Deckorators Common Questions (FAQ)

• Classic — round aluminum balusters that provide a sleek, contemporary feel.
• Estate — square aluminum balusters that provide a modern look.
• Architectural — aluminum balusters that feature curves to provide the beautiful appearance of hand-forged wrought iron; includes Arc and Baroque styles.
• Traditional — aluminum facemount balusters that provide a classic, geometric style.
• Scenic — glass balusters that provide a clear, unobstructed view.

Deckorators Classic, Estate, Architectural, and Traditional balusters are made of a durable, powder-coated aluminum. Deckorators Scenic balusters are made of tempered safety glass.

• Classic: ³⁄₄” diameter — available in 26”, 29”, 32” 36”, and 40” lengths
• Estate: ³⁄₄” diameter — available in 26”, 29”, 32”, and 40” lengths
• Architectural: 1” wide x ³⁄₁₆” thick — available in 32¹⁄₄” and 40” (Baroque style only) lengths
• Traditional: 1” wide x ¹⁄₂” thick — available in 32” and 40” lengths
• Scenic: 4” wide x ⁵⁄₁₆” thick — available in 26”, 29”, and 32” lengths

Classic

• 36” Final Rail Height: 26” balusters for horizontal applications, 29” balusters for stair applications
• 42” Final Rail Height: 32” balusters for horizontal applications, 36” balusters for stair applications

Estate

• 36” Final Rail Height: 26” balusters for horizontal applications, 29” balusters for stair applications
• 42” Final Rail Height: 32” balusters for horizontal applications, 36” balusters for stair applications

Architectural

• 36” Final Rail Height: 32-1/4” balusters
• 42” Final Rail Height: 40” balusters

Traditional

• 36” Final Rail Height: 32” balusters
• 42” Final Rail Height: 40” balusters

Scenic

• 36” Final Rail Height: 26” balusters
• 39” Final Rail Height: 29” balusters
• 42” Final Rail Height: 32” balusters

Typically, balusters should be installed no more than 4 inches apart to meet most building codes. Deckorators recommends 2.5 aluminum balusters per linear foot and 1.5 glass balusters per linear foot. As always, check your local building codes prior to installing balusters.

Deckorators recommends 2.5 aluminum balusters per linear foot and 1.5 glass balusters per linear foot. To calculate the number of balusters you’ll need for your deck, simply take 2.5 or 1.5 and multiply by your deck’s linear feet. For example, 2.5 aluminum balusters x 40 linear feet = 100 balusters.

Balusters (those that are not face-mount) require two connectors each—one for the top and one for the bottom. An easy way to figure out how many baluster connectors you will need is to double the number of balusters you need. For easy ordering, Classic Balusters and Estate Balusters are sold in 10-packs and 100-packs (depending on the length), and the connectors are sold in 20-packs and 200-packs — for every 10-pack of balusters, a 20-pack of connectors is needed. Example: if you need (4) packs of 10 balusters, then you will also need (4) packs of 20 connectors.

• Installation for Deckorators Classic and Estate aluminum balusters requires connectors (sold separately), as well as a drill driver, tape measure, clamps, rubber mallet, and support blocks (can be cut from scrap lumber).
• Installation for Deckorators Architectural and Traditional aluminum balusters requires basic installation tools such as a drill driver, tape measure, 2-pt square head drill bit, clamps, and support blocks (can be cut from scrap lumber).
• Installation for Deckorators Scenic glass balusters requires a drill driver, tape measure, clamps, 2-pt square head drill bit, and support blocks (can be cut from scrap lumber).

Note: Be sure to wear protective clothing and safety glasses when installing balusters.

The nice thing about Deckorators balusters is that they’re low maintenance and require no regular upkeep. When cleaning Deckorators aluminum or glass balusters is needed, simply use a mild household detergent mixed with water, then rinse with clean water.

Each Deckorators Scenic baluster has four pre-drilled holes. The pre-drilled holes are 1¹⁄₂” from the bottom of the baluster to the center of the pre-drilled hole, and a 1¹⁄₄” distance from the side of the baluster to the center of the hole.

Deckorators offers the ALX Contemporary Railing System which features a rectangular top rail profile and square balusters, and the ALX Contemporary Cable Railing System which features a rectangular top rail profile with cable railing infill.

Conventional tools for cutting, drilling, and nailing can be used with Deckorators railing. It's recommended to use a sharp, carbide-tipped saw blade for cutting. For your safety, remember to wear protective clothing and safety glasses.

Deckorators recommends using a new ⁵⁄₈” chrome-plated socket to protect the fitting from raw steel. Avoid installing with rusty tools, as they leave rust deposits on the surface of the fittings almost immediately. After installation, it is critical to clean the system completely with a stainless cleaner and a soft clean rag in order to clear the surface from carbon deposits.

