TimberTech Common Questions (FAQ)

TimberTech DeckCleaner is a safe, effective formula that makes cleaning your composite decking a breeze for small spots or the entire surface. When properly diluted, 1 gallon will yield 4 gallons of cleaner to clean approximately 1,000 square feet of surface area.

TimberTech railing can be cleaned using a soft white cloth with warm water and mild soap, followed by a thorough rinse. Chomp Gutter cleaner also works great on TimberTech rail. DO NOT USE solvent-based cleaners such as Goof Off, graffiti remover, nail polish remover, or other similar products on your TimberTech railing.

While it is possible to paint TimberTech railing, the protective capstock on the railing is designed to resist any foreign material from sticking to it. Therefore, most paints will typically not adhere to the railing components and TimberTech cannot guarantee performance of paint, stain, other materials applied to its products.

The difference between a TimberTech Rail Pack and a TimberTech Rail Kit is that a Rail Pack does not include the infill. Infill is sold separately to allow for more custom styling. The Classic Composite Series is available as both a Rail Pack and a Rail Kit. The Classic Composite Series Rail Pack includes a universal bottom rail, two support rails, footblock(s), and mounting hardware to create one section of railing. The top rail and infill are not included, as there are multiple options for each. There are two different Classic Composite Series Rail Packs — one for composite balusters and one for cable, glass, or aluminum balusters. The Classic Composite Series Rail Kit includes a universal bottom rail, two support rails, footblock(s), mounting hardware, and square balusters. The top rail is still sold separately. On the other hand, RadianceRail Express is available as a Rail Pack and it does include the top rail, as there is only one option (RadianceRail style). Balusters, however, are still sold separately. Impression Rail Express is available as a Rail Kit because it comes as a panelized rail section. The top rail is not included because there are three options to choose from, but everything else between the posts is included.

The TimberTech Classic Composite Series rail system is popular and simple with endless design options to complement your home. Choose from four different top rails and multiple infill options to customize this composite railing.

Like with other TimberTech railing systems, the Classic Composite Series has many benefits: low-maintenance, strong & durable, long-lasting, weather-resistant, customizable, seamless appearance, and environmentally friendly.

DIY Home Center offers four Classic Composite Series Top Rails to choose from: Premier Rail, RadianceRail, Trademark Rail, and Drink Rail.

There are several infill options to choose from for the Classic Composite Series: Square Composite Balusters, Square Aluminum Balusters, Round Aluminum Balusters, Glass, and Cable. All infill options are sold separately and are not included in a Rail Pack (balusters are included in the Rail Kit). Cable rail components are available from DIY Home Center, but glass infill needs to be sourced locally. The Universal Rail Pack for Composite Balusters is needed for square aluminum balusters. The Universal Rail Pack for Cable, Glass, or Aluminum Balusters is needed for aluminum balusters, cable, or glass infill. The Glass Channel Kit is required for glass infill.

For a Classic Composite Series rail system with a final rail height of 36", use 29" balusters for level applications and 31" balusters for stair applications.

For a Classic Composite Series rail system with a final rail height of 42", use 35" balusters for level applications and 37" balusters for stair applications.

Yes. Automotive touch-up paint such as Dupli-Color 2-in-1 Scratch Fix works well and is available at most department or automotive retailers.

Each cable, when properly installed, will have a tension load of at least 300 lbs to minimize cable deflection. It is important that frames are designed and built strong enough to support these loads. Review frame requirements details to help you prepare the railing for cable infill.

Estimating how much cable to get for your TimberTech CableRail by Feeney® project is easy. Just remember the basic rule that a 36" rail height requires 9 runs and a 42" rail height requires 11 runs of cable. For a 20’ run at a 36" rail height, it would require 9 rows of 20’, or 180 lineal feet of cable. For a 20’ run at a 42" rail height, it would require 11 rows of 20’, or 220 lineal feet of cable. Cable rolls are available in 100-foot and 500-foot lengths.

TimberTech recommends having a post or intermediate baluster at least every 3 feet. With the vertical members spaced 3' apart and the cables spaced 3" apart, you should be able to tension the cables such that they won't open past the 4-inch sphere code requirement when a reasonable force is applied. Please review the CableRail web pages for installation instructions and complete details on frame design requirements.

No, TimberTech strongly advises against exceeding a 3-inch spacing. The International Building Code states that a 4" sphere cannot pass through any opening in your railing, and since the cable is non-rigid, the flex of the cable must be taken into account. Therefore, it is recommended to space the cables no more than 3 inches apart and the posts or vertical members (intermediate balusters) no more than 3' apart to allow for possible cable deflection and meet the intent of the code. Before starting a TimberTech CableRail project, always check with the local building department to see if there are any special local requirements for using and installing cable railings.

Straight runs should terminate or have an In-Line Turnbuckle every 50 feet or less. In addition, cable runs with bends should terminate or have an In-Line Turnbuckle after every second bend or 40 feet, whichever distance is less.

TimberTech Impression Rail Express is a strong, durable aluminum railing that comes in pre-assembled panels to keep installation easy and short. Its minimalist profile provides clear sightlines and a stylish design. Choose from three top rail options and four infill options.

Like with other TimberTech railing systems, Impression Rail Express has many benefits: low-maintenance, strong & durable, long-lasting, weather-resistant, customizable, and seamless appearance.

There are three top rail styles to choose from: Classic Top Rail, Modern Top Rail, and Drink Rail.

There are four infill options to choose from for Impression Rail Express: Rectangular Aluminum Balusters, Rectangular Aluminum Balusters with Open Mid-Rail, Glass Channel Kit (glass not included), and Glass Channel Kit with Open Mid-Rail.

