Installation Guide
How to install your railing
Our aluminum picket railing is built for straightforward, homeowner-friendly installation. Here's how a typical run goes together, plus answers to the questions we hear most.
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1
Plan your layout
Measure each straight run of your deck edge and note where corners, gates, or stairs break it up. Flat runs need a post at least every 6 ft, so long runs get a middle post partway along. Not sure what you need? Our Build & Price tool will generate a full parts list from your measurements.
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2
Set your posts first
Posts are the foundation of the system — bolt them down before anything else goes on. Use a corner post at direction changes, an end post at open ends, and two gate posts wherever a gate breaks the run. Check every post for plumb before final tightening.
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3
Attach panels & pickets
Aluminum picket panels drop into the brackets on each post and lock in with the included fasteners. Panels come in 4', 6', and 8' lengths and can span over a middle post using a bracket, so you don't need a panel break at every post.
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4
Add stairs, if you have them
Stair railing follows the same post rule along the slope — posts every 8 ft max, with about one foot of rail per riser. Most stairs get railing on both sides, and the top of each stair post ties into the neighboring run's end post.
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5
Finish up
Install gate hardware and hinges, confirm every post and panel is level and secure, and give all fasteners a final tighten. That's a complete, code-compliant railing system built for Canadian winters.
Common questions
Do I need a permit or engineering approval?
Requirements vary by municipality — most jurisdictions require code-compliant railing on decks over a certain height. Our systems are built to meet the National Building Code of Canada; check with your local building department for permit requirements in your area.
What tools do I need to install it myself?
A drill/driver, a level, a tape measure, a socket set, and a hacksaw or chop saw if you need to trim a panel to a custom width. Most homeowners can complete a standard run in a weekend.
How far apart do posts need to be?
On a flat run, no more than 6 ft apart. Corners get one corner post, open ends get one end post, and gates get two gate posts. Stairs follow an 8 ft max spacing along the slope.
Can I add a gate partway through a run?
Yes — a gate breaks the run into two segments, each finishing at a gate post with a hinge set. You can place a gate anywhere in your layout, including mid-run.
Does stair railing need to go on both sides?
Most staircases do, and that's our default recommendation — but a single-sided option is available if only one side of your stairs needs railing.
I'm not sure exactly what parts I need — can you help?
That's exactly what our Build & Price tool is for. Describe your deck run by run and it will put together an estimated parts list and price for you.
Not sure exactly what parts your project needs?
Try the Build & Price Tool