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How to Install Composite Deck & Porch Railings
Composite guard railings offer a low-maintenance option for railing. Most low-maintenance decking manufacturers offer one or more railing systems to compliment their flooring products. You will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of colors, styles and options. These systems are available in kits that are relatively easy to install.
These systems use 4x4 pressure-treated wood posts covered by a sleeve and mounted to either the inside or outside of the frame. Each railing section can be easily installed between posts using brackets provided in each kit. Stair railing kits are also available for ease of installation.
This is a composite guardrail system with steel balusters. Most composite railings are sold in 6' and 8' kits. The 4x4 posts, post sleeves, post caps and post base trim are sold separately.
Use a shim to adjust rail posts that are out of plumb. In this situation, we ripped a wedge off the right side of the post to use as a shim for the left side, making it plumb.
For low-voltage post lighting, pull wires through the post sleeves before securing them. Pull wires to the corner of the sleeve to prevent puncturing with rail attachment screws.
Center your top and bottom rail sections along the post sleeve. Then, attach them with the universal rail bracket. This bracket can be used for straight, angled and stair rail sections.
Build a jig using scrap material to assist in drilling the baluster connector locations. The width of this jig was cut to 1 1/4" wide to fit inside the channel in the top rail and center on the bottom rail. The manufacturer recommends 4 3/8" on center spacing for 3/4" steel balusters. If you plan on tightening your spacing of balusters, make sure you order extra balusters.
Set your jig to balance the layout of your balusters along the top and bottom railing. You may choose to center a baluster or space at the center of each section of rail. The jig makes it easier to choose the most attractive layout. You don't want a baluster installed too close to the rail posts. Use your jig to pre-drill the baluster connector locations.
Install the baluster connectors to the top and bottom rails. Do not over tighten the connectors.
For 45-degree angle rails, cut a 1" section as a guide to center the railing on the post.
Use a scrap piece of top cap to set up your precision cuts. This will allow you to set up your saw to the correct position before cutting each end of railing one side at a time. This method can be used for the top and bottom rails.
Use a scrap piece of top cap to align the height of the stair rails with the standard guardrails. You can also use this piece to test your angled cuts.
Use a scrap piece of bottom cap to test angled cuts. The bottom cap slides over the top of the bottom rail.
Glass Rails
Installing glass rails will usually require you to build the rail frame first and take precise measurements to custom order the tempered safety glass...
Composite vs Aluminum Railing
Composite and aluminum railings are great low maintenance alternatives to traditional wood. Learn the differences between these materials with Decks.com.
Deck Skirting and Fascia
Skirting can be an attractive feature that can be added to any low-level deck.
Our Favorite Outdoor Deck Lighting Ideas
Illuminate the night with our deck lighting ideas for your outdoor space, from string and solar lights to pool lighting. Find inspiration at Decks.com.
Arbors
Learn how to build a shade feature called an arbor along your deck railing. You can even hang flower pots from the rafters.
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Create a free account and get instant & exclusive access to all that Decks.com has to offer:
|
1,000+ How-To articles |
|
80+ Free Deck Plans |
|
Deck Planning Calculators |
|
Free & Simple Deck Design Tool |
How to Install Composite Deck & Porch Railings
Composite guard railings offer a low-maintenance option for railing. Most low-maintenance decking manufacturers offer one or more railing systems to compliment their flooring products. You will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of colors, styles and options. These systems are available in kits that are relatively easy to install.
These systems use 4x4 pressure-treated wood posts covered by a sleeve and mounted to either the inside or outside of the frame. Each railing section can be easily installed between posts using brackets provided in each kit. Stair railing kits are also available for ease of installation.
This is a composite guardrail system with steel balusters. Most composite railings are sold in 6' and 8' kits. The 4x4 posts, post sleeves, post caps and post base trim are sold separately.
Use a shim to adjust rail posts that are out of plumb. In this situation, we ripped a wedge off the right side of the post to use as a shim for the left side, making it plumb.
For low-voltage post lighting, pull wires through the post sleeves before securing them. Pull wires to the corner of the sleeve to prevent puncturing with rail attachment screws.
Center your top and bottom rail sections along the post sleeve. Then, attach them with the universal rail bracket. This bracket can be used for straight, angled and stair rail sections.
Build a jig using scrap material to assist in drilling the baluster connector locations. The width of this jig was cut to 1 1/4" wide to fit inside the channel in the top rail and center on the bottom rail. The manufacturer recommends 4 3/8" on center spacing for 3/4" steel balusters. If you plan on tightening your spacing of balusters, make sure you order extra balusters.
Set your jig to balance the layout of your balusters along the top and bottom railing. You may choose to center a baluster or space at the center of each section of rail. The jig makes it easier to choose the most attractive layout. You don't want a baluster installed too close to the rail posts. Use your jig to pre-drill the baluster connector locations.
Install the baluster connectors to the top and bottom rails. Do not over tighten the connectors.
For 45-degree angle rails, cut a 1" section as a guide to center the railing on the post.
Use a scrap piece of top cap to set up your precision cuts. This will allow you to set up your saw to the correct position before cutting each end of railing one side at a time. This method can be used for the top and bottom rails.
Use a scrap piece of top cap to align the height of the stair rails with the standard guardrails. You can also use this piece to test your angled cuts.
Use a scrap piece of bottom cap to test angled cuts. The bottom cap slides over the top of the bottom rail.
Glass Rails
Installing glass rails will usually require you to build the rail frame first and take precise measurements to custom order the tempered safety glass...
Cable Rail
Cable rails are a modern looking rail system that preserves views. Learn how to install cable rails to meet building codes.
Vinyl Railing Reviews
Compare Vinyl Deck Railings to wood, aluminum, and composite. Find reviews and cost information to help choose the best deck railing for your home at Decks.com.
Deck Skirting and Fascia
Skirting can be an attractive feature that can be added to any low-level deck.
How To Install Deck Lighting
Step-by-step instructions on how to install low-voltage post cap lights. Learn about cutting a groove to hide your wiring.
Solar Deck Lights
Compare the pros and cons of solar deck lights and learn how to install them on post caps and rails at Decks.com.
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights