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INSTALLING DRINK RAIL – STAIR PANELS
FOR CLASSIC COMPOSITE SERIES RAILING
FASTEN DECK BOARD TO POSTS
(OVER-THE-POST APPLICATIONS)
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)
3
5.5" and 7.5" Wide Deck Rail
Screw Placement
¾"
minimum
1¼"
1¼"
center
1" 1"
center
Attaching Deck Rail
to Top Stair Post
Attaching Deck Rail
to Top Stair Post
Dia. #3A
Dia. #3B
Dia. #3D
Dia. #3C
IMPORTANT NOTE:
When attaching the
deck board to the top stair post
,
it is recommended to predrill thru the deck board
1" from center on both sides
an
d thru the post sleeve
(Dia. #3C & 3D)
. The top deck board is screwed into
the side of the top post. Only
two screws
are needed.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
PRIOR TO INSTALLING DECK BOARDS:
As with the level panel sections, it is very important
to have the
Universal Rail (positioned on top) even
with the top of the post sleeves
to keep from seeing
gaps under the Drink Rail.
It is recommended to drill a slight countersink into
the surface of the support rail so that the head of the
screw sits just flush to slightly above the surface. Do
not over countersink. Without countersinking, the
Universal Rail may not sit flat against the support rail.
Make sure to drive screws parallel to balusters.
For butt joints, install (3) screws on either side of butt
joint into post.
For
Over-the-Post Applications
, fasten deck board to
posts with (3) 2 ½" SS Cortex screws (not included) on
either side of a butt joint.
For composite deck boards
,
fasten
no closer than 3/4"
from the outside edge and
ends of each plank
(Dia. #3A & 3B)
. For PVC boards,
fasten
within
1/2" from outside edge and ends of each
plank. For screw placement, measure
1 1/4" from center
of board
to ensure ensure full contact with wood post.
(Dia. #3A & 3B).
Make sure that boards are tight
together at butt joints and no gap is left.
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 TimberTech Classic
Composite Series Railing Install Guide for details.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
• Pre-drilling with a 3/16" drill bit is always required
when installing Cortex 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. Use of non-Cortex Screws or non-
Cortex plugs will nullify the warranty.