The actual lengths of Impression Rail Express panels are 69.4” & 91.3” for quick installation that requires no cutting. Lengths are optimized for base offset at ends and corners and for 3” posts. For stair applications or when using 2” posts, identify post blocking based off of the above dimensions.

For ease of installation and a limited need to cut panels down, the actual lengths (69.4” & 91.3”) account for the post offset from the edges of the deck and at the corners. For a common deck dimension of 16’, two 8’ panels with three posts will cover the span without the need to cut down the rail panels.

The Universal Panel Cover is exclusively for use with Impression Rail Express. It serves three purposes: drink rail (in addition to top deck board), open mid-rail, or replacement bottom snap.

TimberTech RadianceRail Express provides a quality railing at an affordable price. Made from the same high-quality capped composite material as RadianceRail, RadianceRail Express features a simple, slim profile with a sculpted top rail. Choose between two infill options.

Like with other TimberTech railing systems, RadianceRail Express has many benefits: low-maintenance, minimalist look, effortless integration, weather-resistant, customizable, versatile, and easy installation.

For RadianceRail Express, you have your choice of Square Composite Balusters or Round Aluminum Balusters. The RadianceRail Express Rail Pack for Square Composite Balusters is needed for square composite balusters, and the RadianceRail Express Rail Pack for Round Aluminum Balusters is needed for round aluminum balusters.

The actual lengths of RadianceRail Express are 68” & 92” to be installed with 4” post sleeves for an on-center post measurement of 6’ & 8’ with no need to cut down during installation.

The TimberTech Composite Post Sleeve is a universal post sleeve that is compatible with all TimberTech railing systems. In addition, several Post Caps & Skirts are compatible with the system to achieve a unique product with extended color options and larger posts. Otherwise, each system is unique and is not intended to be used in conjunction with other railing systems or fasteners.

TimberTech RadianceRail Express hardware does not pivot like TimberTech RadianceRail hardware, but it will accommodate up to a 45 degree angle.

To maintain the 5-year warranty on TimberTech Lighting, TimberTech LED lighting products must be installed using the TimberTech 100-Watt Transformer or 150-Watt PowerPack (transformer with built-in dimmer, timer, and photo-eye).

The wattage of TimberTech LED lights varies based on the type of light. The Post Cap Light Module is 3 watts each. The Island Post Cap, Accent Light, Stair Riser Light, and Under Rail Light are all 2 watts each. The In-Deck Light is 1 watt per unit. You can opt to use the 100-Watt Transformer, or the 150-Watt Transformer (with built-in dimmer, timer, and photo-eye). You can use up to 40 watts per circuit and 90 watts per transformer.

CONCEALoc Hidden Fasteners were designed exclusively for TimberTech grooved boards to provide a fastener-free surface. They can be installed pneumatically with the TigerClaw Pneumatic Installation Gun or with a drill.

Yes. CONCEALoc Hidden Fasteners can be used with all of the TimberTech solid planks (with a routed groove): XLM, Earthwood, TwinFinish, and DockSider.

CONCEALoc Hidden Deck Fasteners have a light brown coating. This coating helps the fastener hide in the shadow of the joists, and makes the fastener virtually invisible. Combine with TimberTech Cortex for the perimeter boards and stairs which are available in multiple colors that complement TimberTech decking.

All CONCEALoc fasteners include stainless screws.

• CONCEALoc Fasteners - Box of 175 includes stainless steel screws and a #1 square driver bit that works with any standard drill/driver.
• CONCEALoc Fasteners - Bucket of 1750 includes stainless steel screws and a #1 square driver bit that works with any standard drill/driver.
• CONCEALoc Fasteners - Bucket of 900 with Gun Screws includes stainless steel coated screws in a strip and installs with the Tiger Claw Installation Gun.

*For the best value and ease of installation choose the TimberTech CONCEALoc FREE Installation Gun Promo with 2 Buckets of Fasteners.

Yes. Any angle up to 45 degrees can be achieved. On angles, offset the center of the fastener 1/2” towards the long point of the joist, so the screw will not exit the side of the joist when driven.

The CONCEALoc fasteners provide consistent spacing between the sides of the planks. You will need to gap the ends at all butt joints per the Installation & Maintenance Guide.

No special tools are required when using TimberTech grooved planks - just a drill/driver. We provide a #1 square drive bit with the screws and clips. When using TimberTech solid planks, the CONCEALoc Router Bit will be needed to create a groove at each joist.

CONCEALoc L-Brackets are for attaching the first and last plank and for butt seams when installing TimberTech grooved decking. They come in a pack of 50.

EDGELoc Hidden Fasteners were designed exclusively for TimberTech EDGE grooved capped composite deck boards to create a fastener-free deck surface.

No, EDGELoc will not adequately secure TimberTech Azek boards. For lower-cost, semi-hidden fasteners, see SIDELoc, which is compatible with TimberTech Azek boards.

EDGELoc helps to preset a consistent 7/32" gap between deck boards.

EDGELoc is hand-driven only. You will need a drill (not included) and a T15 star drive drill bit (included). No special hand tools are needed when installing EDGELoc due to the 12-clip collation and joist feet to help with holding and positioning the clips.

TOPLoc Face Fasteners come in two grades: 305 Stainless Steel and Epoxy Coated Carbon Steel. Each grade is specifically compatible with certain TimberTech deck boards and are not interchangeable. Use 305 Grade Stainless Steel fasteners for TimberTech Azek PVC boards. Use Epoxy Coated Carbon Steel for TimberTech PRO and TimberTech EDGE composite boards.

SIDELoc Deck Screws were designed exclusively for TimberTech Azek square shoulder, capped polymer deck boards.