fiberondecking.com 800.573.8841
Manufactured by
Required Tools and Supplies:
Natural Top Rail Profile
Natural Bottom Rail Profile
• Power Drill
• 1/8-in Drill Bit
• #2 Square Head Bit
• Protective Eye Wear
• Tape Measure
• Level
• Screw Driver, Phillips #2
• Speed Square
• Miter Saw
• Pencil
• Adjustable Square
Railing component list for each section:
Post Sleeve
Cap Top Rail Metal
Bracket Top Rail
Bottom Rail Crush Blocks Square Balusters
Bottom Rail Metal Bracket
YES
2-in minimum from rail end to hole
NO
Post Sleeve
Post Sleeve Collar
Prior to installing railing: Please consult local zoning laws in regards to load requirements and bottom space requirements for rails. All supporting structures must be in accordance with applicable building codes. Neighborhood associations and/or historic districts may regulate size, type, placement and ability of railing. Apply for permits if required by local authorities and codes. Ensure compliance prior to installation. Local building code requirements will always supersede any and all suggested procedures and measurements in the following installation. The following installation instructions are intended as a general guideline based on common building practices used in railing installation.
When railing span is greater than the distance between posts, trim both top and bottom rail ends to maintain uniform baluster spacing. Slide Post Sleeve Collar over each post prior to installing bottom rails and press securely into place.
Install 4x4 posts in the pre-determined locations, cover with post sleeve and verify spacing. Posts should be plumb in both directions. If using post sleeve collar, slide collar over post sleeve prior to installing rails.
NOTE: If using the post sleeve collar, make sure to position and glue collars in place prior to securing the bottom rail.
The most recent installation instructions can be found on our website. Please visit fiberondecking.com or
call custmer service at 800.573.8841.
Complete hardware for rail section
Continued on next page Natural Bottom Rail Bracket (3 screws attach to rail, 2 screws to post) Natural Top Rail Bracket
(3 screws attach to rail, 2 screws to post)
After carefully measuring between level and plumb posts, cut top and bottom rails to length. Slide bottom rail brackets over ends of bottom rail.
Inset the bracket 1/32-in -1/16-in from the end of rail (NOTE: the bottom rail bracket is
attached to the underside, not the edge with the baluster holes). This is to ensure that
the brackets pull the rails tight during securing.
Using the bottom rail bracket as a template, Mark the hole locations. Predrill the holes with a 1/8-in bit, then secure with supplied 1-in screws.
1
B A
C
Predrill Screw
Holes Secure Bracket with Screws provided
NOTE: Rail lengths will vary slightly due to manufacturing processes. Make sure rails are cut properly to correct length, and with hole pattern centered between posts before securing.
Using the supplied crush blocks and a level, position the bottom rail between the posts. Use a pencil to mark the bracket holes on post. Remove the bottom rail and Bracket, and pre-drill all holes with 1/8-in bit (bracket shown in place for clarity). Replace the bottom rail and bracket, and secure with supplied 2-in screws.
Inset top brackets 1/32-in – 1/16-in from the end of top rail. Predrill with 1/8-in bit, then secure brackets with supplied 1-in screws.
3
Fully insert the first baluster in each end of the secured bottom rail. If using round metal balusters, place rail inserts for round balusters into the top and bottom rail routed holes. Place round metal baluster through the inserts. (Round balusters must be a minimum of 32-in long).
Lower the top rail and brackets over the balusters, making sure they fully insert into the top rail. Check for level, then locate the screw holes on the posts.
4
2
Bottom Rail
Top Rail
Balusters
Center the top rail on the post, then mark the position of the holes. Predrill with 1/8-in bit (TIP: us1/8-ing an extended bit allows
greater clearance from the balusters and top rail).
Insert all remaining balusters into the bottom rail, then carefully lower the top rail and brackets into place. Check for level, then secure top rail to post with supplied 2-in screws.
5
A
B
Complete the assembly by positioning and gluing post caps and crush blocks with quality exterior adhesive.
Angle Bracket (Available Special Order)
6
Install 4x4 posts in the pre-determined locations, cover with post sleeve and verify spacing. Posts should be plumb in both directions. If using post sleeve collar, slide collar over post sleeve prior to installing rails.
Measure the distance between
installed posts at various locations. The measurement should not vary by more than 1/16-in.
Begin by establishing the stair angle. Lay a 2x4 or other continuous straight-edge over the nose of the stairs, and supporting the bottom rail. Transfer the angle, top and bottom, making sure to position the hole pattern evenly between the posts. Align the top rail with the bottom rail to ensure the baluster holes will align properly before cutting. Cut rail ends to establish angle.
1
Place the bottom rail routed holes downward. Using a bracket as a template, locate the holes 1/32-in –1/16-in from end of rail. Predrill with 1/8-–1/16-in. drill bit, then secure with supplied screws.
2 Maximum length of rail for even
Baluster spacing between Post Sleeves:
6-ft Rail: 66 1/4-in
A
B
Natural Top and Bottom Stair Bracket (3 screws attach to rail, 2 screws to post)
Complete hardware for stair section
NOTE: The slope of the stairs can be 30-36 degrees (an 11-in run and a 7-in rise results in a 32 degree slope).
Maximum inside distance between Post Sleeves: 6-ft Rail = 56 3/16-in
NOTE: If using the post sleeve collar, make sure to position and glue collars in place prior to securing the bottom rail. NOTE: Rail lengths will vary slightly due to manufacturing processes. Make sure rails are cut properly to correct length, and with hole pattern centered between posts before securing.
Support the bottom rail between the posts at the appropriate height. Mark hole locations using the bracket as a template. Predrill holes with 1/8-in drill bit, and secure with supplied screws. TIP:
the use of a flexible shaft driver or extra long extension may help securing the brackets to the posts.
Starting from one end and working towards the other and with all balusters in place, lower the top rail and brackets into position, guiding the balusters into the top rail Inserts.
Predrill the holes for the brackets and secure using the supplied pan head screws.
TIP: it may be necessary to use a flexible shaft and/or extension to drive screws.
A
B
After securing the bottom rail, insert the proper baluster adapter into the holes closest to the posts at both ends.
NOTE: if using square or turned balusters, transfer the angle from cutting the rail to cutting the ends of the balusters. It is critical that all balusters are the same length and angle for best appearance. Round balusters will not require angle cutting the ends.
Fully insert a baluster at both ends of the bottom rail.
TIP: pinching the adapter wings inward makes insertion easier.
4
Using the top bracket as a template, locate and mark holes, and predrill with a 1/8-in drill bit. Secure the brackets using supplied screws.
A
B
6
Lower the top rail between the posts, fully inserting the balusters. Using the top bracket as a template, mark the hole locations. Remove the top rail and predrill the holes with a 1/8-in drill bit.
Complete the stair installation by gluing the post caps and crush block in place using a quality exterior adhesive.
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