Please read all instructions completely before starting any part of the installation.
Each railing kit comes complete with all parts, hardware and installation guide to install
one complete rail section (excluding posts.) Railing sections have been pre-cut to 6 ft. or
8 ft. lengths. Check to ensure that the kit is complete. Safety: Always wear goggles when
handling, cutting, drilling and fastening materials. Note: Check local code requirements.
1. POST SLEEVE INSTALLATIONS
The Premier Post Sleeve has been designed to slide easily over a nominal wood 4"x 4" post
after the deck sub-structure is complete and the deck board has been fastened. If the
nominal wood 4"x4" post is twisted or oversized it will be necessary to shave the post. Do
not force the Post Sleeve as this may cause it to crack or split. The 4"x4" wood post should
extend down to the bottom of the rim joist. For firmest attachment, completely "BOX IN" the
4"x4" wood post and the Post Sleeve so there is support on all four sides. (see Figure 1)
The Post Sleeve may also slide over a wood post that has been mounted to the deck or a
concrete slab using the Premier "SURFACE MOUNT BRACKET".
Note: If optional Post Skirt is to be used, install over Post Sleeve prior to installing railing.
2. POST SLEEVE HEIGHT CALCULATIONS
Calculate and cut Post Sleeve to required height (see Figure 2). Slide Post Sleeve over 4"x4"
wood post into position. For 36" rail cut Post Sleeve to 37". For 42" rail cut Post Sleeve to 43".
3. MEASUREMENTS AND CUTTING
Measure between posts, top and bottom to obtain the rail length. Also check the rail
opening to ensure the Post Sleeves, newels or walls where the rail is to be installed are
square and plumb. To obtain proper baluster spacing be sure to measure and cut retainer
and bottom rail equal distances from the center. Cut handrail to match retainer.
4. RETAINERS AND BOTTOM RAIL BRACKET INSTALLATION (see Figure 3)
Place the "U" shaped end of the painted stainless steel bracket on the underside of the
retainer and bottom rail. Be sure to place the bracket just slightly inside (1/16") the cut edge
of the retainer and bottom rail. Mark and pilot drill holes with a 3/16" bit. Drill out the two
mounting holes to 3/8".
Note: When drilling for the bottom rail, drill through bottom wall only do not drill through
the top surface. Using the enclosed tool, screw the threaded inserts into the holes from the bottom until
flush. Be careful not to over torque. Install inserts and fasten brackets with panhead bolts
to the underside of the Retainer and Bottom Rail using the 1/4" x 20 panhead screws.
5. ASSEMBLE, FASTEN AND SLIDE
Align the ends of each Baluster with the pre-drilled holes in the Retainer (see Figure 4).
Using the 1-3/4" # 8 wood screws, fasten the Balusters to the Retainer first, through the
pre-drilled holes. Do not over torque. Align the ends of the Balusters with the holes in the
Bottom Rail and fasten the Balusters to the Bottom Rail through the pre-drilled holes using
the 3" # 8 wood screws. Place the partially assembled railing against a solid surface and
slide the Handrail over the Retainer. Note: If the mounting brackets cover any of the
pre-drilled holes in the Retainer or Bottom Rail, or they are too close to allow the installation
of a Baluster, do not use the end Balusters.
Seal any exposed holes with a white silicone exterior-grade caulking.
6. CENTER RAILING SUPPORT
Install center support in center of railing (see Figure 5)
7. LEVEL AND ATTACH RAILING (see Figure 6)
Level the assembled railing prior to making any
markings or drilling.
Place assembled railing between Posts and level.
Mark holes.
Remove assembled railing.
Drill pilot holes in the Posts with a 3/16" drill bit.
Re-position assembled railing and attach to Posts
with #14 x 2" stainless steel screws.
8. POST CAP APPLICATION
Apply generous amount of construction grade
adhesive to top edges of Post Cap and press
Post Cap firmly into place.
9. FASTEN HANDRAIL TO RETAINER
Take remaining self drilling screws and install up
through the retainer into the handrail to lock it in place.
Space screws evenly.