Deckorators CXT6 Graspable Stair Rail - Manual (Page 2)

PAGE 2 - 6' Grasp Stair Rail_ENG
Installation Instructions continued
Step 5: 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 the upper inner rail for the system on top of
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 lower
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. 3).
Step 6: Assemble the lower inner rail and support block assembly.
Position the bottom rail between the posts. Check building code
requirements for maximum spacing on a staircase, typically less than
6". A 6" ball cannot pass through the triangle formed by the bottom
rail, tread and riser (fig. 4). A support block is needed every 2' on-
center. 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 7: 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 place 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 8: Set the lower rail on the lower inner rail between the posts.
Using two 2-1/2" long countersunk screws, set the two outermost
connectors. For co-ex composite balusters, use the connectors
that come with the baluster kit. For Deckorators aluminum or glass
balusters, use the appropriate stair adaptor (sold separately) with
the proper baluster connector (sold separately). Using the screws
provided with the baluster connectors, install the balance of the
baluster connectors onto the lower rail assembly.
Step 9: Determine the length of the balusters. Fig. 3 illustrates how
a 36" high railing might be sized. Use fig. 3 as a planning tool to
determine the height to cut the post sleeves and the balusters.
Note:
Use a fixture to ensure a consistent length (+/- 1/16"). If using co-
ex composite balusters, the baluster will need to be miter cut to the
proper stair angle. Trim the balusters to the required angle (co-ex
composite balusters only) and length. (One per hole in lower rail).
Install balusters on each connector. Gently tap the balusters with a
rubber mallet to eliminate any gaps. Check for level end to end.
Tip:
Wrap painters tape around the back side of both posts and place
balusters against the tape. The tape will balance the balusters in
place until the upper rails are installed. Remove tape when upper rail
is in place.
Step 10: Important: when
using Deckorators Designer
Baluster Connectors (both
Estate and Classic) in
conjunction with the stair
adaptors, the upper inner
rail must be inverted (fig. 5).
Use an exterior adhesive on
the underside of the Designer Baluster Connectors to prevent the
balusters from spinning. Install the remaining baluster connectors
and stair adaptors (if applicable) on the underside of the upper inner
rail. Set the rail onto the balusters, gently tapping the rail to remove
any gaps. Attach the inner rail to the brackets by pre-drilling eight
1/8" holes at each bracket hole and into the inner rail. Fasten the rail
to the bracket using eight 1" countersunk screws.
Step 11: Measure the distance between the posts and trim the
graspable upper outer rail to length, and set on the assembly.
Taking
care not to drill all the way through the upper rail, use a 1/8" drill bit to
pre-drill four 1/2" deep holes, equally spaced, through the underside
of the inner rail and into the underside of the upper rail. Tip: Place
a piece of tape 1-1/2" from the end of the drill bit. Do not drill past
the tape. Fasten cap rail in place using four 1-1/2" pan head screws.
Step 12: Apply construction adhesive to the inside edges of the post
caps and place over each post sleeve.
Note: Touch-up paint is available to repair any chips or blemishes
that occur during assembly and installation. Contact a Deckorators
customer service agent at 877-463-8379 for availability.
Designer
Baluster
Connector
Inverted
Inner
Rail
Deckorators railing is a decorative railing and can only be used in those applications where a structural railing is not required by building codes. Deckorators is not suitable for structural use. It should
not be used for primary load-bearing members such as posts, joists, beams or stringers. The same common-sense precautions should be taken when handling Deckorators as with wood or other
building materials. Dust masks and eye protection devices are recommended to avoid possible irritation from sawdust and chips. Gloves will help to protect the hands. Hands should be washed after
doing construction work.
The diagrams and instructions in this brochure are for illustration purposes only and are not meant to replace a licensed professional. Any construction or use of the product must be in accordance with
all local zoning and/or building codes. The consumer assumes all risks and liability associated with the construction or use of this product. The consumer or contractor should take all necessary steps
to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the project, including, but not limited to, wearing the appropriate safety equipment. EXCEPT AS CONTAINED IN THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTY,
WARRANTOR DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
Manufactured by UFP Ventures II, Inc., a Universal Forest Products Company, 1801 E. Lessard, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 877.463.8379 Deckorators.com
©2011 Universal Forest Products, Inc. All rights reserved. Deckorators is a registered trademark of Universal Consumer Products, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries.
ASTM D 7032 compliant. See CCRR-0171 at www.ati-es.com for uses and performance levels. 6475_3/1/12
fig. 4
fig. 5