AZEK TimberTech DRINK RAIL User manual

TimberTech.com
INSTALLATION GUIDE
FOR CLASSIC COMPOSITE
SERIES RAILING
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL ON LEVEL PANELS...............4
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL ON STAIR PANELS................ 8
DRINK RAIL

Page 2
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL
FOR CLASSIC COMPOSITE SERIES RAILING
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Please read all instructions completely before starting any part of the installation. Always make sure to visit www.TimberTech.com to ensure you are
viewing the most current installation instructions, care and cleaning, technical information and more.
• TimberTech Railing should be installed using the same good building principles used to install wood or composite railing and in accordance with the
local building codes and the installation guidelines included below.
• The The AZEK Company accepts no liability or responsibility for the improper installation of this product.
• TimberTech Railing may not be suitable for every application and it is the sole responsibility of the installer to be sure that the Railing is fit for the intended
use. Since all installations are unique, it is also the installer’s responsibility to determine specific requirements in regards to each Rail application.
• The The AZEK Company recommends that all applications be reviewed by a licensed architect, engineer or local building ocial before installation.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call AZEK Customer Service at 877-ASK-AZEK (877-275-2935), or visit our website at
www.TimberTech.com.
• TimberTech Railing is tested as a whole system and should be used that way. It is not intended to be used in conjunction with other railing systems or
fasteners.
• The following Installation Guidelines are applicable only for installation of TimberTech Classic Composite Series Railing.
• IMPORTANT: Make sure the DRIVE TOOL/DRILL is configured or set to use the SCREW setting when driving and/or tightening all FASTENERS.
It is very Important not to overdrive fasteners. The use of Impact type drill drivers can increase the risk of overdriving fasteners.
• SAFETY: Always wear goggles when handling, cutting, drilling and fastening materials.
• Failure to install this product in accordance with applicable building codes and TimberTech’s written Rail Install Guide may lead to personal injury,
aect rail system performance and void the product warranty.
• The buildup or generation of static electricity is a naturally occurring phenomenon in many plastic based products such as carpeting, upholstery, and
clothing, and can occur on alternative decking under certain environmental conditions. This static electricity can discharge once contact is made with
hardware, railing, or other conductors of electricity.
NOTE: IF INSTALLING POST LIGHTING, WIRING
MUST BE INSTALLED PRIOR TO SECURING
POSTS TO DECK/STAIR SURFACE AND
INSTALLING TOP RAILS.
It is the responsibility of the installer to meet all local
code requirements and obtain all required building
permits. The installer should determine and implement
appropriate installation techniques for each installation
situation. The AZEK Company or its reseller shall not be
held responsible for improper or unsafe installations.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
• Prior to construction, check with your local regulatory agency
for special code requirements in your area.
• Common railing height is 36" or 42".
• TimberTech Railing 10', 8' and 6' Rails are designed not to
exceed 10', 8' and 6' from center of post to center of post,
respectively.
• For all other applications, consult a design professional or a
TimberTech Railing representative for more information. For
stair applications maximum rail length must not exceed 91".
• 4x4 lumber posts must be installed plumb and level with each
other. This is specifically critical for Over-the-Post applications.
• Cut slowly, using a fine tooth saw blade to avoid chipping.
• Read instructions completely to get an understanding of how
the product goes together and how each piece aects the other.
• For Over-the-Post applications, a wood post must be used
inside our Post Sleeve. The use of Secure Mount Post is not an
option for Over-the-Post applications.
• Compatible with all Classic Composite Series Railing Infills
EXCEPT GLASS INFILL
UNIVERSAL RAIL DIMENSIONS
2.5"
1.882"

