HOW DOES COMPOSITE DECK RAILING AND FENCING WORK?

NewTechWood’s composite railing systems are protected by an UltraShield coating, which provides the product with exceptional beauty and performance. This UltraShield coating combines the proven strength of high-density polyethylene plastic and wood fibers with a polymer outer shell that fully encapsulates the board in a protective layer that is highly resistant to scratching, fading and staining.

Our railing and fencing consist of two primary components:

• Co-Extruded Cap: UltraShield is a capped wood plastic composite. It has a highly advanced shield that encasing an inner core. The core and shield are extruded together under extremely high temperatures, which means that no environmentally harmful chemicals or adhesives are used during the manufacturing process.
• Composite Core: The core of our products is made from carefully chosen recycled materials and dense softwood and hardwood fibers that allow for increased durability and strength. What’s more, the material is completely recyclable.

WHAT IS THE CODE FOR DECK RAILING?

The International Residential Code (IRC) requires that there be least 36 inches from the surface of the deck to the top of the rail. Commercial decks that are attached to multifamily buildings and regulated by the International Building Code (IBC) must have guardrails that are 42 inches high. Codes vary widely from one state to another, so you should always check with the building department in your area before you install or update a deck or balusters. Generally speaking, the IRC requires a porch, deck or balcony to have a structural railing to pass a home inspection. For the safety of children, balusters need to be less than four inches apart.

DO I NEED A RAILING ON MY PORCH?

In the United States, if the floor of the porch is under 30 inches above the ground, a railing isn’t required.

Installation

When installing your NewTechWood railing, keep the following in mind:

• Zoning laws in your area: Check local zoning regulations regarding the bottom space requirements and load requirements for the rails. All supporting structures must comply with applicable building codes. If you live in a historic district or are part of a neighborhood association, there may be requirements regarding the type, size and placement of the railing. Make sure to apply for permits if codes or authorities in your area require it, and make sure that you’re complying with the rules begin you begin your installation.
• Safety: As with any construction project, make sure to wear appropriate safety gear to protect yourself from any injuries. NewTechWood advises that you use the following safety gear when cutting, handling and installing NewTechWood products: respiratory protection, gloves, pants, long sleeves and safety glasses. However, this is not a comprehensive list. You may also want to wear a helmet and hearing protection and, if working above six feet, use fall protection equipment.
• Tools: You may use standard woodworking tools to install NewTechWood products. When using blades, choose ones with a carbide tip. For fasteners, we recommend either standard stainless steel or acceptable coasted deck nails and screws.
• Environment: To correctly install products from NewTechWood, you must always use a smooth, flat, strong and clean surface. As mentioned above, always look into building codes in your area before installing any railing. If you do not begin your installation immediately after purchase, you must store NewTechWood’s products on a flat surface at all times. Under no circumstances should you place it on an uneven surface.
• Construction: You may not use NewTechWood UltraShield products as support posts, columns, beams, joist stringers or any other kind of load-bearing member. All NewTechWood products must be supported by a substructure that complies with code.
• Static: Static is more common in high-altitude areas because humidity levels are lower. If you live in a high-elevation area, be cautious about using objects like metal chairs and railings, as static shocks could occur more frequently. One possible way to reduce the number of static shocks is by using anti-static mats in front of your doorways.
• Storage: When storing a NewTechWood product, always do so on a flat, stable surface. Surfaces like grass and dirt are not acceptable, as they can move over time.
• Draw a layout: Before you begin your installation, plan a design. Not only will this will ensure that it is the best looking railing for your application, but it will also be needed to obtain decking permits.
• Obtain the necessary permits: You will likely need to obtain deck permits before building your deck. The application process for deck permits is rather easy, although some planning is required. The first thing you need to do is find out who in your local area issues the permits and where you must go to apply. Cities usually have a Building Inspections Department inside City Hall, so start looking there. If your area is more rural, chances are there’s an independent inspector who covers a broader area. Just make a few calls to government offices in your area, and they should tell you where you need to go.

1. Mark the position of the post. Make a mark where you will install the post mount. Post mounts cannot be installed more than 75 11/16 inches apart from center to center.
2. Cut the post. Cut the post mount to 36 7/8 inches and the post sleeve to 39 inches.
3. Install post (on a concrete surface). First, position the post on the concrete surface where it is to be installed and mark your drilling hole positions using the holes in the post’s metal base. Then, drill the spots that you marked, insert plastic anchors in these drilled holes and position the post again so that the holes in its metal base align with those drilled in the concrete. Finally, insert and tighten concrete screws in each hole of the metal base.
4. Install post (on a wood surface). If you’re installing the post on a wood surface, you will need to install a substrate underneath so that the screws will secure the board fully. Then, put the post in the location where it is to be installed and mark holes on the surface using the holes in the metal base. Now, drill the holes that you just marked, and then position the post back on top of these drilled holes. Secure the post to the wood surface using the lag bolts and secure them using washers under the substrate.
5. Install the post sleeve on top of the post mount.
6. Mark holes for post brackets. To make markings where you will install the post brackets, use the provided cardboard template. The bottom two holes will be used to connect the bottom post brackets, and the top six holes will be used for the top post brackets.
7. Drill in the post brackets. Take the post skirt and lower it over the post sleeve. Then, drill in the top and bottom post brackets using the appropriate screws.
8. Cut the rail. Cut the rail to the length between the post sleeves minus 1/8 inches on each side to account for the gaskets that will be inserted. Before cutting the rail, don’t forget to take out the galvanized insert.
9. Install the bottom bracket. Attach the bottom brackets to the rail with screws at 1 3/16 inches and 1 inch from the ends of the rail.
10. Predrill and install foot blocks. Space out foot blocks evenly. The spacing will depend on the final length of the railing.
11. Attach bottom rail on bottom post brackets.
12. Install baluster plugs and balusters.
13. On both ends of galvanized insert, add galvanized adaptors.
14. Slide galvanized insert into the top rail.
15. Attach the top rail to the top of top post brackets.
16. Install top rail. Predrill and install with screws.
17. Install post caps and gaskets.
18. Adjust foot blocks to the proper height if needed.
19. Install post cap using screws.

For more detailed information on installing our deck railing products, please refer to our installation guide.