How to Install Vinyl Deck Railing

Quick, easy-to-install and durable, the vinyl or polyvinyl chloride PVC deck railing, would be the perfect add-on to your new deck. So, this guide will walk you through your railing installation and provide in-depth steps covering essential “how-to” questions.

PVC Handrails - Installation Instructions:

Please note the following steps on how to install vinyl deck railing, including an explanation about each piece from this type of architectural railing system. Let’s begin with the first step!

Planning & Preparation

Before you begin your PVC deck railing installation, you need to conduct measuring and planning to insure accuracy. This will help you with item selection when browsing railing kits. This planning stage will help you avoid making a critical mistake. 

We also recommend checking the building codes in your area to ensure that your railing system will comply with local requirements. As per U.S. building code, the height between the deck floor and the bottom rail should be 2 inches. This possibly can be adjusted depending on local building code in your area. 

After you have a rough idea of the desired post height and railing’s dimensions, we suggest contacting the manufacturer for a review discussion. We recommend sharing your thoughts about the PVC railing system that you would like to install and getting first-hand recommendations.

In short, they will point you in the right direction!

Acquiring the Railing Kit

The next step is to acquire the actual vinyl railing materials!

There are numerous places on the web, where you can discover vinyl railing kits that will arrive with everything necessary included. This means you’ll have everything from posts, top rail, and bottom rail to spindles, brackets and screws.

You’ll also need to prepare the necessary tools for the installation of vinyl railings kit including a drill, a saw, a leveler, and a screwdriver.

Installation of the Posts

The most important part of installing a vinyl deck railing is laying out the posts. While doing so, you must ensure to spread them evenly and level them appropriately. Railing posts are typically spaced 4' apart. You also need to mind their height, especially if you're doing a stairway railing.

Feel free to use a marker to highlight the spots where you’ll anchor your posts and verify that the space in between is equal. If your PVC handrails are not pre-cut as per your pre-determined railing dimensions, we recommend using a fine-tooth miter saw blade to easily cut the vinyl railing.

Installing the Bottom Rail

The next step is to verify your top and bottom rails are in the proper position  on the railing posts. 

Now, use your level to ensure that the railing is level and check whether the bottom rail complies with the building codes. As mentioned, typically you can’t go wrong with the bottom rail being 2 inches in height from the deck floor surface.

When everything with your PVC railings for outdoor stairs or deck looks accurate, use the provided screws, anchors, and bolts to attach the posts and railings.

Installation of Balustrade

Now you will need to install the balustrades of your vinyl deck railing. This is usually the easiest part considering the pre-cut holes that the balusters fit into. Put the balusters in the dedicated slots on the bottom rail, and then you can install the top rail. You can insure a strong fit of the top rail by using a rubber mallet which will not damage the railing system. 

Lastly, verify that the rail is level and secure with the provided brackets and screws.

Add Your Final Touches

Lastly, it’s time to install your preferred vinyl post-caps and verify that the railing system is stable and firmly in place.

You now have a good idea of how to install a PVC railing system. Please note that installation instructions and steps may differ as per different railing kits that are available. We strongly recommend a thorough review of all installation instructions provided with your PVC railing prior to actual installation.

How to Clean Vinyl Railing?

You now know how to install PVC deck railing, which not only provides a timeless look for your property but also increases your home value and security. However, the PVC deck railing systems only look good when clean, hence we are going to show you exactly how to clean PVC railing.

The Traditional Cleaning

The traditional cleaning of a vinyl handrail is effective and secure, involving water and any household detergent. The only thing to point out with the general cleaning is to be very gentle when scrubbing the vinyl deck railing to avoid damaging the finish and compromising the look.

Water Pressure Washer

If you have a hard time tackling persistent stains, with the traditional way of cleaning your PVC deck railing, you can try pressure washing. This is one of the most effective ways to clean your vinyl railing, but you need to verify that you’re washing at the lowest pressure setting possible.

This will guarantee that the water stream will not damage or scuff up your vinyl railing finish!

Further Tips on How to Clean PVC Railing?

Sometimes, your plastic deck railing might be beyond cleaning after your children’s treatment!

We speak of permanent marker, nail polish, and even rubber marks, where water and detergent might not be effective. Here are some tips for getting rid of the persistent vinyl stains.

Melanin Foam Pads

Against permanent stains and marks, the best solution seems to be melanin foam cleaning pads, which can return the beautiful look of your vinyl railing. Also known as a “magic eraser”, this will help, but you shouldn’t scrub too hard to avoid further damage.

Isopropyl Alcohol

If you’re looking to remove nail polish or permanent marker stains, we recommend a cleaning solution with isopropyl alcohol. Alcohol can dissolve the ink, but again, scrubbing too hard may cause more damage and permanent stains. 

Vinegar Solution

Another quick way to clean your vinyl railing is to use a vinegar solution consisting of 50% water & 50% vinegar. This is effective against most stains.

Avoid Steel Wool

We advise never using steel wool to clean your vinyl handrail even if it’s tempting as avoiding damage would be nearly impossible. The trick is in the cleaning solution, not the tool, where even a sponge can remove the permanent stains.

Non-Toxic Cleaners

The last tip we’ve got is to avoid using toxic cleaning solutions, which will not only protect your children when in close contact with the PVC baluster railing, but also your garden.

Wrapping Up:

We've covered how to install vinyl railing and how to clean it effectively and securely!

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