This document is an installation guide for the TimberTech Drink Rail, designed for use with Impression Rail Express® railing systems. It provides detailed instructions for installing the drink rail on both level and stair panels, ensuring a secure and aesthetically pleasing finish. The guide emphasizes safety, proper measurement, and adherence to local building codes, offering a comprehensive resource for installers.

The TimberTech Drink Rail system allows for the integration of a deck board as a top rail, providing a functional surface for drinks or other items. This feature enhances the usability of the railing, transforming it into a practical and stylish element of a deck or porch. The system is compatible with all full-profile, square-shoulder TimberTech deck boards, offering flexibility in design choices. However, it is explicitly stated that the system is not compatible with scalloped boards (e.g., Terrain, Prime, Prime+, or ReliaBoard), which is a crucial detail for material selection.

The installation process is broken down into several key steps, each with clear diagrams and accompanying instructions. For level panels, the guide covers cutting the bottom rail cover and deck board to length, attaching drink rail clips to the panel, fastening the deck board to posts (for over-the-post applications), attaching drink rail clips to the deck board, and finally, attaching post caps. A similar step-by-step approach is provided for stair panels, adapting the instructions to the unique requirements of angled installations.

One of the primary usage features highlighted is the distinction between "Between-the-Post" and "Over-the-Post" applications. For Between-the-Post installations, the drink rail is designed to fit precisely between posts, creating a seamless look. For Over-the-Post applications, the drink rail extends over the posts, often requiring wood inserts within the posts for secure fastening. The guide provides specific instructions and diagrams for both scenarios, ensuring that installers can correctly implement the system regardless of their chosen application style.

The guide stresses the importance of precise measurements and cuts. For instance, when cutting the bottom rail cover and deck board, installers are advised to ensure that any seams in over-the-post applications fall at the center of a post and to miter planks at corner posts for a clean finish. For between-the-post applications, trimming deck board corners for a clean finish is suggested if the deck board is wider than the posts. These details contribute to the overall quality and appearance of the finished railing.

Attaching the drink rail clips is a critical step, with specific instructions on spacing and screw types. For both 6' and 8' panels, the guide specifies the number of clips required and their placement within the first baluster on each end, with remaining clips spread equally over the panel's length. The use of #8x3/4" TEK SS screws for attaching clips to the rail and #8x3/4" SS MOD Truss K-Lath Screws for attaching clips to the deck board is specified, ensuring secure connections. An important note advises pre-drilling 1/8" diameter holes 1/4" deep into the bottom of the deck board to mark locations for the drink clips, with a caution not to drill through the top of the plank.

For over-the-post applications, fastening the deck board to posts involves cutting wood inserts from 4x4" wood boards to fit inside the posts. These inserts provide a solid anchor for the deck board. The guide details a four-step process: partially driving a wood screw into the insert, sliding the insert into the post, installing screws from the Panel Attach Kit through the bracket and post into the insert, and finally, removing the temporary wood screw. This method ensures a robust connection between the deck board and the posts.

The guide also provides crucial recommendations for fastening deck boards, particularly for over-the-post applications. It advises using (3) 2 1/2" length AZEK® Cortex® or TOPLoc screws on either side of butt joints, fastening no closer than 3/4" from the outside edge and ends of each plank. The importance of tight butt joints with no gaps is emphasized, along with specific screw placement (1 1/2" from the center of the board) to ensure full contact with the wood post insert. Pre-drilling is strongly recommended to reduce spinouts in end grain, with specific drill bit sizes (3/16") and depths (halfway through the plank) mentioned for different TimberTech decking types. The use of the Cortex Setting Tool for Cortex screws is also highlighted to achieve the correct depth for plugs.

Several important notes are scattered throughout the document, serving as critical reminders for installers. These include ensuring that posts are plumb and aligned, especially for over-the-post applications where consistent post height is vital for a level drink rail. Tips for achieving consistent post height, such as using a level panel or string line, are provided. For over-the-post drink rail applications, it is crucial to ensure the bottom rail cover is even with the top of the posts to prevent gaps under the drink rail.

The guide also addresses potential issues related to temperature changes and joint separation in over-the-post applications. It recommends minimizing butt joints, using single long boards where possible, and keeping the temperature of the boards as low as possible during installation to reduce gapping. Installing all joints tight, unlike wood decking where spacing might be recommended, is also advised for drink rail applications. The guide explicitly states that narrow width (3.5") deck boards are not recommended for over-the-post applications, and wide width (7.5") deck boards are not recommended for between-the-post applications, providing clear guidelines for material selection based on application type.

For stair panels, the installation process adapts to the angled nature of the railing. The guide suggests installing the drink rail butted to the top post and over the bottom post, based on the ability to securely anchor the drink rail at both ends. A specific note for stair panels indicates that the top drink rail clip might not fit in the first opening and should be placed in the first full opening as close to the post as possible, demonstrating attention to practical installation challenges.

Maintenance features are not explicitly detailed as this is an installation guide. However, the emphasis on proper installation techniques, secure fastening, and adherence to material compatibility (e.g., full-profile deck boards only) inherently contributes to the longevity and structural integrity of the drink rail system, thereby reducing future maintenance needs. The guide's focus on preventing issues like joint separation and ensuring proper screw placement helps ensure the system remains stable and attractive over time.

Overall, this installation guide is a comprehensive and user-friendly resource for anyone installing the TimberTech Drink Rail with Impression Rail Express® systems. Its clear, step-by-step instructions, detailed diagrams, and numerous important notes ensure that installers can achieve a safe, secure, and visually appealing railing system. The emphasis on local code compliance and professional review underscores the importance of proper installation for both safety and product performance.

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