CRAFTSMAN TOP LEVEL RAIL INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Always check your local building codes before starting a project. Please read assembly instructions completely
before beginning construction. Always wear protective goggles & gloves when installing a composite railing
system.

1 1/4” x 4 1/2” Composite Top Rail Components

1. 4” x 4” Composite Post (Sold Separately)
2. 4” x 4” Post Trim (Sold Separately)
3. 2” x 3 1/2” Composite Rail
4. 1 1/4” x 4 1/2” Composite Top Rail (Sold Separately)
5. 1 1/4” x 1 1/4” Composite Pickets
6. 2” x 3 1/2” Composite Rail Bracket Kit
7. 1 1/4” x 4 1/2” Composite Top Rail Saddle Bracket Kit
8. Foot Block Kit

Layout

Remember to check local building codes for rail height requirements in your area. The composite railing systems are designed to meet requirements for 36”& 42” high rail systems in residential applications. This is dependent on the post installation methods detailed in the preceding post installation instructions section.

The 2” x 3 1/2” rails run in between the posts and are set in brackets. The 1 1/4” x 4 1/2” top cap rail can be installed on top or butted up against the posts. When installing the top rail over the post, continuous runs without splicing or in-line joints are recommended. When the top cap rail is butted up against the post, the corners need to be cut at 45°. The bottom of the railing section is designed to be 2 1/2” above the surface. The foot block is a 1 1/4” x 1 1/4” picket inserted into a metal bracket that is attached to the bottom of the bottom rail.

Rail Installation

1) Cut Rails to Length. Measure distance between posts and subtract 1/2” to allow room for the brackets (1/4” each end). Mark the rails to the calculated length using a square. Important: Make sure that there is equal spacing between the picket hole and end of rail to maintain uniform picket spacing. Do not leave an open picket insert hole at the bracket. Trim both ends of the rails. If running the top cap rail on top of the post, do not cut the top cap rail (Note: If the center rib in the 2” x 3 1/2” top rail interferes with the top screw of the attached saddle brackets trim an addition 1/8” off each end of the rail or file an 1/8” notch into the center rib on each end.)
2) Install Trim Base. If using a trim piece, be sure you install the trim base section over the posts before you start attaching the rail sections to the posts.
3) Install Saddle Brackets.
a. Top of Post Installation: Align the saddle bracket with the top of the post. Center the bracket and mark the holes.
b. Butted Post Installation: Locate the saddle bracket such that the top is 3-1/4” below the top of post.
Center the bracket at this location and mark the holes.
c. Pre-drill two 3/32” holes into the post through the holes in the bracket or via the marks made through
the bracket holes. Attach brackets to post with two of the screws provided in the kit

4) Assemble Rail Section with the 2” x 3 1/2” rails and pickets.

Lay rails and pickets out on a clean, non-abrasive surface and assemble section. Strap section together using bungee cords or strapping to keep section tightly assembled. Do not cover middle of the section.

5) Determine Foot-Block Length.

Hang assembled railing section in saddle brackets and measure the distance from the top of the deck to bottom of the bottom rail at the mid point.

6) Attach Foot-Block and Drill Weep Holes. Remove the assembled railing section and place on a non-abrasive surface. Cut foot-block picket to the length required for your installation. Attach the foot block bracket to the bottom of the bottom rail and foot-block picket to the bracket using the four screws included in the kit. Foot block kits are required on all railing sections 6’ or longer. When screwing into composite predrilling is always recommended. Drill two or three evenly spaced 1/4” weep holes through the bottom of the bottom rail and middle rib. These holes will allow for proper water drainage.

7) Install Railing Section. Slide trim pieces onto the bottom rail facing the finished trim towards the center of the rail and insert the 2” x 3 1/2” rackets at both ends of the bottom rail. Then, re-hang the assembled railing section into the saddle brackets. Pre-Drill 3/32” holes into the post through the bracket holes and attach bracket to the post using screws provided in the kit.

8) Install Top Cap Rail.

(Top of Post Installation): The top cap rail should be installed only after all of the 2” x 3 1/2” rail sections have been installed. a. Measure and plan out how the top cap rails will be installed. When joining rails together 45° lap joints are recommended. All joints should occur on top of the posts. Splicing or in-line joints are not recommended. If necessary, do so as shown in the inset picture to the right. Joints should be sealed with glue or caulk and touch up paint can be used to cover any exposed material.

b. For end posts you can leave the rail open and paint the exposed end with matching touch-up paint or you can miter the end with an a short piece of the top rail. The short piece can be fastened with glue and a tapered head #10 screw or an angle bracket on the inside channels. (Remember to
pre-drill to prevent splitting.)

c. Lay out all the rails on top of the post to verify fit and make adjustments as required. Make sure that the top cap rails are centered on the post tops so as not to expose the top edge of the post. d. Remove rails one at a time and apply a 1/8” bead of Christy’s™ glue down the center of the inside channel of the top cap rail. Place the rail on the top 2” x 3 ½” rail. Press down and slide rail back and forth slightly to distribute the glue and set it into the correct position.
e. Clamp top rail to 2” x 3 1/2” rail with quick-clamps in two places for at least three minutes to allow glue to set up.
f. Next pre-drill 1/8” x 1/4” deep holes through the counter bored holes in the top of the saddle bracket into the top rail. Be careful not to drill through the top of the rail. Secure the top rail to the bracket using the screws provided in the kit
g. Continue this process until all the rails are installed.

(Butted Post Installation):

The top cap rail for this style can be installed one section at a time. a. Measure the distance between posts on the top of the saddle bracket. Cut the top cap rail to this length
.
b. Miter the corners of the cap rail. The exposed edges can be touched up with matching paint if desired.
c. Lay out rails on top of the railing section and make adjusts as required.
d. Remove rail and apply a 1/8” bead of Christy’s™ glue down the center of the inside channel of the top cap rail. Place in the correct and centered position over the top 2” x 3 1/2” rail and press down to distribute the glue.
e. Next pre-drill 1/8” x 1/4” deep holes through the counter bored holes in the top of the saddle bracket into the top rail. Be careful not to drill through the top of the rail. Secure the top rail to the bracket using the screws provided in the kit
f. Clamp top rail to 2” x 3 1/2” rail with quick-clamps in two places for at least three minutes to allow glue to set up.
g. Continue this process until all the rails are installed.

9) Install Post Cap (Butted-to-Post style only). Place a 1” x 1/4” wide bead of glue on inside of cap along the center of all four sides. Slide cap onto top of post. The glue will smear as the cap is slid on the post and a permanent bond will take effect after a few minutes. Be careful not to drip glue on the outside of a post or cap or it will cause a “scar”.

Cleaning

Your composite railing system is manufactured using a blend of wood and plastic that binds the wood together and provides a coating around the individual wood fibers. An additional vinyl coat is applied to the surface to provide superior weather performance and color retention. For this reason and unlike traditional wood products, it is resistant to paints and penetrating stains. A mild detergent and water should be sufficient to keep the composite railing system looking new. For tough stains, Soft Scrub™ or baking soda works well. If stains or scuff marks appear, use a fiberglass cleaner/glaze or #0000 steel wool and Simple Green™. The surface can be sanded, and a fine sand paper (such as 200 grit) should be used, followed by 400 or 600 grit to polish and restore original finish.

Important

It is the responsibility of the contractor to meet or exceed all code and safety requirements, and to obtain all required building permits. These instructions are only a guide, and may not address every circumstance. The deck and railing installer should determine and implement appropriate installation techniques for each situation. Manufacturer shall not be held liable for improper or unsafe installations