Deckorators Aluminum 8 Railing - Manual (Page 4)

Stair
Bracket (4)
Figure 10
Step 4 Measure the distance between installed post sleeves to determine the length
of the top and bottom rails. Lay bottom rail on stairs with the pre-drilled holes facing
down. The distance between the post and first baluster should be less than 4" and equal
on both ends. Mark the angle and length. Do the same with the top rail. Remove an
additional 1/4" on both ends (1/2" overall) for the bracket to fit between the rail and post.
Trim the top and bottom rails to length with the same angle
(Figure 9).
Step 5 Determine the spacing of the balusters, 4-1/2" maximum on-center (7-1/2" on-
center if using glass balusters, 4-1/4" on-center if using Ellipse balusters), and equal spac-
ing for the end spacing. See Step 7 of the in-line instructions for details.
If using Classic, Estate, Twist or Ellipse balusters, use a 1/8" drill bit to open up the pre-
drilled holes to the angle of the stairs. The top and bottom connectors will be facing op-
posite directions. Attach stair baluster connectors to the rails. Do not over-tighten screws.
Apply silicone caulk on each connector to prevent balusters from turning or rattling after
installation is complete. The caulk should be on the outside of the round connector and on
the inside of the designer baluster connector.
Step 6 Position the bottom rail between posts and center. 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
(Figure 10). Mark the
location of the bracket on both posts. Remove rail. Mark the screw locations and pre-drill
through the post sleeve only using a 1/4" drill bit. Attach each bracket to the post with two
2" long screws.
Step 7 A support block is needed at the center of each rail. Cut the support block to
desired height. Attach to the bottom of the lower rail (refer to
Figure 1). Find the center
of the rail and pre-drill using a 1/8" drill bit. Attach the support block connector using the
included screw. Mark the location of the support block on the step tread and attach the
other support block connector to the step tread using the included screw.
Step 8 Position the bottom rail between the posts. Pre-drill with a 1/8" drill bit and
attach the rail to the stair brackets using four 1" screws on both ends. Tip: Use a driver
extension bit to avoid marring the rail or post sleeve with the drill chuck.
Classic, Estate, Twist and Ellipse balusters: Attach balusters to the lower rail by sliding
onto connectors.
Step 9 Position the top rail between the posts. Check for plumb end-to end-and
vertically. Mark the bracket location on post sleeve and remove rail. Mark the screw
locations using the bracket as a guide, and pre-drill using a 1/4" drill bit through the post
sleeve only. Attach bracket to the post with two 2" long screws at one end. Repeat for the
other end.
Classic, Estate, Twist and Ellipse balusters: Lower the top rail into position, placing the
balusters onto the stair connectors while working from one end of the railing to the other.
Tap with a rubber mallet if needed to eliminate any gaps. Attach the rail to each bracket
by pre-drilling with 1/8" drill bit and using four 1" screws. Tip: Use a driver extension bit to
avoid marring the rail or post sleeve with the drill chuck.
Traditional, Baroque, Arc and Glass balusters: Place the top rail in position. Attach the
rail to each bracket by pre-drilling with a 1/8" drill bit and using four 1" screws. Tip: Use a
driver extension bit to avoid marring the rail or post sleeve with the drill chuck.
Step 10 Traditional, Baroque and Arc balusters: Place a baluster on the rails on-center
of one of the marked positions (4-1/2" on-center or 7-1/2" on-center for glass). Make sure
the baluster is plumb. Using the baluster as a guide, drill 9/64" holes in the top and bottom
rails. Drill and attach baluster with the screws provided. Use a 2x4 spacer block to space
next baluster. Drill and attach each baluster to the top and bottom rails with the screws
provided. Using a pair of clamps to hold baluster in place while fastening will make this
step easier
(Figure 10).
Step 11 (optional) Cut the cap rail and cap rail insert to length (Note: the cap rail will be
1/2" longer than the top and bottom rails.) Center the cap rail insert on top of the top rail
and pre-drill seven 1/8" pilot holes. Attach the cap rail insert to the top rail with seven 1/2”
long screws. Apply exterior-grade metal construction adhesive to the mating edges of the
insert rail. Position cap rail over the insert rail. Install by pressing down, starting from one
end and working to the other until the cap rail snaps into place. Gently tap with a rubber
mallet if needed.
Step 12 Apply exterior-grade metal construction adhesive to the inside edges of the post
caps and place over each post sleeve.
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, the warrantor does not
provide any other warranty, either express or implied, and shall not be liable
for any damages, including consequential damages.
Deckorators is a registered trademark
of Universal Consumer Products, Inc. in the U.S.
www.deckorators.com
©2012, 2014 Universal Forest Products
933 US Route 202
Greene, ME 04236-3466
All rights reserved.
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Top and
Bottom Rail
Figure 9