Page 10
5.5" Wide Deck Rail
Screw Placement
¾"
minimum
1¼"
1¼"
center
STEP 2
Slide in Wood Insert
(4x4 board, cut
to fit inside post)
STEP 1
Partially drive a
wood screw into
Wood Insert
STEP 3
Install (2) Screws
included in Panel
Attach Kit
STEP 4
Remove temporary
wood screw.
Dia. #3A
Dia. #3B
Dia. #3C
Dia. #3D
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL – STAIR PANELS
FOR IMPRESSION RAIL EXPRESS
®
FASTEN DECK BOARD TO POSTS
3
IMPORTANT NOTES:
PRIOR TO INSTALLING DECK BOARDS:
It is very important to have the
Bottom Rail Cover
(inverted, positioned on top) even with the top of the posts
to keep from seeing gaps under the Drink Rail.
The tops of all
posts must be within ¼" of the tops of post
covers for proper fastening of deck boards.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
• Pre-drilling with a 3/16" drill bit is always required when
installing Cortex or applicable TOPLOC in TimberTech
PRO and EDGE decking.
• The Cortex Setting Tool must be used to set the Cortex
screw to the proper depth.
• The Cortex fastener must be driven perpendicular to the
deck surface for proper fit and ideal finished look.
• The cored hole must be free of debris or moisture. Use a
smooth hammer head to set the Cortex plug.
• The interaction between the deck board, screw, and plug is
essential.
For
LEVEL Over-the-Post Applications, cut wood inserts
from 4x4” wood boards to fit inside posts. Run one 2-3" screw
into the wood insert to hold it in place during post bracket
attachment (remove afterwards). While holding wood insert,
install screws (from Panel Attach Kit) through bracket and post
into wood insert.
(Dia. #3A)
For
LEVEL Over-the-Post Applications, fasten deck board
to wood post inserts with (3) 2 ½" SS Cortex or applicable
TOPLOC screws (not included) on either side of a butt joint.
For butt joints, install (3) screws on either side of butt joint
into wood post insert.
Fasten no closer than 3/4" from the
outside edge and ends of each plank
(Dia. #3B, 3C)
. Make
sure that boards are tight together at butt joints and no gap
is left.
For proper screw placement, start with a screw at the
center, then sink 2 more screws 1 1/4" from center of board to
ensure ensure full contact with wood post insert
(Dia. #3C)
.
For
STAIR Over-the-Post Applications
(Dia. #3D)
, fastening
to posts may not be possible.
TIP: Pre-drilling significantly reduces spinouts in end grain. Pre-
drill through deck plank only, not into structural post.
It is also suggested to drill only half way through the plank. Pre-
drilling requirements vary distinctly by collection. See the full
TimberTech Impression Rail Express
®
Install Guide for details.
TIP: For stairs, it is suggested to install the
Drink Rail butted to the top post and over the
bottom post. This is based on the ability to
anchor the Drink Rail securely at the top and
bottom. (Dia. #4B)
