Fitting Different Types of Deck Balustrading
Ready Made Sections
Q-Deck makes balustrading easy by offering ready-made 1800mm long sections of balustrade, complete with handrail. All you have to do is fit the sections between correctly pre-spaced newel or pergola posts and screw them into position using Q-Deck-Tite handrail bracket kits. Sections can also be cut to fit narrower gaps between newel posts.
Decking Handrail Bracket
PLEASE NOTE: No opening is permitted greater than 100mm. Therefore, spindles need to be spaced at approximate 120mm centres. Allow 8 spindles every metre of handrail. For decks more than 600mm above ground level it is necessary to achieve a balustrade height of at least 1100mm.
NB: There is a 10mm height difference between the ready-made balustrade and the loose component built version.
....Or Using Loose Sections
Fit bottom universal rail between newel posts.
Fitting Bottom Universal Rail
Use more universal rail as handrail and fit at approx. 900mm high using Q-Deck-Tite handrail bracket kit.
Fitting Handrail Bracket Kit
Cut a piece of spacing infill and fit to the underside of the handrail.
Infill Fit to the Underside of the Handrail
Using a guide spacer at lower end, slide spindle 4 into the vertical position against the infill. Fix at the top and bottom with screws. Repeat for each spindle.
Install Spindel
Like all hardwood decking, Q-Deck Garapa weathers to grey after exposure to U.V light. Its also highly susceptible to staining in contact with iron due to the high levels of tannin present, so it is advisable to only use stainless steel fixings. The black staining that can occur is easily removed using Net Trol by Owatrol.
Over time the tannin can be washed out of Q-Deck Garapa. Please note that the fabric of a building or associated landscaping products could become stained by mobile tannin. This washing effect is more likely to occur during prolonged heavy rain and be most concentrated in the period just after fitting your Q-Deck Hardwood deck. To minimise tannin bleed, new hardwood decking can be coated with Owatrol's Stoptan product.
Q-Deck Garapa deckboards are not as straight as other deckboards in the Q-Deck range; however any distortion is normally easily corrected when fitting them by applying pressure to bring them back into line.
Fitting Balustrades Using The Multipurpose Products
These can provide an easier, more solid construction option. Hand rail heights of 1100mm are easily achieved for high level decks. Please note that you will have to cut components to the desired length when using any products from the Q-Deck® Plus Multi-purpose range.
Fixing Spindle to the Hand Rail.
Fit Multi-purpose, 85 x 85mm newel at required positions and height. Note: 1a corner newels are offset.
Q-Deck Plus 85x85 Multi-purpose can be supplied strength graded on request.
Fitting Multi-purpose Newel
Cut and fit Multi-purpose 27 x 95mm top and bottom baluster rails to the newels.
If a strength rated balustrades system is required then substitute with 44 x 95 multi - purpose (C24 strength graded as standard).
Fit Top and Bottom Baluster Rails
Mitre finish at corners.
Mitre Cut Corners
Cut Multi-purpose, 33 x 33mm balusters to desired length 4a chamfer for a neat finish). Alternatively use our new 27mm x 69mm x 970mm flat chamfered spindle substitute when used with relevant strength graded multi-purpose components if a strength rated balustrade system is required. Measure, space and fit to the top and bottom rail ideally using 2 screws at the top.
Fit to the Top and Bottom Rail
Cut and fit Multi-purpose 33 x 120mm handrail to top of newels and top rail, with mitre finish at corners.
If a strength rated balustrades system is required then substitute with 44 x 95 multi - purpose (C24 strength graded as standard).
Fit Decking Multi-Purpose Handrail
If building regulations are a requirement then only an approved balustrade system or Components strength graded to meet the TDCA precapet guidance can be used.
Fitting Balustrades Using Grecian Columns
Grecian columns can be used with Multi-purpose boards and rails to create more robust looking balustrades that also doesn't obscure.
Fit Multi-purpose, 85 x 85mm newel at required positions and height.
Note: 1a corner newels are offset.
Measure distance between newels and cut Multi-purpose 27 x 95mm baluster rails to suit. Chamfer the corners of the baluster rails to give a neat finish with the face of the newels.
Chamfer the Corners of the Baluster
Space to suit and fit columns as shown to top and bottom baluster rails.
Fitting Handrail Columns
Fit column assembly to deck between newels.
Fitting Columns to the Deck
Measure, cut and fit Multi-purpose, 33 x 120mm handrail to top of newels.
Cut and fit Multi-Purpose Handrail
Secure assembly to handrail from underneath as shown in the diagram. Take care with length of screw (max 50mm).
Securing Assembly to Handrail
Disguising Voids
Voids under elevated decks can be enclosed using Q-Garden multi-purpose screening whilst maintaining vital ventilation to the deck subframe.