How To: Install an ornamental railing system
1 Dec, 2005 By: Landscape Management Staff LDB Solutions
What you need
Materials and recommended equipment include:
- One rail kit and one baluster kit per section of rail: The rail kits, which include deck screws, are sold in 6- and 8-ft. lengths. Balusters* are pre-cut at 27 in. and come 16 to a box for the 6-ft. kits and 20 to a box for the 8-ft. kits.
- One TimberTech brand post cover and one TimberTech post cap for each 4x4 post: Post covers* are 48 in. in length. Post caps are available in flat top or pyramid top styles in copper or brushed stainless steel.
- TimberTech post skirts: These complement the TimberTech Ornamental Railing System. They are available in Cedar, Grey, Redwood and Whitesand.
- Woodworking tools: Standard woodworking tools may be used.
- Safety gear: Protective clothing and safety glasses are recommended.
* Square balusters and post covers are also available in 12-ft. lengths. Ornamental spindles are 27 in. and are available as kits only.
1 Ensure that the 4x4s are vertically plumb. Slide the post cover and skirt over the 4x4 posts. Because of the irregularity of dimensional lumber, posts may need to be planed. Do not force the cover over the post.
 |
2 Center and mount one baluster to each post. Position the baluster 5 in. above the deck surface. For factory pre-drilled railings at 5 in. on center spacing, proceed to Step 3. If you prefer to equally space your balusters, proceed to Step 4. If your rails are not pre-drilled, proceed directly to Step 4. Remember that TimberTech brand baluster spacing must not exceed 5 in. from center to center.
 |
3 Measure the distance between posts near the top and bottom, and transfer these measurements to the universal rails. Remember to allow space for the post-mounted baluster at each end. The measurement can be centered on a pre-drilled hole, or halfway between two. If the baluster at each end of the railing assembly is close to the post-mounted baluster, you may achieve a more balanced look by moving the balusters to an intermediate position. Keep in mind you need to install the rails with the profile lip facing out. Once your layout has been determined, cut the universal rails to length, install the balusters and proceed to Step 5.
 |
4 For equal spacing of balusters only: Calculate the baluster spacing. Mark the centers of your balusters on the universal rails and pre-drill. Once you have finished pre-drilling top and bottom universal rails, attach your balusters to the two universal rails to create rail assembly.
 |
5 Once you have the main rail assembly completed, slide the assembly onto the post-mounted balusters.
 |
6 Attach the main rail assembly to the posts through the universal rail and into the post at an angle. Complete this step for all four corner attachments.
 |
7 Fasten an ornamental rail to the top rail at every fourth baluster space to ensure proper attachment.
 |
1 2
Please send any technical comments or questions to our webmaster.