If these are the dimensions that you are going to use,
cut the balusters to 28-1/2" length using a cut-off
or miter saw. Use 34-1/2" balusters for 42" railings.
If you want to have your railing at a different height,
use fig. 3 as a planning tool to determine the height
to cut the post sleeves and the balusters, Note: Use
a fixture to ensure a consistent length (+/- 1/16").
Trim the balusters to the required length. Install
balusters on each baluster connector. Gently tap
the balusters with a rubber mallet to eliminate any
gaps. Check for level end to end.
Step 12: Install the FastBall connectors or square
baluster connectors on the underside of the top
inner rail (fig. 6). Set the rail on to the balusters,
gently tapping the rail to remove any gaps. Mark
the height of the brackets on the inside of the
post using the inner rail as a guide. The top of the
bracket should be even with the top of the inner rail
assembly. When the height is marked, also mark the
center of the post and the center of the bracket and
using the bracket as a guide, drill two 1/8" holes
through the post sleeve. Fasten the bracket to the
post using two 2" long square drive screws. Repeat
on the adjacent post. Set the inner rail assembly in
between the brackets and pre-drill eight 1/8" holes
into the inner rail. Fasten the rail to the bracket
using eight 1" square drive screws.
Step 13: Measure the distance between the posts
and trim the upper top rail to length and set on
the assembly. Taking care not to drill all the way
through the rail, use a 1/8" drill bit to carefully pre-
drill through four of the inner rail holes 1/2" deep
directly in to the underside of the upper cap rail.
Fasten cap rail in place using the four 1-1/2" pan
head screws.
Step 14: Apply construction adhesive to the inside
edges of the post caps and place over each post
sleeve.
Stair Railing Installation Instructions
Step 1: Cedar or pressure-treated pine 4x4 railing
posts provide the structural strength for the railing.
The length of each post is determined by the total
of the stair stringer width (7-1/4") + tread thickness
(1") + railing height (36") + spacing for post cap
(1-1/4") = 45-1/2".
Step 2: Position, plumb with a level and clamp the
rail post on the interior face of the stair stringer.
Plumb again. The 4x4 railing post should be bolted
to the inside of the stair stringer using two 1/2" x 6"
galvanized carriage bolts. Corner posts use a third
carriage bolt inserted through the adjacent joist.
Ground level posts should be set in concrete.
Step 3: Complete stair tread installation prior to
installing post sleeves. Trim 4x4 post sleeves to
length. Post sleeves should be a minimum of 1-1/2"
longer than the railing height. Slide a trimmed post
sleeve over each 4x4 railing post. Slide a post base
trim over each post sleeve.
Step 4: Note! The rails are pre-drilled. To ensure the
outer balusters are equally spaced, the rail components
require trimming at both ends. Using the lower pre-
drilled U-rail as a guide, place it adjacent the post
sleeves and center the rail so the furthest pre-drilled
holes for the balusters are equal distances from the
post sleeves. Using the posts as a guide, mark the
angle for the beveled cut vertically through the U-
rail section. Mark the gap between the posts onto
the U-rail and trim to fit.
Step 5: Note! To ensure the balusters are installed
plumb, the holes between the rail sections must all
be aligned. Using the trimmed lower rail as a guide,
set the upper inner rail for the system on top of the
trimmed bottom rail and align the pre-drilled holes.
Pencil mark the cut length on the inner rail. Note!
To allow for the thickness of the brackets, the inner
rails should be 1/8" shorter than the U-rails with all
holes equally spaced. Remove an additional 1/16"
from the pencil mark on each end and trim the
inner rail to length. Repeat for the second inner
fig. 5
rail (fig. 6).
Step 6: Assemble the lower inner rail and support
block assembly. Position the bottom rail between
the posts. Check building code requirements for
maximum spacing on a staircase, typically less
than 6". A 6" ball cannot pass through the triangle
formed by the bottom rail, tread and riser. See fig.
8. A support block is needed every 2' on-center.
Trim support blocks to desired height. Using a 1/8"
drill bit, pre-drill the blocks and attach them to the
underside of the inner rail equal distance from the
ends. Use the two 1-1/2" long pan head screws.
