TAMKO TAM-RAIL User Manual
STRAIGHT RAIL
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
6, 8 or 10 Straight Rail Kit available in 36 or 42 rail heights
1
IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFE TY AND
PRE-INSTALLATION INFORMATION
The following installation instructions are provided to guide you
through the installation process of the TAM‑RAIL® Straight Rail Kit.
TAMKO® Building Products, Inc. shall not be held liable for improper or
unsafe installations. Failure to follow these instructions may lead to an
unsafe product and will adversely effect coverage under the Limited
Warranty. TAMKO recommends that all designs be reviewed by
a licensed architect, engineer or local building official before
installation to ensure that they are safe and in compliance with local
building code requirements.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR INSTALLATION
Tape measure, miter saw or hack saw, drill, #2 square drive bit, level,
safety glasses, and hearing protection. For larger construction projects, a
miter saw and drill are strongly recommended for quicker installation.
INSTALLATION STEPS
1. Install and prepare posts or other mounting surfaces for TAM‑R AIL
Railing installation. Ensure mounting surfaces are level and plumb.
(Fig. 1) TAMKO recommends using TAM‑R AIL Post Mount Systems
or wood posts covered with our matching TAM‑R AIL Post Sleeve.
FIG. 1
2. Measure the length between posts and confirm the
TAM‑R AIL Railing Kit required. (Fig. 2)
TAM‑RAIL STRAIGHT RAIL KIT RAIL LENGTHS
Nominal Rail Length 6' 8' 10'
Actual Rail Length 70‑1/4" 93‑7/8" 120"
TOP RAIL BRACKET COVER
BOTTOM RAIL BRACKET COVER CRUSH BLOCK BOTTOM RAIL
6 STRAIGHT RAIL
KIT COMPONENTS:
6' TAM‑R AIL Top Rail
6' TAM‑R AIL Bottom Rail
Square or
Colonial Balusters (14)
Top Rail Metal Brackets (2)
Bottom Rail Metal Brackets (2)
Top R ail
Bracket C overs (2)
Bottom Rail
Bracket C overs (2)
1" Stainless Screws (13)
2" Stainless Screws (13)
Crush Block (1)
Bracket Placement
Template (on box)
SUBSTITUTION FOR THESE COMPONENTS IS NOT ALLOWED
AS SUBSTITU TING COMPONENTS COULD CAUSE A SAFETY HAZ ARD.
8 STRAIGHT RAIL
KIT COMPONENTS:
8' TAM‑R AIL Top Rail
8' TAM‑R AIL Bottom Rail
Square or
Colonial Balusters (19)
Top Rail Metal Brackets (2)
Bottom Rail Metal Brackets (2)
Top R ail
Bracket C overs (2)
Bottom Rail
Bracket C overs (2)
1" Stainless Screws (13)
2" Stainless Screws (13)
Crush Block (1)
Bracket Placement
Template (on box)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SQUARE BALUSTER
10 STRAIGHT RAIL
KIT COMPONENTS:
10' TAM‑R AIL Top Rail
10' TAM‑R AIL Bottom Rail
Square or
Colonial Balusters (24)
Top Rail Metal Brackets (2)
Bottom Rail Metal Brackets (2)
Top R ail
Bracket C overs (2)
Bottom Rail
Bracket C overs (2)
1" Stainless Screws (13)
2" Stainless Screws (13)
Crush Block (2)
Bracket Placement
Template (on box)
TOP RAIL
FIG. 2
Straight Rail .................. 1
Stair Rail ...................... 3
Wood/Composite
Post Mount ................... 5
Concrete Post Mount .... 6
45º Fixed Angle Bracket
Adapter ........................ 8
22.5º Fixed Angle
Bracket Adapter ..........10
Rise/Run Chart ...........12
For assistance, information regarding, or to receive a copy of
TAMKO’s Limited Warranty, contact us at 1‑800‑641‑4691 or
visit us online at tamko.com.
CONTINUED
2
the six screws provided, af fixing four on top and two on the bottom.
(Fig. 4) Use the 2" screws for mounting to a wood post, or the 1" screws
included in TAM‑RA IL Post Mount kit when mounting to the TAM‑RAIL
Post Mount System.
NOTE: The template is designed for a 2" clearance from deck surface to
bottom rail.
7. Slide bottom bracket covers over the bottom rail and position the rail
between the bottom rail metal brackets. (Fig. 5) Level the rail and secure
in place on both sides of the metal brackets using two of the 1" screws
provided. Snap the bracket covers over the metal brackets.
