So you’ve got yourself a marvellous deck, and yet it’s still missing something. Just like any masterpiece, it deserves an equally magnificent balustrade frame to complete the picture. Making things easy in the world of balcony railings is Ultralox. These guys transform what is a long and arduous task into something anyone can do on their own. Provided you have the appropriate tools. Follow along as we walk you through the straightforward process of installing a balcony railing with ULTRALOX INTERLOCKING® TECHNOLOGY balustrade systems.
Table of Contents
How To Install Level Balcony Railing
What Equipment Do I Need To Install a Balcony Railing
Before you begin installing any aluminium railing project, ensure you have the proper tools and safety protection, including:
- Fasteners for mounting posts to the deck surface
- Cordless drill
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
- Miter saw with a non-ferrous blade
- Level meter
- Tape measure
- #2 Square Drive Bit
- 5mm Drill Bit
You may also want some touch-up paint on hand.
Installing the 75mmx75mm Posts
Measure 73mm from the top of the casting shoulder and place a pencil mark for the location of the top edge of the rail clip—Centre clip-on post and secure with (2) - #8x20mm self-drilling screws. Clips are included in the Balustrade Kits.
1. Install proper post blocking under each screw location
With a 5mm drill bit, pre-drill through deck boards and into blocking. If post cap lighting is installed, drill a 16mm hole in the centre of the four-deck screw holes to feed lighting wires.
Note: If installing post lighting, you must install wiring before securing posts to deck/stair surface and installing top rail snaps.
2. Level and plumb posts using shims
Secure posts to deck with suggested screws. Do not install post caps and two-piece baseplate covers until all railings are installed.
Temporarily install end stair posts, so rail centerline aligns with top stair posts installed. Recommended post-installation locations are as shown.
3. Install posts at all end locations
Leave a maximum gap of less than 100mm between the post and the wall.
4. Position Posts
Position the first post on the same 75mm centerline and temporarily fasten using a single fastener through the base plate mounting hole. Then, place the second post on the same 75mm centerline and temporarily bind to the deck surface. Use one 22.5° Balustrade Attach Kit (purchased separately) to install 45° corner posts. Finally, lay centre posts over deck edge and adjust as required to determine final centre post mounting locations.
Installing The Preassembled Level Balustrade
1. Install Bottom Channel
After all, posts are secured and plumb, clamp or hold the fence against two posts and adjust for equal end spacing. Mark the top and bottom rails and cut the balustrade 2mm less than the opening size (1mm on each end). Then clean the cut areas and apply touch-up paint on exposed ends.
Slide the bottom channel of the pre-cut railing onto the lower clip. Then, insert clips into the top track of the balustrade on each end.
NOTE: you must bottom clips out inside the aluminium balustrade channel.
2. Attach Clips To Posts
Using (4) - #8x20mm self-drilling screws, attach the upper two clips to the post. Using (8) - #8x20mm self-drilling screws, secure the upper and lower clips to the railing.
NOTE: Do not install top snaps if you’re running lighting wires through top rails.
3. Attach Top and Bottom Snap Covers
Measure between posts at the top and bottom, cut top and bottom snap covers 2mm less than the opening. Clean the cut areas and apply touch-up paint on all exposed metals. Snap each rail snap over the corresponding rail channel until adequately seated. The snap covers should snap firmly onto the aluminium balustrade channels.
DO NOT USE A HAMMER
The top rails will snap by applying pressure from one end to the other. If you're having issues snapping on the covers, check the clips to ensure they are bottomed out into the aluminium balustrade channels.
NOTE: For openings greater than 1220mm, install base rail support under the centre of the base rail. Slide base rail support under base rail and mark. Remove support leg and install two deck screws at the base rail support, then place over screws. Using one #8 x 20mm Self-drilling screws, secure the base rail support to the base rail.
4. Install Post Caps
Lastly, install the post caps and two-piece baseplate covers on all posts.
ULTRALOX INTERLOCKING® TECHNOLOGY balustrade systems are available in many styles, colours and configurations, including picket and glass options. You can even design your own using our colours and top rail selections. Find out more about them today.
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