The Deckorators Contemporary Cable Rail Two-Piece Bracket Installation Guide (PDF) provides full instructions for installing level and stair cable railing using the aluminum Contemporary Rail system. This guide walks through post layout, bracket placement, rail cutting, cable spacer installation, required hardware, and finishing details for a clean and secure cable-rail assembly.
The guide begins with the recommended tools and a clear overview of all system components, including the top rail, two-piece rail brackets, bracket caps, #10 and #8 screws, cable spacers, connectors, and cable-kit hardware. Page 1 diagrams provide a visual breakdown of each part, making it easy to confirm that all components are present before installation.
Installation starts with determining post layout. Standard post spacing is either 6′ or 8′ on-center, as shown in the layout example on page 2. Posts must be secured into structural framing—not just the deck boards—and require proper blocking beneath each mounting location. A leveling plate helps ensure each post stands plumb before final tightening.
Top rail installation begins by measuring 34-3/4″ (for 36″ railings) or 40-3/4″ (for 42″ railings) above the deck surface and attaching the top rail bracket bases at this height. The guide details how to measure, drill pilot holes, attach the bases, and seat the rail onto the brackets. Cable spacers are required every 3 feet to support even cable spacing, and page 2 diagrams show how to attach both the spacer connectors and the spacers themselves.
For stair applications, the guide includes a dedicated section with exploded bracket diagrams (page 3) illustrating the swivel bracket assembly, barrel bolts, rotators, O-rings, and side covers. Stair rails must be positioned along a spacer block to follow the nosing line, then trimmed to match the bracket placement before fastening. The final steps include installing bracket caps, post caps, and tensioning the cable according to the cable-kit instructions.
Download the full Deckorators Contemporary Cable Rail Two-Piece Bracket Installation Guide (PDF) for step-by-step diagrams and complete installation instructions. If you need help planning a Deckorators cable-rail project, your TimberTown team is always here to help.
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