How do I install a vinyl stair rail?

Larry Drayton
by Larry Drayton

Installing a vinyl stair rail but top rail is too high. What am I doing wrong. Are the balusters too long or do I need to try another angle?

  5 answers
  • Mad29883817 Mad29883817 on Jun 05, 2019

    Looks like need shorten balisters

  • R Walter R Walter on Jun 05, 2019

    Could you possibly place the railing on the inside of both the posts where it will be mounted, mark where the rails meet both posts and cut the rails at that point. Just be sure to measure twice and cut once. It appears from the photo that the railing is a tad too long. You may also have to adjust the angle of the cuts for the railing to fit. Also you might want to check code in your area because the top railing needs to be located at a certain height (possibly 36 inches, just a guess on my part).

    • Larry Drayton Larry Drayton on Jun 05, 2019

      Yes I have the stair railing bungie-tied together and the rail height at the top of the step is 36 inches, the bottom is about 39 inches. Yes it too long. I'll have to look into the angles because right now I'm at 34 degrees

  • William William on Jun 06, 2019

    I agree with R Walter. The railing may be too long. But cutting it may also make the balusters too long also or they already are. You will need to check both when you fit the rail between the two posts. I would clamp or tape the railing to the posts where it should go, then check the balusters against it to make sure they aren't too long. Mark the angle on the railing while it's up. And make sure you measure twice and cut once.

  • Fred Makrancy Fred Makrancy on Sep 27, 2020

    I am having the exact same issue right now. Frustrating as all get out & I just can't seem to figure it out!

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Feb 14, 2022

    Cut off access post to fit with slant of Staircase. Then fit rail as you would with timber.