This document is an installation guide for the TimberTech Drink Rail, designed for use with Classic Composite Series Railing. It provides detailed instructions for installing the drink rail on both level and stair panels, along with important notes, technical specifications, and usage features.
Function Description:
The TimberTech Drink Rail system allows for the integration of a deck board as a top rail, providing a flat surface that can function as a "drink rail." This system is compatible with all full-profile, square-shoulder TimberTech deck boards, enhancing the functionality and aesthetic of a railing system. It is designed to be installed on top of the Universal Rail, which is part of the Classic Composite Series Railing. The guide differentiates between "Over-the-Post" applications, where the deck board extends over the posts, and "Between-the-Post" applications, where the deck board fits between the posts.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Railing Height: Common railing heights are 36" or 42".
- Post Sleeve Height: For a 36" rail application, post sleeves should typically not be cut less than 35.25". For a 42" application, post sleeves should typically not be cut less than 41.25".
- Universal Rail Lengths: TimberTech Universal Rails are available in 10', 8', and 6' lengths. These rails are designed not to exceed their respective lengths (e.g., 10' rail not to exceed 10' from center of post to center of post).
- Stair Rail Length: For stair applications, the maximum rail length must not exceed 91".
- Post Requirements: 4x4 lumber posts must be installed plumb and level for Over-the-Post applications. The use of Secure Mount Post is not an option for Over-the-Post applications.
- Drink Rail Compatibility: Compatible with all full-profile, square-shoulder deck boards. NOT compatible with scalloped boards (e.g., Terrain, Prime, Prime+, or ReliaBoard).
- Deck Board Width Recommendations:
- Not recommended to use narrow width (3.5") deck boards in Over-the-Post applications.
- Do not use wide width (7.5") deck boards in Between-the-Post applications.
- Universal Rail Dimensions: The Universal Rail has a height of 1.882" and a width of 2.5".
- Fasteners:
- #8 x 2" Stainless Steel Pan Head Screws are included with the Universal Rail (5 for 6' rail, 7 for 8' rail, 8 for 10' rail).
- For fastening deck boards to posts in Over-the-Post applications, (3) 2½" SS Cortex or applicable TOPLOC screws (not included) are required on either side of a butt joint.
- For composite deck boards, screws should be fastened no closer than ¾" from the outside edge and ends of each plank.
- For PVC boards, screws should be fastened within ½" from the outside edge and ends of each plank.
- Screw placement for deck boards to posts: 1¼" from the center of the board.
- For fastening deck board to Universal Rail, #8 x 2" Stainless Steel Pan Head Screws are used (for level panels) and #8 x 3" Stainless Steel Pan Head Screws (for stair panels).
- Drill Bit Sizes:
- 7/64" Drill Bit
- 3/16" Drill Bit (for pre-drilling through upper support rail)
- ¼" Drill Bit
- 1/8" Drill Bit (for pre-drilling into the bottom of the deck board when installing cWPC decking)
- Tools Required: Miter Saw, Tape Measure, Cordless Drill, T20 Drive Bit / Phillips Bit, Caulk Gun.
Usage Features:
- Comprehensive Guide: The document covers installation for both level and stair panels, providing specific steps and diagrams for each.
- Pre-Installation Checks: Emphasizes checking local regulatory agencies for special code requirements and ensuring all posts are plumb, level, and aligned.
- Over-the-Post vs. Between-the-Post: Clearly distinguishes between these two application types, offering tailored instructions for each.
- Minimizing Gapping in Over-the-Post Applications: Provides recommendations to minimize joint separation over time, such as ensuring posts are in line, avoiding butt joints whenever possible, following fastener recommendations, keeping boards cool during installation, and installing all joints tight.
- Pre-Drilling Requirements: Highlights the necessity of pre-drilling for certain fasteners and decking types (e.g., Cortex screws in TimberTech PRO and EDGE decking).
- Jig Recommendation: Suggests creating a jig with a baluster, top and bottom support rail, and Universal Rail to ensure proper height alignment for the top Universal Rail and flush fit for the deck board.
- Cutting Instructions: Advises cutting slowly with a fine-tooth saw blade to avoid chipping.
- Fastener Placement: Provides specific measurements for screw placement to ensure proper contact and prevent overdriving.
- Post Cap Attachment: Instructions for attaching post caps using exterior grade caulk/adhesive.
- Wiring for Post Lighting: Notes that wiring for post lighting must be installed prior to securing posts and installing top rails.
- Safety: Stresses the importance of wearing goggles when handling, cutting, drilling, and fastening materials.
Maintenance Features:
- The guide does not explicitly detail maintenance features for the drink rail itself, but rather focuses on proper installation to ensure longevity and performance.
- It implicitly suggests that proper installation, including correct fastener use and alignment, contributes to the overall durability and reduced need for maintenance.
- The warning about static electricity generation in plastic-based products might imply a need for awareness or specific cleaning methods, though none are detailed.
- The mention of Cortex screws and plugs and their essential interaction implies that using non-Cortex screws or plugs will void the warranty, suggesting that adherence to specified components is a form of maintenance for warranty validity.
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