NOTE: When installing the bracket covers over the metal brackets, it may
be necessary to use a flat‑tipped screwdriver or putty knife to assist the
cover over the metal bracket.
MINIMUM
1-7/8"
FIG. 3
3. Lay the bot tom rail beside the posts with the pre‑routed baluster holes
facing upward and evenly spaced. Mark the rail with an additional 1/8"
removed from each end to compensate for the metal brackets. (Fig. 3)
IM POR TA N T: A minimum of 1‑7/8" rail length is required from the end of
rail to first baluster on both ends of the rail. Check end spacing and shift
the position of the rail before cutting if required. Ensure that the gap
between posts and balusters will not exceed 4".
When positioned and marked properly cut the bot tom rail.
4. Lay the top rail beside the bottom rail with baluster holes aligned. Mark
FIG. 5
and cut the top rail to match the bottom rail length and end spacing.
(Fig. 3)
5. Trim the crush block(s) to appropriate length and insert into the pre‑cut
hole(s) on the underside of the bottom rail.
NOTE: Typical crush block length is 5‑1/4" to allow for a 2" clearance
between the deck surface and bot tom rail. Be sure to check with your
local building code officials for any bottom rail clearance or rail
height requirements. Improper rail clearance or rail height could cause
8. Insert balusters into the pre‑routed bottom rail holes. Check with your
local code officials for any rail height requirements.
NOTE: Due to the aluminum inser t in the 10' rail, the top rail of 10'
sections will rest 3/8" higher than the 6' or 8' sections. The bottom of
the top rail metal bracket will install flush with the bottom of the top rail.
This will not af fect the integrity of the railing system.
a safety hazard. The formula for crush block length is: deck sur face to
bottom rail clearance + 3‑1/4".
6. Use the bracket placement template to position the top and bottom
metal brackets (marked “T” and “B”) and secure brackets in place using
FIG. 4
FIG. 6
9. Slide top bracket covers over both ends of the top rail. Align top rail over
the balusters and insert balusters one at a time until the top rail is fully
installed. (Fig. 6)
10. Secure top rail in place by installing two 1" screws on both sides of the
metal brackets. Snap bracket covers over the metal brackets.
NOTE: When installing the bracket covers over the metal brackets, it may
be necessary to use a flat‑tipped screwdriver or putty knife to assist the
cover over the metal bracket.
STAIR RAIL
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
3
6 or 8 Stair Rail Kit available in 36 or 42 rail heights
IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFE TY AND
PRE-INSTALLATION INFORMATION
The following installation instructions are provided to guide you through
the installation process of the TAM‑RAIL® Stair Rail Kit. TAMKO® Building
Products, Inc. shall not be held liable for improper or unsafe installations.
Failure to follow these instructions may lead to an unsafe product and
will adversely effect coverage under the Limited Warranty. TAMKO
recommends that all designs be reviewed by a licensed architect,
engineer or local building of ficial before installation to ensure that they
are safe and in compliance with local building code requirements.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR INSTALLATION
Tape measure, miter saw or hack saw, drill, #2 square drive bit, level, safet y
glasses, and hearing protection. For larger construction projects, a miter
saw and drill are strongly recommended for quicker installation.
INSTALLATION STEPS
1. Install and prepare posts for TAM‑R AIL Railing installation. Ensure
mounting surfaces are level and plumb. (Fig. 1) TAMKO recommends
using TAM‑RAIL post mount systems or wood posts covered with our
matching TAM‑RA IL post sleeve.
FIG. 1
FIG. 2
2. Measure the length between posts and confirm the TAM‑R AIL
Railing Kit required. (Fig. 2)
Refer to the TAM‑R AIL Stair Slope Chart on page 12 for the
degree of angle required.
TAM‑RAIL STAIR RAIL KIT RAIL LENGTHS
Nominal Rail Length 6' 8'
Actual Rail Length 78" 102"
3. Lay the bottom rail beside the posts with baluster holes facing
upward. The rail should extend past each of the mounting surfaces.
For 8' Rail Kits, verify that the crush block location on the underside
of the bottom rail will be positioned securely onto the stair tread.
4. Mark the required rail length with an additional 1/8" removed from
each end to compensate for the metal brackets. (Fig. 3)
IM POR TA N T: For even end spacing a minimum of 2‑3/8" rail length
is required from the end of rail to first baluster hole on both ends of
the rail. If even end spacing is not required, a minimum of 2‑3/8"
rail length on the lower end and 2" rail length on the upper end of
the rail is allowable. Check end spacing and verify minimum length
requirements prior to cut ting. Ensure that the end space gaps
between posts and balusters will not exceed 4".
