Setting up the Posts

• 1). Install 2-by-8 blocking under the location of each post following the specifications in the railing installation manual available on the Trex website.
  
  
• 2). Use the leveling plate to mark the location of holes for the posts. Drill these holes with a 3/8-inch drill bit.
  
  
• 3). Install the included leveling bolts into the base of the post. Set the post on the leveling plate and adjust the bolts until the post is level.
  
  
• 4). Insert the supplied mounting bolts through the base of the post, the deck and the mounting plate on the underside of the deck. Hold the mounting plate in position while you tighten the bolts with a socket wrench to hold the post firmly to the deck.
  
  
• 5). Install the guide blocks on the base of the post and secure them with the supplied self-tapping screws.
  
  

Installing a Traditional Rail

• 1). Cut top and bottom lateral rails from 2-by-4 material so that they fit between posts. Attach them to the posts using L-brackets and composite-approved 2 1/2-inch screws. The edges of the top lateral rails should be flush with the tops of the posts and the the bottom edges of the bottom lateral rails should be no more than 4 inches above the decking.
  
  
• 2). Cut top rails from 2-by-6 lumber and center these over the top lateral rails, making sure that the tops rails join at the mid-points of posts. Screw them down with 2 1/2-inch screws.
  
  
• 3). Cut 2-by-2 balustrades that extend from the bottom edge of the bottom rail to the top rail. Screw these in to the top and bottom lateral rails at 6-inch intervals.