connectors
and do not overdrive the screws. Using two 2-1/2" long countersunk screws,
set the two outermost baluster connectors in place. This will properly
align all pre-drilled holes. Using the screws provided with the baluster
connectors, install the balance of the baluster connectors onto the lower
rail assembly.
If using Deckorators aluminum balusters with connectors,
use the 30-pack of 1" screws included with the rail kit. The screws
included with the Deckorators connectors are too long for use with the
CXT railing system.
PAGE 2 - 6' CXT Rail_ENG
fig. 3
Step 3: 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 1/2"x6" galvanized
carriage bolts. Corner posts use a
third carriage bolt inserted through
the adjacent joist (fig. 2).
fig. 2
Step 2: Install rail posts prior to installing deck
boards. Cedar or pressure-treated pine 4x4 railing
posts provide the structural strength for the railing.
The length of each post is determined by the total
of the joist width (7-1/4") + decking thickness (1")
+ railing height (36" or 42") + spacing for post cap
(1-1/4") = 45-1/2" or 51-1/2".
Important: Do not notch the 4x4 railing posts. Notching
will reduce the strength of the post and could result in
railing collapse or failure.
6' Rail Installation Instructions continued
fig. 4