Last Updated: January 6, 2018
Are you wondering how to install Westbury railing? Don’t worry – you’re in the right place! We have a handy video and helpful directions that should make the process go smoothly. And believe it or not, it’s actually very simple to install a railing on your own. As long as you can follow directions, use a few basic tools, and operate a tape measure and a level, you’re set. You can quickly and easily install a railing on your deck, porch, balcony, or wherever else you need a rail. Ready to get started? Grab your tools, and let’s get to it!
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How to Install Westbury Railing
RECOMMENDED TOOLS
Before you learn how to install Westbury railing, you need to prepare for the project. To safely and properly construct your railing, you will need the following supplies:
- Chop saw with an 80-tooth carbide blade
- Cordless drill
- Number 2 square head bit
- Retractable utility knife
- Marker or pen
- Tape measure
- Level
- Dead blow rubber mallet
- Stainless steel 3/8″ x 3″ Tapcon fasteners (for masonry installations) OR 3/8″ x 4″ stainless steel lags (for wood installations)
HARDWARE PROVIDED
Your railing kit will come with all of the hardware you need. Before you start the installation process, check that you have all of these items. If your kit is incomplete, please contact us regarding the missing part.
- 4 wall mounts, identical for the top rail and bottom rail
- 2 top rail covers
- 2 bottom rail covers
- 13 pan-head screws with coating to match your railing system
- 4 flat-head screws, uncoated (for side entries)
INSTALLING THE POSTS
Once you’ve gathered your tools and reviewed the hardware provided in your kit, you can begin installing the posts. The posts are the vertical structures that support the railing, so they must be completely secured before you can assemble the rail.
- Remove the posts from the packaging.
- Determine where you will be positioning each post on your deck.
- Remove the stainless steel shims that are attached to the post and set them to the side.
- Position the post, and then mark its location on the deck. To do this, use your marker or pen and mark dots where you will be pre-drilling the holes. After that, go ahead and drill into these marks, creating your holes.
- Place the stainless steel shims in place, making sure they run parallel with the railing system and will line up with the leveling plates on the post plate. Set the post back into place.
- Insert your 3/8″-diameter lags and drive them into the deck, checking that they fit snugly. When the lags are turned down about 7/8ths of the way, pull out your level and check that the post is level on all sides. Loosen or tighten the leveling bolts as needed using a wrench. When the post is level, you can finish tightening your lags.
- Repeat for the remaining posts.
ASSEMBLING THE RAIL
Now that the support structure of the railing is in place, you can begin assembling the rails, which will attach to the posts. Gather the bottom rail, top rail, and spindles, and complete these five steps:
- Attach the spindles to the bottom rail by simply pressing them down into the holes. Make sure that they are straight as you press and, if needed, use a mallet for extra pressure.
- Attach the top rail. Start by lining up the rail with four or five of the spindles on one end and, using your mallet, press the spindles partially into the top rail. Move down the rail, inserting more spindles and pressing down the top rail. Continue this until you have reached the last spindle.
- Hammer the top rail with your mallet until it is fully in place. You will know that you have done this correctly when you see, looking from the side, that the spindles are all the way up into the top rail, hitting the protrusion located inside the top of the rail.
- Check that the bottom rail is also fully connected. The spindles should hit the bottom of the inside of the bottom rail.
- Repeat these steps for the remaining rails.
INSTALLING THE RAIL
You’re nearly there – halfway through the process of learning how to install Westbury railing. The posts are standing tall, the railings are assembled, and the pieces should fit together neatly. Once these crucial elements are connected, you can secure them using the provided hardware and shield the exposed parts with the provided covers. Follow these steps to finish up the project:
- The cups on the posts should be open. Drop the railing into place on one side. Push it into place on the other.
- Using your coated screw heads, come up from the bottom and screw the railing into place on each side of the top rail.
- A side entry screw is optional, but if you choose to use one, select an uncoated screw.
- If the railing is exceptionally secure and can’t move, additional screws on the bottom rail aren’t necessary. If the fit isn’t perfect, however, use uncoated screws to secure the bottom rail using the side entries.
- Install the flat covers on the bottom rail and the rounded covers on the top rail. These are tension-fit connections, so simply tap them into place with your mallet.
- On the through-post connection, you can attach your caps. They are tension-fit as well, so simply tap them into place.
- Cover the leveling bolts with the two-part zinc die cast flair. The pieces will slide and snap together.
- Congratulations! You’ve just learned how to install Westbury railing.
If you haven’t yet purchased your Westbury aluminum railing, head on over to MMC Fencing & Railing. In our online store, you’ll find a variety of Westbury railing systems, including the Tuscany, Riviera, Montego, and Veranda styles. Beautiful, classic, and virtually maintenance-free, these railing systems will add a lasting value to your home. If you have any questions about these products or how to install Westbury railing, please give us a call at 1-866-931-5002 or click here to request a quote. We look forward to hearing from you!