Page 3
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL
FOR CLASSIC COMPOSITE SERIES RAILING
Drink Rail (deck board)
Post Cap
Post Sleeve
Balusters
Post Skirt
Universal Rail
(purchased separately)
Universal Rail
(placed on Support Rail)
Foot Block
Support Block
Mounting Brackets
Support Rail
#8 2" Stainless Steel
Pan Head Screws
(included with Universal Rail)
Visit www.timbertech.com/installation to view installation
videos.
Consult your local building codes for guard and handrail
requirements.
TOOLS REQUIRED:
• Miter Saw
• Tape Measure
• Cordless Drill
• T20 Drive Bit /
Phillips Bit
• 7/64" Drill Bit
• 3/16" Drill Bit
• ¼" Drill Bit
• Caulk Gun
COMPONENTS NEEDED FOR INSTALLING ONE
SECTION OF DRINK RAIL FOR COMPOSITE
COMPONENT INCLUDES
Universal Rail
1 - Universal Rail
(5) #8 x 2" screws for 6' rail,
(7) screws for 8' rail, and
(8) screws for 10' rail
Drink Rail 1 - Drink Rail (deck board) not included
- must be purchased separately
IMPORTANT NOTES:
TimberTech Universal Rails are available in 10', 8' and 6'
lengths.
For Deck boards, visit:
https://www.timbertech.com/products/decking
The Drink Rail system works with all full profile, square-
shoulder deck boards, but NOT with scalloped boards (i.e.
Terrain, Prime, Prime+ or ReliaBoard).
IMPORTANT NOTES:
It is not recommended to use narrow width (3.5") deck
boards in Over-the-Post applications.
Do not use wide width (7.5") deck boards in Between-the-
Post applications.
FULL PROFILE SCALLOPED
DECK BOARDS
NO
YES

Page 4
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL – LEVEL PANELS
FOR CLASSIC COMPOSITE SERIES RAILING
These instructions cover installation of the Drink Rail (Deck
board Top Rail) on Classic Composite Series Level Panels.
These instructions DO NOT cover the entire level rail assembly process. Please follow
steps 1-7 on pages 3-5 in TimberTech Composite Series Railing Install Guide to build
level rail assembly prior to installing Drink Rail.
The full TimberTech Classic Composite Series Railing Install Guide can be found at
www.TimberTech.com
FOR BEST RESULTS WITH OVERTHEPOST APPLICATIONS :
As is the case when using wood, Over-the-Post applications using TimberTech deck boards in which
boards are mitered in the corners or that use butt joints mid-span are susceptible to those joints
opening up or separating over time with changes in temperature. While it may be impossible to
completely eliminate joints from separating, there are steps you can take to minimize the separation of
the joints. We recommend the following:
A. It is critical that all Posts are in line on the top. In some cases, due to deck service undulation, the
length of posts will vary in order to achieve a level sight line with your top drink rail.
B. Avoid using butt joints whenever possible. Utilization of butt joints may result in gapping of boards.
C. Follow all fastener recommendations clearly and make sure that any fasteners driven down through
the deck boards and into posts make solid contact with the wood post. Do not use metal or other
surface-mounted posts which are not made of wood.
D. Before installing deck boards as drink rails, take all possible measures to keep the temperature
of the boards as low as possible. The cooler the board at installation, the less apt joints will be to
separate or gap. For best results and to minimize gapping, do not store or install deck boards in
direct sunlight.
E. Install all joints tight. Unlike boards used in decking applications in which some spacing between
boards may be recommended, there should be NO gap between the ends of TimberTech deck
boards when installed as a drink rail.
F. Not recommended to use narrow width (3.5") deck boards in Over-the-Post applications.
Be sure to cut Post Sleeves such
that finished rail height is at least 36"
high for a 36" rail application and 42"
high for a 42" application. For a 36"
application, Post Sleeves typically
should not be cut less than 35.25". For
a 42" application post sleeves typically
should not be cut less than 41.25".
For all rail installations, post and post
covers must be plumb and aligned
with one another.
For Over-the-Post applications,
it is also critical that Posts be of a
consistent height (e.g. the tops of all
post sleeves are level and on plane
with each other).
TIP: To ensure that the tops of all
post sleeves are level, you may use a
traditional 8 ft. level or a string line
to establish a common level across
all post sleeves and cut at that level.
Alternatively, you may use a laser
level to “shoot” a level mark on each
post sleeve and then cut at that mark.
For a proper finished look on Over-
The-Post Drink Rail applications,
make sure Universal Rail is even with
the top of the post sleeves. Prior
to installing rail assembly to Post,
ensure that rail assembly is positioned
(height wise) to eliminate any gaps
between Deck board and Universal
Rail (positioned on top).
TIP: It may be helpful to make a jig
using a baluster, top and bottom
support rail, and a Universal Rail on
top and bottom. This will help set
the top Universal Rail at the proper
height (i.e. even with the height of
the post sleeve) ensuring a flush fit
for the deck board (Dia. A).
Universal Rail
Support Rail
Universal Rail
Support Rail
Over-the-Post Applications:
Center and align top of Deck
Board with top of Post Sleeve.
Between-the-Post Applications:
Center and measure top of Deck
Board a consistent distance from
top of Post Sleeve.
Level Panels: Mark bottom
of Support Rail for consistent
placement of Support Block.
Stair Panels: Mark for consistent
placement of Mounting Bracket.
Mark top and side of Universal Rail
template for later alignment of actual
rail section.
Drink Rail (deck board)
Post Cap
Post Sleeve
Balusters
Dia. A
IMPORTANT NOTES:
This Installation Guide applies to
the use of this product in a Drink
Rail application. If you are using it
as a bottom rail as part of a standard
TimberTech railing installation, please
refer to the full TimberTech Classic
Composite Rail Installation Guide
found at www.TimberTech.com.

