Let's explore everything that you'll need to consider before you embark on your NeoTimber® composite balustrade installation.
NeoTimber’s pre-installation guide will take you through what you need before beginning your composite balustrade installation. From product handling to core elements you’ll need to know before embarking on your next install, view our pre-installation guide as your source of helpful tips to take into account while preparing for your balustrade installation.
Product Handling
NeoTimber’s balustrade products must be stored on a flat, solid base. Lay your balustrade rails and posts on battens to ensure they sit off the ground. This will ensure that the product sits above any standing water and does not come into direct contact with any dirt or debris that may damage the product.
If the balustrade products are stored outside for any period of time prior to installation, do ensure that they are covered with a layer of sheeting. Keeping your work area clean and tidy to keep the surface of the balustrade components free of any dirt or debris definitely helps.
How Temperature Can Affect Your Composite Balustrades
Composite materials respond to variations in temperature expanding and contracting accordingly. Allow at least 24 hours prior to installation for your balustrades to acclimatise to the outside environment.
Tools For The Job
See below some of the relevant tools we’d recommend that you use when installing NeoTimber’s balustrade system. We’d generally recommend that power tools are preferred to hand tools.
- Hammer Drill (Ideal for attaching balustrade posts to a hard surface, like decking or concrete)
- Hand Drill (Use a 3mm Tungsten Carbide Tip (TCT) drill bit for pilot holes and countersinking)
- Jig Saw (We recommend carbide-tipped blades for the cleanest saw cuts)
- Circular / Mitre Saw (When using circular saws we recommend a 40-50 teeth carbide-tipped blade)
- Pencil Or Chalk (Useful for marking components to guide cutting)
- Spirit Level (Assists you with ensuring that posts and railings are level)
- Tape Measure (Take care with measuring your project and materials)
- Carpentry Square (Ensures straight markings where required)
Safety & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Where possible, we recommend the use of safety glasses and relevant PPE when installing NeoTimber® composite balustrade products.
Other Elements To Consider
Planning
Plan a layout for your railing before installation to ensure the best possible results for your project and to minimise errors. Building codes and zoning ordinances generally apply to permanent structures. It therefore pays to ensure your balustrade design is in accordance with building regulations.
Colour Consideration
NeoTimber’s balustrade system is a premium, capped composite solution, which includes a plastic sleeve, or capping, ensuring high stain and fade resistance. This product has been designed to have an authentic dual-tone appearance and this variation in colour will show from component-to-component.
Construction
This NeoTimber® composite balustrade product is not intended for use as columns, support posts, beams, joist stringers, or other primary load bearing members. This balustrade product must be supported by a code-compliant substructure.
Static Electricity
Static build up is a natural occurring phenomenon that can occur with many plastic products. Dry and windy environments may make this even more apparent. The amount of static build-up varies depending on the climate and age of the railing.
Account For Wastage
Allow for a 5-10% wastage allowance. Whilst our composite balustrade calculator should provide you with a good indication on requirements, we do recommend that you allow for cuts, design changes and mistakes that can occur on-site.
