Step 1
Begin by unpacking your railings, and laying them out along the straight run. This will allow you to determine the exact location of each panel, and ensure that the spacing between panels (if any) is consistent.
Step 2
Once you have the railing panels positioned perfectly, mark the location of at least one side of each railing panel with a pencil or painters tape. You’ll use these marks to precisely position the railing panels.
Next we’ll need a way of vertically aligning the railing panels, and holding them in position while marking, drilling, and mounting.
There are lots of ways to accomplish this, but the two easiest and most popular approaches are shown below.
Option A
A horizontal guide that the panels can be rested on. The guide is just a piece of wood (usually 2×2 or 2×4), which is either clamped, screwed, or nailed on the fascia / vertical surface.
This option is easiest in most cases, but only works if you can clamp, screw, or nail the guide to the fascia / vertical surface.
Option B
A sled that supports the panels from the surface of the deck. The sled is made from three 8 foot 2×4’s, and a pail filled with water or sand.
This option is easier when access to the outside of the surface is limited (e.g. an elevated deck), or in situations where you can’t clamp, screw, or nail a guide to the fascia / vertical surface.