Page 5
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL – LEVEL PANELS
FOR CLASSIC COMPOSITE SERIES RAILING
PREPARE UPPER SUPPORT RAIL
Measure, mark and drill 3/16" diameter holes down through the upper support rail at
15" on-center or less intervals (Dia. #1). There must be a hole drilled between the first
and second baluster at each end of the rail. These holes will be used to run anchoring
screws into the bottom of the deck board.
1
3/16" Holes
(spaced 15" on-center or less)
Baluster Screws
Dia. #1
2CUT UNIVERSAL RAIL AND DECK BOARD
Measure, mark and cut the 2nd Universal Rail (purchased separately) and deck board
to length (Dia. #2A). For Over-the-Post applications, cut deck boards so that any
seams fall at the center of a post (boards up to 16'). Miter the planks at corner posts.
For Between-the-Post applications if the deck board is wider than posts, if desired,
trim deck board corners for a clean finish (Dia. #2B). If using 3 ½" wide boards, there is
no need to trim corners for composite post applications. Place the Universal Rail over
the top support rail between the post sleeves.
• For Over-the-Post applications, proceed to Step 3.
• For Between-the-Post applications, skip to Step 4.
Drink Rail (deck board)
Between-the-Posts Application –
measure between posts.
Drink Rail (deck board)
Over-the-Posts Application –
measure to posts on center
(boards up to 16').
Universal Rail –
measure between posts
Trim deck board corners
for a clean finish.
Dia. #2A
Dia. #2B

