How to install trex enhance stair railing?
Summary
Installing Trex Enhance stair railing can present challenges, especially with baluster scratches and getting a clean finish. Some forum users have shared their experiences and tips for working with Trex railings, including advice on post lengths, cutting rails, and dealing with tight infill holes. It seems that achieving a professional look requires careful adjustments and sometimes deviating from the standard installation guides. Here's what our forum users are saying about installing Trex Enhance stair railings:
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Regarding the installation process, one user suggests:
- "You have to cut your stair rail using conventional carpentry methods as if you were making them out of wood." -- Calidecks, Contractortalk.com
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Another user ran into an issue with post sleeves, and shared a solution:
- "You can also build up the top of the post because the cap takes up 1-3/4" so you can fir the post up about 3/4" and it will still leave enough room to glue the cap. I've accidentally cut my posts sleeves too short before and this was our remedy." -- Calidecks, Contractortalk.com
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A user shared a trick they use to make the process easier:
- "Instead of starting the top infill all the way at the bottom and raising it the entire length of the balusters, I put all the balusters into the bottom infill and then put the top infill down as little as I have to. Then I use a squishy clamp (that's what I call them anyway. Example: Irwin Quick Grip) to hold the top infill as high as possible...So basically install the deck rails like the stair rails, but just don't let the infill drop to the bottom of the balusters." -- blueriderdesign, Contractortalk.com
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Another user highlights a problem with scratching:
- "I'm having a hell of a time with the square holes being very tight to the balusters causing scratches on the black balusters...It's only black balusters." -- andrew.whicker, Contractortalk.com
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Another user agrees with the scratching issue:
- "I've had the same experience with the black infill and white plastic scuffs. It is what it is. I think if you want to lose money on your job you could go through all the railing with some mild abrasive cleaner. (sucks)" -- Tom M, Contractortalk.com
Post Mentions
- I did find somewhat of a trick.. Instead of starting the top infill all the way at the bottom and raising it the entire length of the balusters, I put all the balusters into the bottom infill and then put the top infill down as little as I have to. Then I use a squishy clamp (that's what I call...
- I've had the same experience with the black infill and white plastic scuffs. It is what it is. I think if you want to lose money on your job you could go through all the railing with some mild abrasive cleaner. (sucks) I do like the look though
- You can also build up the top of the post because the cap takes up 1-3/4" so you can fir the post up about 3/4" and it will still leave enough room to glue the cap. I've accidentally cut my posts sleeves too short before and this was our remedy.
- You can't go by the template simply because its not designed for universal railing with a 2x4 cap the kind that you doing. You have to cut your stair rail using conventional carpentry methods as if you were making them out of wood. You should always buy the 108" posts sleeves for the stair...
- Basically, I learned to do what you are describing vs how the instructions show.
- I used the square black aluminum and they are not smooth or glossy they are matted and textured. If you do the cocktail rail style like I did, you have to pull the infill down far enough to drill up under. As careful as you can be you still scuff. This Mike's forte so I'm glad to hear we're...
- Hi, The customer wanted black square balusters and white rail. So I got everything white (including infill kit) except for the black composite balusters. I'm having a hell of a time with the square holes being very tight to the balusters causing scratches on the black balusters...
- That's been an issue for many years. I've complained at the Trex Summit to no avail. It's only black balusters. Mike. ___ [emoji631] [emoji631] [emoji631]
- These are colonial but I think your talking about universal railing
- I've seen their machines. And Trex doesn't manufacture the railing Anderson Windows does. Mike. ___ [emoji631] [emoji631] [emoji631]
Related Threads
- Hi, The customer wanted black square balusters and white rail. So I got everything white (including infill kit) except for the black composite balusters. I'm having a hell of a time with the square holes being very tight to the balusters causing scratches on the black balusters...
- I'm working on a deck that is using Trex Transcend railings with round ballusters. It's done in what they call the Colonial style where your top and bottom rail are identical but you screw a composite 2x4 on the top. Horizontal rails went okay. Got easier after I figured out a few things that...
