If you’ve landed on this blog post, you’re probably thinking about installing railings on your deck, right? Don’t worry! Planning this kind of project can seem intimidating, but with the Kleco system, it’s actually much simpler than you might imagine!
Here’s a quick guide to help you through the steps of your project, including all the important information you need to know when planning and calculating materials.
1. Planning and Measurements
Before you start, determine the height of the guardrails you want to use. We have 3 available heights: 37″, 43″, and 48″. For a regular patio, you can choose a height of 37″.
Now, grab your measuring tape and note the dimensions of your balcony. Don’t forget to measure and count the number of steps if you have any.
Next, draw your balcony on the plan sheet. To make things easier, consider one square of the grid to be 1 foot (12 inches).
Next, position the posts: at the corners, at the ends, and at any angle or change of direction on your patio. Then, draw lines for the railing sections.
Important to know
• If your deck is more than 5 feet 11 inches off the ground, choose a 43″ guardrail.
• If it’s for a pool fence, the guardrail must be 48″ high to comply with Quebec regulations.
• If your patio is more than 24 inches from the ground, the maximum distance between posts is 84 inches. It is therefore important to consider adding a post to divide your section in two.
A bit of inspiration
Kleco products can be mixed and matched to create unique projects with an amazing look. For example, you can add transparency with 4 or 6 ft glass railing sections.
If you’d rather create private zones to hide yourself from neighbors, you can also insert a privacy wall.
2. Calculate the Railing Sections Needed for Your Project
First, choose the size of the posts you want to install. We have two options: 1 ¾ inch or 3 inches wide.
👉 If your project includes a fence or a privacy wall, 3″ posts are required.
Next, calculate the distance between the posts. To do this, it’s important to subtract the width of the posts and 2″ at each end of the patio to determine the actual length of the required railing section.
Exemple :
I need 2 posts of 3″ for the right side of my 75” patio
2 posts of 3″ = 6″
75″ – 6″ (posts) – 4″ (ends) = 65″
In this case, for my 65″ section, I’ll choose a 72″ railing section, which I’ll cut 7″ during installation. Still with us? 😉
3. Make Your list of Required Materials
On your calculation sheet, you’ll see all the options for posts, balusters, stair descents, etc., listed on the left. Kleco railing sections are available in standard heights and lengths. Don’t panic if the dimensions you need aren’t listed: as mentioned above, Kleco railings are designed to be cut to the desired length for a perfect fit! Just get a railing section of the right length… or a bit longer.
Money-saving tip :
If you have small railing sections in your project, it’s perfectly possible to use one Kleco railing and cut it into several sections. For example, if you need a 61″ section and another 10″ section, choose a 72″ railing and use it for both!
👉 If you choose this option, just remember to add an extra set of brackets to your order.
Things to consider depending on your project.
Does Your Project Include Stairs?
If you have stairs, the standard slope angle is 37°. Our stair railings are adjustable from 35° to 41°, making adjustment easy.
To determine what length of stair section to choose, it’s very simple:
• 3 steps or less → 46″ stair railing
• 5 steps or less → 72″ stair railing
• 7 steps or less → 91″ stair railing
If you have more than 7 steps, insert a post in the middle, then a second section of stair railing. For posts at the bottom of the stairs, choose 42″ high posts.
For stair railings, a height of 37″ is sufficient to meet standards. However, if your stairs are less than one meter from the perimeter of a pool, you must choose a 48″ high stair railing.
Now that you’ve calculated the different sections you need, you can write the required quantities directly in the left section of your plan sheet.
Do You Need a Gate?
To secure your pool or your stairs with a gate, add a framing and hardware kit* as well as a railing section to your order. The frame is adjustable between 30″ and 45″ to fit the available space. Also, if you have a leftover piece of railing of the right size, you can use it with the framing kit to make the gate instead of buying a new railing section.
*Hardware and latch are included for easy and secure installation. Complies with the new swimming pool regulations in Quebec.
Does Your Patio Have an Irregular Shape?
With Kleco, even patios with irregular shapes are easy to install! If you have a railing section that needs to attach to a post at an angle other than 90°, add an adapter that acts as a hinge to connect the section to the post.
Ready to Install Your Kleco Railings?
Once you’ve calculated your materials, bring your plan to your local Kleco dealer. They’ll check with you to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything and prepare your order.
Also, before heading to the hardware store, check that you have all the necessary tools for installation. This will save you trips back and forth!
Necessary tools (to confirm with the sales associate based on your project’s specifics):
• Drill with hex bits (3/8″ and 5/16″)
• Spirit level
• 5/32″ Allen key
• Saw (to cut sections to the right length if needed)
• Rubber mallet to install end caps
• Drill bit and concrete anchors (if installing railings on concrete)
That’s it! I hope you’re now ready to get started! And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us or one of our retailers.
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