Yes. Support blocks add strength to the railing system and provide support to prevent the railing from sagging. Spacing varies by railing system. If possible, support blocks should be installed so they are aligned beneath a baluster for maximum reinforcement.

Deckorators recommends checking and cleaning your ALX aluminum railing once per year in normal environments. In more hazardous environments or if heavy soiling occurs, more regular cleaning may be required. To clean, wash the railing with a solution of warm water and mild detergent, then rinse to remove all residues. The railing should be cleaned using a soft cloth or sponge. Test the cleaner in a small, inconspicuous area prior to applying it to the entire railing system to ensure that no color change or damage will occur.

Deckorators recommends using warm water and a mild soap for cleaning cable railing. Avoid harsh solutions or abrasive cleaning materials, including but not limited to: alkaline or acidic cleaners or solutions containing trisodium phosphate, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, fluorides, or similar compounds. Avoid using power-cleaning tools. Clean the fittings and cable after installation and every 6 months thereafter.

No. While Deckorators railing does provide superior surface integrity and strength, it is not suitable for structural applications.

While no formal testing has been done, we have not seen or heard of any ill effects from standard pool chemicals.

Yes, Deckorators has secondary handrail components for creating an ADA-compliant secondary handrail system. This attractive and highly versatile system is ideal for meeting building codes when required. Made of heavy gauge aluminum and durable PVC, the system includes five different radius elbows and several styles of returns to meet every possible installation. As always, check your local building code or ask your building inspector to make sure a secondary handrail is installed when required by law.

A graspable ADA-compliant secondary handrail is an important component to consider when planning a deck with stairs. So whether you're constructing a residential composite deck, lumber deck, or a deck made from another decking material, you're typically required to install a graspable secondary handrail on one side of the deck's stair railing when there are four or more stair risers present.

• Stairways having four or more risers, or rising more than 30" in height, whichever is less, must have at least one grab rail.
• Handrails with a circular cross-section shall have an outside diameter of at least 1¹⁄₄” but not greater than 2". If the handrail is not circular it shall have a perimeter dimension of at least 4" but not greater than 6¹⁄₄”, with a maximum cross-section dimension of 2¹⁄₄”.
• The grab rail must terminate at the newel post (top & bottom posts).
• Clear space between a handrail and a wall or other surface shall be a minimum of 1¹⁄₂”.
• The height of handrails must be installed 34" to 38" from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread. Graspable secondary handrails are required by more and more building codes / deck codes in areas across the country.

As always, check your local building code or ask your building inspector to make sure a secondary handrail is installed when required by law.

Deckorators post caps come in many sizes, but the most common sizes are 4" x 4" and 6" x 6", which are made to fit standard 4x4 or 6x6 posts. The inside dimensions of the standard 4" x 4" post caps measure 3-⁵⁄₈”, and the inside dimensions of the standard 6" x 6" post caps measure 5-⁵⁄₈”.

• 2-¹⁄₂” x 2-¹⁄₂” — inside dimensions: 2-¹⁄₂” x 2-¹⁄₂” (ALX railing)
• 4" x 4" — inside dimensions: 3-⁵⁄₈” x 3-⁵⁄₈” (made to fit a standard 4x4 post)
• 6" x 6" — inside dimensions: 5-⁵⁄₈” x 5-⁵⁄₈” (made to fit a standard 6x6 post)

Deckorators recommends using an exterior-grade construction adhesive to adhere the cap to the post. Apply the adhesive liberally to the inside of the cap and place the cap firmly over the top of the post. If you prefer to use Brad nails, be sure to pre-drill all nail holes to avoid splitting.

No. Deckorators wood post caps are kiln-dried and do not require a drying period. We recommend applying a protective finish immediately to the post cap.

Deckorators wood post caps caps are protected by Copper Azole Type B (CA-B), an EPA-registered pesticide containing copper and azole compounds to protect it from termite attack and decay.

As with all wood products, we recommend that you coat Deckorators wood post caps with a high-quality exterior finish to preserve the wood's natural beauty and ensure a lifetime of enjoyment. Apply to all wood areas, including the underside of the cap, before installation.

Deckorators copper finish post caps come with a thin, clear marine lacquer designed to protect them before and during installation. Once exposed to the elements, the sun's ultraviolet rays, moisture and pollution begin to break down this coating, exposing the metal underneath. In its natural state, copper breaks down in the elements and patina. In general, copper progresses from a natural salmon color to a series of russet browns and grays, and finally to a blue-green or gray-green patina.

