DECKORATORS ALX CLASSIC Installation Instructions Manual

ALX CLASSIC COMPLETE KIT
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Tools and Items Needed

• Drill/power screwdriver

• Miter or circular saw
with carbide tip blade

• Marked speed square

• Carpenter’s level

• Carpenter’s pencil

2 - 6' or 8' aluminum rails with baluster connectors installed
4 - line brackets
16 - #8 x 3/4" screws
4 - Christmas tree screws
15 - (satin black, matte black, or textured white) classic or estate balusters for 6' section

(20 balusters for 8' rail section)

In-Line Railing Installation Instructions

Prior to construction, check with your local regulatory agency for special
code requirements in your area. Common railing height is 36" or 42".

Read instructions completely to get an understanding of how the product goes
together and how each piece affects the other.

Step 1 Determine the number of railing posts needed for your deck. Post
spacing is 6'

or 8' on-center. Example: A 12x16 deck attached to a building with

a 4' access opening on one side will require a total of eight posts.
Step 2 Installing posts: Install posts by attaching the aluminum base to

the surface of the deck. Position the post so the fastener will go into the floor
joist, and make sure the decking is firmly attached to the joist at the location
of the posts. If necessary, use wood blocking as reinforcement underneath
the decking where the posts are located. Fasteners that hold the post base
to the surface should be able to secure to joist or reinforcement braces, not
just the decking itself. Note: When installing aluminum post on top of a wood

surface, screws must be lagged into at least 3" of solid wood. 5/4" or 1 ½" deck
boards do not provide sufficient material for a safe installation. If necessary, add
additional material to the underside of the surface.

Step 3 Position the post assembly onto the location where it will attached
to the deck. Four 11/32" diameter mounting holes are provided on the base.
When the final position is determined, mark the base hole locations. Remove
the post assembly and drill 15/64" holes in the marked locations into the deck
and reinforcement.

Step 4 Reposition the post assembly over the predrilled holes and insert the
fasteners (not included). Recommended fasteners: 4 – 5/16" x 4" or longer
stainless steel lag screws.

Step 5 Finish by sliding a post base trim (optional) over each post for a finished
look. Note: Installing the post base trim prior to installing the bottom rail is

recommended. However, the two-piece design does allow the installer to add
the post base trim after the rail has been installed. To install, apply a thin line of
clear exterior construction adhesive to the inside of the post trim where it will
contact the post sleeve and snap into place around the base of the post sleeve.

Step 6 Install baluster connectors to top and bottom rail using pre-drilled
holes. Do not over tighten.

Step 7 Measure the distance between installed posts to determine the length

• Adjustable wrench
or socket wrench for
bolts, etc.

• Safety glasses/
goggles

• Rubber mallet

Contents

• Tape measure

Post

Post
Cap

ALX Classic
Rail

Post
Base Trim

In-line
Bracket

Baluster

Baluster
Connectors

fig. 1

fig. 2

of the top and bottom rails (fig. 1). Lay bottom rail on deck. The distance
between the post and the first baluster should be less than 4" and equal on both
ends. Mark the angle and length. Repeat with the top rail. Remove an additional
1/4" on both ends (1/2" overall) for the bracket to fit between the rail and post.
Trim the top and bottom rails to length.

Step 8 Position the bottom rail between posts and center. Check building code
requirements for maximum spacing between deck surface and bottom of rail
(sweep). Spacing of 3" is recommended, but can be more or less if codes allow.
Mark the location of the bracket on both posts. Remove rail. Mark the screw
locations and predrill through the posts only, using a 9/64" drill bit.

Step 9 Mark the screw location of bracket on bottom rail. Remove bracket.
Predrill through the bottom of rail only using a 5/32" drill bit.

Step 10 Attach each bracket to the posts with two 3/4" screws.
Step 11 A support block is needed at the center of each 6 ft rail section, 2

support blocks are needed for 8 ft sections. Attach the support block to the
support block connector on the bottom of the lower rail. Mark the location of
the support block on the deck surface and attach the other support block
connector to the deck using the included screw.

Step 12 Install the bottom rail between the posts by setting it in the brackets.
Snap top trim piece to the rail bracket. To secure bottom rail to brackets, push
1/8" Christmas tree fasteners through bracket into the rail.

Step 13 Attach baluster to the lower rail by sliding onto connection (fig. 2).
Step 14 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 1/4" drill bit.
Attach bracket to the post with two 3/4" screws at one end. Repeat for the
other end.

Step 15 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 number 2 drill bit and using two 3/4" screws. Tip: Use a driver

extension bit to avoid marring the rail with the drill chuck.

Step 16 Set post caps on each post. Gently tap with rubber mallet till secure.

Post
Base
Trim

Post
Base
Trim

Post
Cap

Baluster
Connector

Post

•

Cap

Post

•

Sleeve

Top and
Bottom Rail

•

•

Mark Rail
for Length
and Angle

Post
Sleeve

•

•

•

•

Distance
Between
Posts

Mark Rail for
Length and Angle

•

fig. 3

Equal spacing on
both ends

Top Rail

•

•

•

•

Bottom Rail

•

Stair Adaptor

Support
Block

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

6" Maximum

Top Rail Bracket
and Bracket Cover

Post

•

Sleeve

Baluster

Bottom Rail Bracket
and Bracket Cover

•

fig. 4

Stair Railing Installation Instructions

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. If necessary, use wood blocking as
reinforcement underneath the decking where the posts are located. Fasteners
which hold the post base to the surface should be able to secure to joist or
reinforcement braces, not just the decking itself.

Step 2 F o ur 11/32" 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 over predrilled holes. Insert fasteners (not
provided), then secure the base to the deck structure. Make certain the posts
are plumb. If the post requires adjustment, add stainless steel washers under the
base plate.

Step 4 Finish by sliding a post base trim (optional) over each post sleeve for a
finished look. Note: Installing the post base trim prior to installing the bottom rail is