INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS • ALX CLASSIC RAILING
ALX CLASSIC INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 45
Railing Installation
Prior to construction:
•
Check building code requirements for maximum spacing between deck surface and bottom of rail (sweep). Spacing of 3" is recommended for 36" or 42"
finished rail height.
Step 1
Measure the distance between installed posts to determine the length of the top and bottom rails. The rails are sized for 6' and 8' on-center posts,
when using 2.5" posts, and include space for the brackets. Position rail adjacent to installed posts. The distance between the post and the first baluster should
be less than 4" and equal on both ends. As needed, mark the length on top and bottom rails, trim the rails to length for runs that are less than 6' or 8' o.c. and
remove an additional 1/4" on both ends (1/2" overall) for the bracket to fit between the rail and post.
Step 2
Temporarily place the brackets on either end of the bottom rail.
Position the bottom rail between posts and center. Mark the location of the bracket on
both posts. Remove rail and brackets. Mark the screw locations and predrill through the posts only, using a 1/8
"
drill bit.
Step 3
Attach each bracket to the posts with three 3/4
"
screws.
Step 4
A rail support is needed every 2 feet (2 are included in the 6ft kit, 3 in the 8ft kit). Attach rail support connectors to the bottom of the lower rail at 2
foot intervals. Predrill using a 1/8” drill bit. Attach the rail supports to the rail support connectors. Mark the location of the rail support on the deck surface and
attach the other rail support connector to the deck using the included screw.
Step 5
Install the bottom rail between the posts by setting it in the brackets. Snap top trim piece to the rail bracket.
Step 6
Attach baluster to the lower rail by sliding onto connection (fig. 4).
Step 7
Position the top rail between the posts. Check for level end-to-end and vertically. Mark the bracket location on post and remove rail. Mark the screw
locations using the bracket as a guide, and predrill using a 1/8
"
drill bit. Attach bracket to the post with three 3/4
"
screws at one end. Repeat for the other end.
Step 8
Lower the top rail into position, placing the balusters onto the 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 predrilling with a 1/8" drill bit and using two 3/4
"
screws.
Tip: Use a driver extension bit
to avoid marring the rail with the drill chuck.
Step 9
Set post caps on each post. Gently tap with rubber mallet to secure.
Step 1
Begin by determining where the top and bottom post will be located. Mark the desired location of the post.
Note: To ensure post location is compatible
with railing, prior to securing to the deck, place both posts in position, and lay the bottom rail along the stair nosing from top to bottom adjacent to both posts.
On the rail side of the post, measure up from the top of the rail and ensure there is a minimum of 34" to the top of the post. Post location may need to be
adjusted to ensure minimum is obtained. Repeat this step for the bottom post.
For a wood deck, position the post so the fasteners will go into the floor joists,
and make sure the decking is firmly attached to the joists at the location of the posts. Proper structural blocking/framing under the decking material is required
when attaching the post to a wood frame deck because decking alone is not approved as structural framing. Use 49" post for 36" stair railing and 54" post for
42" stair railing.
Step 2
Four 3/8
"
diameter mounting holes are provided on the base. When final position is determined, mark hole locations and remove the post assembly.
Drill the marked locations into decking and reinforcement braces.
Step 3
Reposition the post assembly with the leveling plate inserted between the deck and the post base, and aligned with the predrilled holes. Insert the post
fasteners (
NOT INCLUDED
), and partially tighten. Using a level, adjust the leveling set screws with a 3/16" allen wrench until the post is plumb. Fully tighten the
post fasteners to secure the base to the deck structure.
STOP: Make sure post base trim is installed before continuing.
Step 4
Measure the distance between installed posts to determine the length of the top and bottom rails. Lay bottom rail on stairs with the predrilled holes
facing up. The distance between the post and the first baluster should be less than 4” and equal on both ends. Mark the length on top face at both ends of rail
using a square or straight edge where it meets the posts. Remove an additional 1.25” at the uphill end of rail, and 1/8” at downhill end of rail, to allow for the
stair connectors. Cut bottom rail to length.
Note: The distance from the end of the top rail to the first stair baluster will be 1-1/16” longer than the bottom rail to
ensure the balusters are plumb.
On the cut bottom rail, measure to the underside of the top rail. Add 1-1/16” to this measurement and cut the uphill end of top rail. Measuring from the cut end,
mark and cut the other end of top rail to match overall length of bottom rail (fig. 7).
Step 5
Mark location of the bracket screw holes on bottom rails. Remove bracket. Predrill through the rail only, using a 1/8" drill bit.
Stair Railing Installation Instructions
Subtract
0.25”
Distance between posts
Subtract
0.25”
fig. 5
fig. 6
