Install
Posts Install posts, sleeves, and post skirts according to the standard
instructions on page 2. (See Illustration J).
Note: In most cases a post sleeve longer than 39" will be needed on the lower
post of the stair rail section, for those applications we have a 45" or 96”
long sleeve, which can be cut to the necessary length.
Set
Railing Support Brackets on the Upper Post of the Stairs Insert one
bracket, with sloped edge facing up, into the stair assembly holes of the
TrexExpress™ Railing Assembly Tool (sold separately) with the orange labels.
Wrap the tool, with the orange labels facing up, to the upper post, with the
bottom of the tool resting on the top of the post skirt. Attach these brackets
using two (2) 2-1/2" screws, which are included inside the hardware bag of the
kit. Trex recommends: take a second bracket, turn it upside down, and
interlock it into each of the brackets mounted on the post.
Set
Railing Support Brackets on the Lower Post of the Stairs To attach
brackets to the bottom post, turn the Railing Assembly Tool over, so that the
stair or orange labels are upside down. Insert two more brackets into these
stair holes labeled in orange. Align the bottom of the tool with the top of
the next to last stair tread, meaning the tool should be shifted above the
bottom of the post at a distance equal to the height of the stair riser.
Attach each of these brackets using two (2) 2-1/2" drive screws, from the
hardware bag. Then remove the Railing Assembly Tool from the post. Trex
recommends: take a second bracket, turn it upside down, and interlock it into
each of the brackets, which are mounted on the posts. This will give better
rail stability. (See Illustration K)
Note: If the posts are not set at the front of the stair treads, the brackets
will need to be shifted up an equal distance, to avoid the bottom rail hitting
the nose of the stairs.
Cut the
Top and Bottom Rails to Length Cut the bottom and top rails to the
appropriate length and angle. The length and angle can be obtained by setting
the rail along the nose of the stair treads and marking a line at each post.
Securing
Bottom Rail to Posts Place the Bottom Rail underneath the two Railing
Support Brackets, which are attached to the posts. Before attaching, place the
Rail Gaskets on each end of the rail. Attach the railing to each of the
brackets by using two (2) 2" self-tapping screws, and drilling down through
the bracket and into the rail.
Assembling
Balusters and Handrail Please follow Steps 6 through 10 above to
install support blocks, baluster spacers, balusters, handrail, and post caps.
You will likely need to cut the balusters to the same angle as the railing to
allow them to fit properly. Remember, the Handrail will be secured on top of
the two RSBs that are snapped together and fastened to each post in the same
way as they were for the bottom rail. (See
Illustration K)
