TAMKO TAM-RAIL - Manual (Page 2)

Stair Rail
Installation Instructions
ACTUAL STAIR RAIL LENGTHS
Nominal Rail Length
6ʼ 8ʼ
Spaced for Colonial Balusters (Actual Rail Length) 78” 102”
Spaced for Square Balusters (Actual Rail Length) 78” 102”
Stair Rail Kit Components
• 6ʼ or 8ʼ TAM-RAIL Top Rail
• 6ʼ or 8ʼ TAM-RAIL Bottom Rail
• Balusters – Square or Colonial
• 6ʼ Square (11 ea.) or Colonial (11 ea.)
• 8ʼ Square (15 ea.) or Colonial (15 ea.)
• Brackets – Top Rail (2 ea.) Bottom Rail (2 ea.)
• 20 Coated Screws
• (17 ea.) 2 1/2” Stainless Steel Screws
• (3 ea.) 1 1/4” Stainless Steel Locking Screws
• 1 #3 Square Drive Bit
• Crush Block – 6ʼ Section (0) 8ʼ Section (1 ea.)
level
drill miter saw
hack saw
tape measure
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
1. Install and prepare all mounting surfaces and posts to which your new TAM-RAIL Stair Rail Kit will be installed.
We suggest using our innovative post mounting system or covering the wooden posts with our matching 3-layered
post sleeve.
2. Measure the inside opening between the posts or other mounting surfaces. NOTE: Confi rm the opening is
not wider than the length of the stair rails provided in the TAM-RAIL Stair Kit. (FIG. 1)
3. Lay the bottom rail beside the posts or other mounting surfaces with the baluster holes facing upward. For 8-
foot sections, verify the crush block is securely set onto stair tread. The rail should extend past the mounting sur-
face at the top and bottom of the stairs. Be sure to place the fi rst baluster hole on each end of the rail the same
distance from the mounting surface. NOTE: If the baluster holes fall inside or directly beside a mounting
surface, slide the rail approximately 2” in either direction to align baluster holes evenly between mounting
surfaces. When you have positioned your rail properly, mark and cut to length and angle. (Fig. 2)
4. Lay top rail beside bottom rail, making sure the baluster holes are aligned, cut to length and angle. (FIG. 2)
(Skip Step 5 if you are installing a 6-Foot Stair Section)
5. Locate the crush block (1 1/2” x 1 1/2” square profi le used to support the railing section) in your TAM-RAIL Stair
Rail Kit. The formula for crush block length is: Desired clearance from bottom rail to deck + 3 1/4” = length of
crush block. NOTE: Check for clearance between post ring and bottom bracket before cutting post sleeve
to length. Once the block is trimmed to appropriate length, insert into precut hole on the underside of bottom rail.
Be sure to check with your local building code offi cials for any height requirements.
6. Slide reversible, sloped mounting brackets on bottom rail. The sloped brackets are made to fi t any angle
between 30° and 32°. NOTE: Depending on your application, there may be marginal spacing in the bracket
to rail fi t. (FIG. 3)
7. Place bottom rail between posts or mounting surfaces making sure the crush block (used in 8ʼ section) is
fully nested in bottom rail and the bottom rail is at the desired angle. Once the bottom rail height is determined,
mount brackets on the post or mounting surface and attach with provided 2 1/2” screws. NOTE: When installing
screws, pre-drill holes using a 1/8” drill bit. NOTE: If installing TAM-RAIL Railing into a masonry wall,
masonry screws must be used in place of screws provided in kit. (FIG. 3)
8. Insert balusters into pre-routed holes in bottom rail. Balusters are available for 36” and 42” rail height kits
based on the traditional two-inch clearance from the bottom rail to the mounting surface. Note: Colonial and
Square balusters are available for 36” rail height kits; only Square balusters are available for 42” rail
height kits. Be sure to check with your local code offi cials for any height requirements. (FIG.4)
9. Slide mounting brackets onto top rail. Place top rail on balusters inserting balusters one at a time while hold-
ing at an upward angle. Make sure balusters are completely nested in top rail. NOTE: TAM-RAIL top stair rail
brackets are not reversible. There is an Upper Sloped Bracket and a Lower Sloped Bracket. The Bottom
Rail Flat Sloped Bracket is reversible.
10. Center top rail over bottom rail and mount brackets onto post or mounting surface. Also make sure balusters
are aligned at the desired angle. Attach brackets with provided 2 1/2” screws. (FIG. 5)
11. Place a 1 1/4” (provided) locking screw through the upper sloped top stair rail bracket into the top rail. Repeat
for bottom stair rail. NOTE: Only one side (top stair rail and bottom stair rail) needs to be secured. There
are extra (1 ea.) 1 1/4” and (1 ea.) 2 1/2” stainless screws provided.
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Tools Required For Installation - Tape measure, miter saw or hack saw, #3 square
drive bit, power drill, and level. For larger construction projects, miter saw and drill are
strongly recommended for quicker installation.
RAILING SYSTEMS
TAM-RAIL ®
For assistance, information regarding, or to receive a
copy of TAMKO’s Limited Warranty, contact us at
1-800-641-4691 or visit us online at tamko.com.
It is the responsibility of the installer to meet all building code and safety requirements and to obtain all
required building permits. These instructions are only a guide and may not address every circumstance.
TAMKO Building Products Inc. shall not be held liable for improper or unsafe installations. These
application instructions were current at the time of printing. To obtain a copy of the most current version of
the application instructions, visit us online at tamrail.com or call us at 1-800-641-4691.