When positioned and marked cut the bottom rail to the proper angle.
SQUARE BALUSTER
TOP RAIL
BRACKET
COVER
BOTTOM RAIL
BRACKET COVER
6 STAIR RAIL KIT COMPONENTS:
6' TAM‑R AIL Top Rail
6' TAM‑R AIL Bottom Rail
Square or C olonial Balusters (11)
Top Rail Metal Brackets (2)
Bottom Rail Metal Brackets (2)
Top Rail Bracket Covers (2)
Bottom Rail Bracket Covers (2)
1" Stainless Screws (13)
2" Stainless Screws (13)
SUBSTITUTION FOR THESE COMPONENTS IS NOT ALLOWED
AS SUBSTITU TING COMPONENTS COULD CAUSE A SAFETY HAZ ARD.
FIG. 3
MINIMUM
2-3/8"
TOP RAIL
BOTTOM RAIL
CRUSH BLOCK
8 STAIR RAIL KIT COMPONENTS:
8' TAM‑R AIL Top Rail
8' TAM‑R AIL Bottom Rail
Square or C olonial Balusters (15)
Top Rail Metal Brackets (2)
Bottom Rail Metal Brackets (2)
Top Rail Bracket Covers (2)
Bottom Rail Bracket Covers (2)
1" Stainless Screws (13)
2" Stainless Screws (13)
Crush Block (1)
CONTINUED
4
5. Lay the top rail beside the bottom
rail with baluster holes facing and
aligned. (Fig. 4) Using a straight
edge mark the continuation of
the bottom rail angle onto the
top rail. Ensure that the end
spacing from end of rail to first
baluster on each end of the top
rail matches the bottom rail end
spacing below. Cut the top rail.
6. Slide the bracket covers over
both ends of the bottom rail and
position the bottom rail between
posts at the desired height and
angle. Mark the location on the
posts. ( Fig. 5)
SkIp STEp 7 If yOU ar E
INSTallINg a 6' STaIr SECTION
FIG. 4
7. Trim the crush block to accommodate the desired bottom rail clearance
and insert into the pre‑cut hole on the underside of the bottom rail.
Be sure to
check with your
local building
code officials
for any bot tom
rail clearance
or rail height
requirements.
Improper clearance
or rail height could
cause a safety
hazard.
8. Position the bottom
rail metal brackets
(marked “B”) so that
they are centered
on both the post
and bottom rail and
FIG. 5
install using two of
the screws provided.
Use the 2" screws for mounting to a wood post, or the 1" screws
included in TAM‑RA IL Post Mount kit when mounting to the TAM‑RAIL
Post Mount System.
9. Position the rail between the bottom rail metal brackets. (Fig. 6) Level the
rail at the desired angle and secure in place on both sides of the metal
brackets using two of the 1" screws provided. Snap the bracket covers
over the metal brackets.
NOTE: When installing the bracket covers over the metal brackets, it may
be necessary to use a flat‑tipped screwdriver or putty knife to assist the
cover over the metal bracket.
10. Determine the
location of the top
rail metal brackets
(marked “T”). Insert
balusters in the first
and last holes of the
bottom rail. (Fig. 7)
Align top rail over the
balusters and install.
Ensure the top rail is
fully nested and level
with the bottom rail.
Position the top rail
metal brackets on
the rail and mark the
bracket locations on
each post.
11. Remove the top rail.
Position the top rail metal brackets on the posts and install using four of
the screws provided. Use the 2" screws for mounting to a wood post, or
the 1" screws included in TAM‑RAIL Post Mount kit when mounting to
the TAM‑RAIL Post Mount System.
12. Insert balusters into the pre‑routed bottom rail holes.
13. Slide bracket covers
over both ends of the
top rail. Align top rail
over the balusters
and insert balusters
one at a time until
the top rail is fully
installed.
(Fig. 8)
14. Secure top rail in
place by installing
two 1" screws on
both sides of the
metal brackets.
(Fig. 9) Snap bracket
covers over the
metal brackets.
NOTE: When
installing the bracket
covers over the metal brackets, it may be necessary to use a flat‑tipped
screwdriver or putty knife to assist the cover over the metal bracket.
FIG. 9
FIG. 7
FIG. 8
FIG. 6
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