Imperial Aluminum Railings

STEP 1 — Position posts at the appropriate locations. Set post base 1-1/2" (3.8 cm) from the outside edge of the deck or steps; 1/2" from the outside edge when adjacent to a wall. A plastic moisture gasket is required between each post base and the deck surface.

STEP 2 — Fix the spindle fittings to the post with 4× #8-18 × 1-1/4" TEK screws (2 per side). Lower the fittings if the surface is not level — the fitting position determines the rail height.

STEP 3 — For stairways: use a stair post at the base and a mounting post at the top. Mark and confirm the spindle fitting height on each stair post before driving screws, accounting for the stair angle.

STEP 4 — Join the railing sections to the fitting system, holding the rail firmly against the post face on both sides.

STEP 5 — Fasten the top and bottom railing to each spindle fitting with 4× #8-18 × 1/2" TEK screws (1 screw per side). For 42" or higher railings, also secure each spindle to the rails with #8-18 × 1/2" TEK screws on the outside surface.

STEP 6 — Insert snap-in spindles from the center of the span outward. Use 3-7/8" (9.8 cm) spacers to maintain code-compliant baluster spacing. Cut the last spacers to fit with a hacksaw.

STEP 7 — Once all sections are aligned and adjusted, fasten each post to the deck surface using appropriate mounting anchors for your substrate (wood, concrete, or fascia — anchors not included).

STEP 8 — Snap the rivet-covers into place and seat them flush with a rubber mallet. Install base cover caps to all posts to complete the installation.