Page 6
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL – LEVEL PANELS
FOR CLASSIC COMPOSITE SERIES RAILING
FASTEN DECK BOARD TO POSTS
3
5.5" and 7.5" Wide Deck Rail
Screw Placement
¾"
minimum
1¼"
1¼"
center
Dia. #3A
Dia. #3B
IMPORTANT NOTES:
PRIOR TO INSTALLING DECK BOARDS:
It is very important to have the Universal Rail (positioned
on top) even with the top of the post sleeves to keep from
seeing gaps under the Drink Rail.
The tops of all 4x4" posts must be within ¼" of the tops of
post covers for proper fastening of deck boards.
It is recommended to drill a slight countersink into the
surface of the support rail so that the head of the screw
sits just flush to slightly above the surface. Do not over
countersink. Without countersinking, the
Universal Rail
may not sit flat against the support rail.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
• Pre-drilling with a 3/16" drill bit is always required when
installing Cortex or applicable TOPLOC in TimberTech
PRO and EDGE decking.
• The Cortex Setting Tool must be used to set the Cortex
screw to the proper depth.
• The Cortex fastener must be driven perpendicular to the
deck surface for proper fit and ideal finished look.
• The cored hole must be free of debris or moisture. Use a
smooth hammer head to set the Cortex plug.
• The interaction between the deck board, screw, and plug
is essential.
For Over-the-Post Applications, fasten deck board to posts
with (3) 2 ½" SS Cortex or applicable TOPLOC screws (not
included) on either side of a butt joint. For butt joints, install
(3) screws on either side of butt joint into post. Fasten no
closer than 3/4" from the outside edge and ends of each
plank (Dia. #3A, 3B). Make sure that boards are tight
together at butt joints and no gap is left. For proper screw
placement, measure 1 ¼" from center of board to ensure
ensure full contact with wood post (Dia. #3B).
TIP: Pre-drilling significantly reduces spinouts in end grain.
Pre-drill through deck plank only, not into structural post.
It is also suggested to drill only half way through the plank.
Pre-drilling requirements vary distinctly by collection. See the
TimberTech Classic Composite Series Railing Install Guide
for details.

Page 7
ATTACH POST CAPS BETWEENTHEPOST APPLICATIONS
Attach Post caps using exterior grade caulk/adhesive applied to the inside corners
of the post caps (Dia. #5).
5
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL – LEVEL PANELS
FOR CLASSIC COMPOSITE SERIES RAILING
4
Drink Rail (deck board)
Between-the-Posts Application
Universal Rail
(purchased separately)
#8 2" Stainless Steel
Pan Head Screws
(included with Universal Rail)
Drink Rail (deck board)
Over-the-Posts Application
Universal Rail
(purchased separately)
#8 2" Stainless Steel
Pan Head Screws
(included with Universal Rail)
Dia. #4A
Dia. #4B
Post Caps
Attached with exterior
grade caulk
Dia. #5
FASTEN DECK BOARD TO UNIVERSAL RAIL
Place the Deck Board on top and centered over the Universal Rail. For both Between-the-Post
(Dia #4A) and Over-the-Post and Applications (Dia #4B), secure Deck Board and Universal Rail
to Upper Support Rail using the 3/16" holes that were drilled in Step 1, use #8 2" Stainless Steel
Pan Head Screws (included with Universal Rail).
IMPORTANT NOTE:
When installing cWPC decking (TimberTech PRO or TimberTech Edge), anchoring holes must
be pre-drilled thru the rail assembly and into the deck board. Using the 3/16" holes that were
drilled at 15" intervals as guides, drill a 1/8" diameter ¾" into the bottom of the deck board. Care
must
be taken not to drill through the top of the deck plank.

Page 8
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL – STAIR PANELS
FOR CLASSIC COMPOSITE SERIES RAILING
Drink Rail (deck board)
Post Cap
Post Sleeve
Balusters
Universal Rail
(purchased separately)
Universal Rail
(placed on Support Rail)
Support Rail
#8 3" Stainless Steel
Pan Head Screws
(included with Universal Rail)
Foot Block
Mounting Brackets
IMPORTANT NOTE:
For all rail installations, post and post covers
must be plumb and aligned with one another.
For a proper finished look on Over-The-Post
Drink Rail applications, make sure Universal
Rail is even with the top of the post sleeves
and that post sleeves are a consistent height.
Prior to installing rail assembly to Post, ensure
that rail assembly is positioned (height wise) to
eliminate any gaps between Deck board and
Universal Rail (positioned on top).
TIP: It may be helpful to make a jig using a
baluster, top and bottom support rail, and a
Universal Rail on top and bottom. This will help
set the top Universal Rail at the proper height
(i.e. even with the height of the post sleeve)
ensuring a flush fit for the deck board (Dia. A).
Universal Rail
Support Rail
Universal Rail
Support Rail
Over-the-Post Applications:
Center and align top of Deck
Board with top of Post Sleeve.
Between-the-Post Applications:
Center and measure top of Deck
Board a consistent distance from
top of Post Sleeve.
Level Panels: Mark bottom
of Support Rail for consistent
placement of Support Block.
Stair Panels: Mark for consistent
placement of Mounting Bracket.
Mark top and side of Universal Rail
template for later alignment of actual
rail section.
Drink Rail (deck board)
Post Cap
Post Sleeve
Balusters
Dia. A
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Make sure to drive screws parallel
to balusters.
These instructions cover installation of the Drink Rail (Deck
board Top Rail) on Classic Composite Series Stair Panels.
These instructions DO NOT cover the entire level rail assembly process. Please follow
steps 1-7 on pages 3-5 in TimberTech Composite Series Railing Install Guide to build
level rail assembly prior to installing Drink Rail.
The full TimberTech Classic Composite Series Railing Install Guide can be found at
www.TimberTech.com
This Installation Guide applies to
the use of this product in a Drink
Rail application. If you are using it
as a bottom rail as part of a standard
TimberTech railing installation, please
refer to the full TimberTech Classic
Composite Rail Installation Guide
found at www.TimberTech.com.

