There are three ways that you can install our PorchCo railing panels. One is using the Timbertech railing system that we sell. Another is by building your own railings out of wood. And lastly , building your own railings out of wood for a screened porch application.
Everyone will have their own reasons for choosing one method of installation after the other. Want an entire railing system that’s paintable? Then you need to build your own railings out of wood. Want a railing system that will never rot? Go with the Timbertech railing system.
Each system requires its own method of installation. Click the appropriate link below to find the installation instructions appropriate for your project.
Yes! Whether you have brick columns, wooden 4x4s, composite roof supporting columns, etc., our railings can be installed with your existing structure. If you are using the Timbertech railing system, brackets will be provided. If you are attaching to masonry, you will need to replace the provided screws with screws appropriate for masonry.
If you are purchasing the Timbertech railing system in addition to our panels, you will only need screws to attach the panels to the Timbertech rails. These specifications are listed at the top of those installation instructions.
If you are installing the panels with site built railings (for a screened porch or deck), you will need to purchase all necessary additional materials: lumber, any PVC or composite board, screws, screen stop, etc. appropriate for installation.
Whether using Timbertech rails or site built rails, the panels will be joined together by screwing right on either side of that seam into the top and bottom railings. You can use PVC adhesive between these seams if you would like, but we have found this is not a requirement for a successful installation.
If installing the Timbertech railings, you will need to first set your lower brackets. The location of your lower brackets depends on the panel height you’ve purchased, and the finished railing height that you would like / that your local codes requires.
We typically recommend a 3″ gap below the bottom railing. Timbertech railings (top and bottom) will add 4″ of overall height to your railing system. Therefore, if you purchased our 29″ tall panels and need a 36″ finished railing height, you will need at least a 3″ gap below that bottom rail.
Once your bottom brackets are set, follow the instructions to determine the best method of placing those upper brackets.
Our PorchCo Panel inserts, as well as our Hermitage Sleeve & Cap kits, are made from solid cellular PVC, and can be painted. We recommend using Sherwyn Williams Pro Industrial Acrylic paint.
The Timbertech railings, however, are a co-extruded composite material, and are not meant to be painted. Doing so would void that manufacturer’s warranty.
If you would like to paint your railings, we recommend following the site built instructions, to build a fully paintable railing system.
(Please read through full installation instructions for actual step by step details)
