Florence Drink Rail
Sleek and stylish, the Florence Rail System by Color Guard will give your deck a modern look and a convenient place to set your drink. Designed for durability, this system is easy to install for professionals and DIYers alike. In this video, we will show you how to install the Florence Rail System.
Florence Rail System by Color Guard
Today we are going to show you how to install Florence Railing System by Color Guard.
The kit comes fully boxed and includes top and bottom rails with aluminum inserts, black powder coated aluminum balusters, drink rail straps, installation hardware and brackets. Deck boards are sold separately.
Florence is sold in white straight rail kits only, in six, eight and 10 foot lengths, and heights of 36 or 42 inches.
Drink Rail Brackets are not designed for stair applications. We recommend you pair the Florence with Tuscany Stair Kits.
Before you install, you will need safety glasses, a pencil, tape measure, a level, drills, power miter saw and a speed square.
Pro Tip! We recommend cutting several 4 inch spacers to assist with installation. You can use a scrap piece of 2×4 to make the blocks. Also, cut a 3-inch scrap piece of baluster. You’ll see why in a minute.
The Florence Railing System is installed between two posts.
Start by laying out the bottom rail. Working from the outside in, measure from the post to the edge of the first routed hole on each side making sure they are evenly spaced. Spacing should be no less than 1 ¾ inches.
Mark rail for cuts. Take your spare piece of baluster and insert it in the middle pre-routed hole, then place the top rail on. This ensures both pieces are cut to the same length and the holes will match up.
Make your cuts using a miter saw. We recommend using a 10-inch 82 carbide blade. When making the second cut, pull the aluminum insert out about ¼ inch. This will prevent scratches on the post sleeve during installation.
Next, attach the bottom brace plug and support block. Find the midpoint, mark it, predrill pilot holes and fasten using the two provided screws. Then, slide the support block over the brace plug.
To install, place spacer blocks between the two posts.
Slip end pieces over both ends. Place the bottom rail on top of the spacers and attach using the included screws and a #2 phillips head driver.
Keep in mind that the screws go in on an angle, so you need to slightly offset brackets closer towards the post edge to compensate.
When using the Color Guard’s steel post bracket, it is best practice to put the screw in until you hit the filler, back it out a bit, then go forward until it pierces the steel. This ensures proper attachment.
Insert balusters into the bottom rail. Then fit the balusters into the top rail.
Check rail for level, attach the top rail using drink rail brackets.
Affix them to the post and rail using the included screws. Install additional drink rail straps evenly every two feet. There are enough straps in each kit to do a 10 foot section. You may not need all the straps, depending on the length of your rail.
Cut the composite, PVC or wood deck board of your choice to the proper length. Place the deck board, then attach it using ¾ inch screws – which are not included.
Add the post caps and it’s time for a cold one.
Thank you for watching. For more information on Color Guard Railing Systems, including product information, options and accessories, installation instructions, and inspirational ideas, please visit us at https://www.colorguardrailing.com/