Page 9
Universal
Rail
Upper
Support
Rail
Pre-drill
3/16"
Scrap piece of
wood cut to
stair angle
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL – STAIR PANELS
FOR CLASSIC COMPOSITE SERIES RAILING
PREPARE UPPER SUPPORT RAIL
Measure, mark and drill 3/16" diameter holes down through the upper support rail
at 15" on-center intervals (Dia. #1A). There must be a hole drilled between the first
and second baluster at each end of the rail. These holes will be used to run anchoring
screws into the bottom of the deck board. Holes should be drilled to match the angle
of the stairs. A scrap piece of wood cut to stair angle may help. (Dia. #1B).
1
3/16" Holes
(spaced 15" on-center or less)
Baluster Screws
Dia. #1A Dia. #1B
2CUT UNIVERSAL RAIL
AND DECK BOARD
Measure, mark and cut the 2nd
Universal Rail (purchased separately)
and deck board to length (Dia. #2A).
Both ends need to be cut to match the
angle of the Top Support Rail.
For Between-the-Post applications,
trim both ends of deck board for a clean
finish (Dia. #2B). Place the Universal
Rail over the top support rail between
the post sleeves.
• For Over-the-Post applications,
proceed to Step 3.
• For Between-the-Post applications,
skip to Step 4.
Drink Rail (deck board)
Between-the-Posts Application –
measure between posts.
Drink Rail (deck board)
Over-the-Posts Application –
butt up to top post, and hang over
bottom post approximately 1½".
Universal Rail –
measure between posts
1½"
For Over-the-Post applications,
cut post sleeve at same angle
and height as universal rail.
Trim deck board corners
for a clean finish.
Dia. #2BDia. #2A

