Classic Vinyl Stair Railing Installation
Function and form combine to make the Classic Stair Rail System by Color Guard. This easy to install stair rail allows for 23- to 38-degree installation and will give your porch stairs a nice finished look featuring a gently contoured top rail.
In this video, we will show you how to install the Classic Stair Rail System.
Classic Stair Rail System by Color Guard
Today we are going to install the Classic Stair Rail.
The Classic Stair Rail comes fully kitted and includes top and bottom rails with aluminum inserts, balusters, mounting brackets, and hardware. Kits are available in 4 to 10 foot lengths, 36 inch heights and in white, tan or clay. Tan and Clay are only available in 4-8 foot lengths.
Before you install the Classic Stair Rail you will need safety glasses, a pencil, tape measure, a drill, power miter saw and a speed square.
This system is installed between two posts, which are sold separately.
To install, first make sure posts are level and plumb.
Place a 2×4 on the steps for spacing, then place the bottom rail on top with baluster openings facing up.
This should result in a 1 ¾ inch gap from bottom rail to the leading edge of the tread bullnose for your bottom marks.
Measure the gaps on each end and until it is equal in distance.
Once you find your measurements, mark rail for cuts.
Make your cuts using a miter saw. We recommend using a 10inch 82 carbide blade. When making the second cut, pull the aluminum insert out about ¼ inch. This will cut the Aluminum Insert slightly shorter than the Vinyl Extrusion, and will reduce the chance of the Aluminum scratching the post sleeve during the installation.
Remember, you do not have to make angled cuts because of our unique mounting brackets that allow for 23 to 38 degree installations.
To install, put the mounting brackets on each end of the bottom rail, line it up with the marks, and install using the included screws.
Keep in mind that the screws go in on an angle, so you will need to position the brackets closer towards the edge of the post 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 snugs the bracket. This will prevent deformation of your post sleeve.
PRO TIP—for lower screws, we recommend using a right-angle drill attachment. It just makes things a lot easier.
Insert balusters in the first and last hole, then insert balusters in the top rail and measure gap between the two posts.
Adjust until even, then mark for cuts.
For this, mark where the post meets the side of the top rail. Then, using a speed square pressed against the post, mark lines on the underside of the top of the rail and the top side of the lower part of the rail.
Then cut using a miter saw.
Insert all of the balusters into the bottom rail and put the mounting brackets on each end of the top rail, Then, insert balusters into the top rail.
Once in place, install using the included screws. Add the self-drilling rail screws with Hinge Caps, then snap them to conceal the screws.
Add the bracket covers to hide the screws and give it a nice finished look.
Finish it off with some post caps, and you’re done.
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/