Patina refers to the natural weathering of copper due to airborne sulfur compounds, which gradually change copper’s surface color. The resulting color, called a patina, depends on location and climate. Salt, moisture, sunlight, ultraviolet rays, and pollution can affect the final color. In general, copper progresses from a natural salmon color to a series of russet browns and grays, and finally to a blue-green or gray-green patina. To maintain the shiny look, apply a car wax immediately after purchasing the post cap, and reapply every 3 to 6 months. To encourage a natural patina, remove the lacquer with mineral spirits and grade 0000 steel wool.

To maintain the shiny look, apply a car wax immediately after purchasing the post cap, and reapply every 3 to 6 months.

To encourage a natural patina, remove the lacquer with mineral spirits and grade 0000 steel wool.

The base of Deckorators powder-coated post caps is made of stainless steel.

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron that contains more than 10% chromium. Stainless steel has a hard oxide coating that makes it resistant to stains. Corrosion and wear strip away this coating, causing the steel to rust. To maintain this coating, clean the post cap periodically with a mixture of vinegar and club soda.

Postcovers and postcover caps come sealed with a matte finish stone sealer, so no additional sealing is required. Periodic cleaning is recommended as needed to remove surface dirt. Clean with mild soap and water and use a soft brush to remove any dirt buildup. It is always a good idea to test the cleaner in a small, inconspicuous area prior to applying it to the entire postcover.

To attach a Deckorators solar post cap light to a post, apply an exterior-grade construction adhesive to the inside edge of the molding at the bottom of the light, and then place the light firmly onto the post.

Yes. The purpose of the clear plastic film is to protect the solar collector during shipping.

To activate Deckorators solar post caps:

1. Remove top by pressing inward on the side of the clear lens, grasping the edge of the top and lifting it off.
2. Install the batteries.
3. Replace the top by snapping it back onto side panels. (Ensure that the holes in the sides are matched up with the stubs on the top.)
4. Place your solar post cap light in direct sunlight for 24-48 hours to fully charge.

Deckorators solar post caps provide an ambient light that is not suitable for tasks.

Output is 1-2 lumens when the batteries are fully charged. The lumen value will slowly decrease as the energy from the batteries is consumed.

If the rechargeable batteries provided with the cap will no longer recharge, they can be replaced with any AA rechargeable batteries. The life depends on the quality of the batteries purchased.

No, the solar post cap light is designed to be used with rechargeable batteries. If regular batteries are used in the sun, they will destroy the solar collector.

The rechargeable batteries should last approximately one year.

With a normal usage of 6-8 hours per day, the LED bulbs should last an average of 10 years.

The LED bulbs are part of the whole solar cell component and are not designed to be replaced. The LED bulbs have an average life of 10 years, with a normal usage of 6 to 8 hours per day.

• Luna Step Light – 3.8 watts, 200 lumens, 20W incandescent equivalent
• Nuvi Post Sconce – 1.2 watts, 100 lumens, 10W incandescent equivalent
• Round Post Sconce – 1.5 watts, 120 lumens, 12W incandescent equivalent
• Square Post Sconce – 1.5 watts, 120 lumens, 12W incandescent equivalent
• Luna 2.5" Post Cap – 1.9 watts, 160 lumens, 20W incandescent equivalent
• Luna 4" Post Cap – 2.1 watts, 195 lumens, 25W incandescent equivalent

No, all Deckorators low-voltage products are for outdoor use only.

Yes – since it runs on 12-volt electricity, there is no fear of electric shock. It is safe around children and pets.

Lighting components must be installed at least 10 feet away from a pool, spa, or fountain.

Transformers reduce 120-volt household electricity to a safe 12-volt current. Do not attempt to hook up a low voltage system to an ordinary electrical outlet without using a 12-volt transformer.

You will need to buy a transformer that accommodates the wattage of your entire low voltage system. To determine the total wattage, add up the wattage of each fixture to be used. For example, if you are using 10 lights that are rated at 1 watt each, the total wattage of your system would be 10 watts.

No, the transformer should be connected directly into the outlet.

You are not required to, but you can bury the low voltage cable and the cable connector, no more than 6 inches deep.

Use a twist tie or thin piece of wire bent into a hook to reach into holes in the post sleeves and guide the cable through the holes.

Try these trouble-shooting tips:

• Make sure that the transformer is plugged into an electrical outlet that is working. If there are any electrical switches that control the outlet, make sure they are in the "on" position.
• Make sure the transformer is the correct size and can accommodate the total wattage of your system.
• Check that the timer settings on the transformer are correct. To check the system during the day, cover the photo-eye with a piece of black electrical tape.
• Check to see if there is a loose connection at the transformer pressure plates.
• Check the locations where the lighting fixtures connect to the low voltage cable to make sure that the prongs have pierced the cable.
• Trace the low voltage cable from the transformer to the lighting fixtures to ensure the cable has not been cut.