Page 10
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL – STAIR PANELS
FOR CLASSIC COMPOSITE SERIES RAILING
FASTEN DECK BOARD TO POSTS OVERTHEPOST APPLICATIONS
TIP: For stairs, it is suggested to install the Drink
Rail butted to the top post and over the bottom post.
This is based on the ability to anchor the Drink Rail
securely at the top and bottom. (Dia. #4B)
3
5.5" and 7.5" Wide Deck Rail
Screw Placement
¾"
minimum
1¼"
1¼"
center
1" 1"
center
Attaching Deck Rail
to Top Stair Post
Attaching Deck Rail
to Top Stair Post
Dia. #3A
Dia. #3B
Dia. #3DDia. #3C
IMPORTANT NOTE:
When attaching the deck board to the top stair post,
it is recommended to predrill thru the deck board
1" from center on both sides and thru the post sleeve
(Dia. #3C & 3D). The top deck board is screwed into
the side of the top post. Only two screws are needed.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
PRIOR TO INSTALLING DECK BOARDS:
As with the level panel sections, it is very important
to have the Universal Rail (positioned on top) even
with the top of the post sleeves to keep from seeing
gaps under the Drink Rail.
It is recommended to drill a slight countersink into
the surface of the support rail so that the head of the
screw sits just flush to slightly above the surface. Do
not over countersink. Without countersinking, the
Universal Rail may not sit flat against the support rail.
Make sure to drive screws parallel to balusters.
For butt joints, install (3) screws on either side of butt
joint into post.
For Over-the-Post Applications, fasten deck board to
posts with (3) 2 ½" SS Cortex screws (not included) on
either side of a butt joint. For composite deck boards,
fasten no closer than 3/4" from the outside edge and
ends of each plank (Dia. #3A & 3B). For PVC boards,
fasten within 1/2" from outside edge and ends of each
plank. For screw placement, measure 1 1/4" from center
of board to ensure ensure full contact with wood post.
(Dia. #3A & 3B). Make sure that boards are tight
together at butt joints and no gap is left.
TIP: Pre-drilling significantly reduces spinouts in
end grain. Pre-drill through deck plank only, not into
structural post. It is also suggested to drill only half
way through the plank. Pre-drilling requirements vary
distinctly by collection. See the TimberTech Classic
Composite Series Railing Install Guide for details.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
• Pre-drilling with a 3/16" drill bit is always required
when installing Cortex in TimberTech PRO and
EDGE decking.
• The Cortex Setting Tool must be used to set the
Cortex screw to the proper depth.
• The Cortex fastener must be driven perpendicular to
the deck surface for proper fit and ideal finished look.
• The cored hole must be free of debris or moisture.
Use a smooth hammer head to set the Cortex plug.
• The interaction between the deck board, screw, and
plug is essential. Use of non-Cortex Screws or non-
Cortex plugs will nullify the warranty.

Page 11
INSTALLING DRINK RAIL – STAIR PANELS
FOR CLASSIC COMPOSITE SERIES RAILING
4FASTEN DECK BOARD TO UNIVERSAL RAIL
Place the Deck Board on top and centered over the Universal Rail. For both Between-the-Post
(Dia #4A) and Over-the-Post and Applications (Dia #4B), secure Deck Board and Universal Rail
to Upper Support Rail using the 3/16" holes that were drilled in Step 1, use #8 3" Stainless Steel
Pan Head Screws (included with Universal Rail), taking care to drive them in parallel to balusters.
Drink Rail (deck board)
Between-the-Posts Application
Universal Rail
(purchased separately)
#8 3" Stainless Steel
Pan Head Screws
(included with Universal Rail)
Drink Rail (deck board)
Over-the-Posts Application
Universal Rail
(purchased separately)
#8 3" Stainless Steel
Pan Head Screws
(included with Universal Rail)
Dia. #4A
Dia. #4B
Dia. #4C
IMPORTANT NOTE:
When installing cWPC decking
(TimberTech PRO and EDGE),
anchoring holes must be pre-
drilled thru the rail assembly
and into the deck board. Using
the 3/16" holes that were
drilled at 15" intervals as guides,
drill a 1/8" diameter holes ¾"
into the bottom of the deck
board. Care must be taken not
to drill through the top of the
deck plank. (Dia. #4C)
ATTACH POST CAPS
BETWEENTHEPOST APPLICATIONS
Attach Post caps using exterior grade caulk/
adhesive applied to the inside corners of the post
caps (Dia. #5).
5
Post Caps
Attached with exterior
grade caulk
Dia. #5
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The diagrams and instructions in this brochure are for illustration purposes only and are not meant to replace a licensed professional. Any construction
or use of the product must be in accordance with all local zoning and/or building codes. The consumer assumes all risks and liability associated with
the construction or use of this product. The consumer or contractor should take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the
project, including, but not limited to, wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Except as contained in the written limited warranty, The AZEK
Company does not provide any other warranty, either express or implied, and shall not be liable for any damages, including consequential damages.
Drill ¾" into,
but not through
deck board.

AZEK Building Products
1330 W Fulton Market, Suite #350
Chicago, IL 60607
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