How to Install Trex Enhance™ Steel Railing

Before installing your panels, double-check that they align with your posts' clear span. If you have purchased blank railing posts, you will need to add the necessary brackets before starting panel installation.

Step 1

Start by placing your panel between two posts to check that your end balusters are an equal distance from your posts. Mark your panel with a pencil where it lines up with your post. Make sure to leave a minimum of 1.5" on each side of your panel from post to balusters so your brackets can be properly attached later.

Step 2

Use a circular saw with a metal blade to cut both the top and bottom of each end of your railing panel 1/4" shorter than where you marked previously. This will allow for a proper fit of your panel into the post brackets.

Step 3

Place your cut panel into the bottom and top brackets on your post. Then attach using the provided #12 x 3/4" self-drilling screw.

Step 4

After the brackets are attached, spread and snap the bracket covers into place on both top and bottom rails. Then attach post skirts and caps.

Before you begin your stair panel installation, make sure your posts are installed at the right heights directly above the required blocking. Use a 53" stair post to accommodate stair height, then cut posts to length after your final railing height is established.

Step 1

Begin by placing a 1" deck board on the stair treads between your posts to act as a spacer board. Then, place your stair panel on top of this board.

Stair panels come perpendicular and will need to be racked to get the right post angle. Move your panel to the right angle by pushing the panel on top of your spacer board until the balusters are parallel to your posts.

Once aligned, check that your balusters are straight and equally spaced, then clamp your panel to your post.

Step 2

Once you've clamped your panel down, you can start attaching your swivel brackets. Line up your brackets with the top and bottom railing of your panel. To ensure your alignment is correct, mark a light line at the top of each swivel base with a pencil.

Center your brackets on each post below your marked lines and attach using two provided #12 x 3/4" self-drilling screws. You may need a 90-degree angle drill adapter to install brackets on lower posts. In this case, it's better to mount your base plate first and then attach the bracket itself after.

Step 3

After you've installed your brackets, mark the top and bottom rails where they align with the rear wall of their corresponding brackets. Then, unclamp your railing and remove it for cutting. If necessary, you can unrack your panel and return it to a perpendicular position for cutting.

Step 4

Before cutting, extend the marks you made in step three to the sides of your railing. Using a circular saw with a metal blade, cut the ends of your rails 1/16" shorter than your mark on both sides to ensure a proper fit in your swivel brackets.

Step 5

After your panel has been cut to size, attach it to your brackets using one of your provided #12 x 3/4" self-drilling screws on one side of each stair bracket. Drill screws on the side you prefer, or that is easiest to access.

Step 6

After brackets are screwed in, spread and snap the corresponding bracket covers into place on both top and bottom rails. Then attach post skirts and caps.