Step 7: Mark the height of the brackets on the inside
of the post using the inner rail as a guide. The top
of the bracket should be even with the top of the
inner rail assembly. When the height is marked,
also mark the center of the post and the center of
the bracket and using the bracket as a guide, drill
two 1/8" holes through the post sleeve. Fasten the
bracket to the post using two 2" long square drive
screws. Repeat on the adjacent post.
Set the inner rail assembly in place and pre-drill
eight 1/8" holes into the inner rail. Fasten the rail to
the bracket using eight 1" square drive screws.
Step 8: Set the lower U-rail on the lower inner
rail between the posts. Using two 2-1/2" long
countersunk screws, set the two outermost FastBall
connectors or square baluster connectors with
stair adaptors (sold separately) in place. Using
the screws provided with the baluster connectors,
install the balance of the baluster connectors onto
the lower rail assembly.
Step 9: Determine the length of the balusters (fig.
3). Fig. 3 illustrates how a 36" high railing might
be sized. Use fig. 3 as a planning tool to determine
the height to cut the post sleeves and the balusters.
Note: Use a fixture to ensure a consistent length
(+/- 1/16"). Trim the balusters to the required
angle and length. (One per hole in lower U-rail).
Install balusters on each connector. Gently tap the
balusters with a rubber mallet to eliminate any
gaps. Check for level end to end.
Step 10: Install the remaining FastBall connectors
or square baluster connectors with stair adapters
on the underside of the upper inner rail. Set the
rail onto the balusters, gently tapping the rail to
remove any gaps. Mark the height of the brackets
on the inside of the post using the inner rail as a
fig. 6
guide. The top of the bracket should be even with
the top of the inner rail assembly. When the height
is marked, also mark the center of the post and
the center of the bracket and using the bracket
as a guide, drill two 1/8" holes through the post
sleeve. Fasten the bracket to the post using two 2"
long square drive screws. Repeat on the adjacent
post. Set the inner rail in place and pre-drill eight
1/8" holes into the inner rail. Fasten the rail to the
bracket using eight 1" square drive screws.
Step 11: Measure the distance between the posts
and trim the upper outer U-rail to length, and set
on the assembly. Taking care not to drill all the way
through the rail, use a 1/8" drill bit to carefully pre-
drill through four of the inner rail holes 1/2" inch
deep directly into the underside of the upper cap
rail. Fasten U-rail in place using the four 1-1/2"
pan head screws.
Step 12: Apply construction adhesive to the inside
edges of the post caps and place over each post
sleeve.
Latitudes Intrepid railing using 32
balusters is a decorative railing and can only be used in
those applications where a structural railing is not required
by building codes. Latitudes is not suitable for structural
use. It should not be used for primary load-bearing
members such as posts, joists, beams or stringers. The
same common sense precautions should be taken when
handling Latitudes as with wood or other building materials.
Dust masks and eye protection devices are recommended
fig. 7
to avoid possible irritation from sawdust and chips. Gloves
will help to protect the hands. Hands should be washed
after doing construction work.
The diagrams and instructions in this brochure are for
illustration purposes only and are not meant to replace
a licensed professional. Any construction or use of the
product must be in accordance with all local zoning
and/or building codes. The consumer assumes all risks
and liability associated with the construction or use of
this product. The consumer or contractor should take all
necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved
in the project, including, but not limited to, wearing the
appropriate safety equipment.
WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTY, WARRANTOR DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY
OTHER WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SHALL NOT BE
LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
Manufactured by UFP Ventures II, Inc.,
a Universal Forest Products Company
1801 E. Lessard, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
©2010 Universal Forest Products, Inc. All rights reserved. Latitudes is a
registered trademark of Universal Forest Products, Inc. in the U.S. and
other countries. Latitudes Intrepid is a trademark of Universal Consumer
Products, Inc., in the U.S. The Architectural Testing Approved logo is
registered trademark of Architectural Testing, Inc.
"
square aluminum
EXCEPT AS CONTAINED IN THE
877.463.8379
www.latitudesdeck.com
6053 G2 Rdsq ENG_5/10
PAGE 2 - Round and Square Aluminum Balusters