Deckorators Common Questions (FAQ)

Use a mild household detergent and water mixture to clean aluminum or glass balusters. Once the balusters are washed, simply rinse with clean water.

Deckorators Frontier and Contour Scenic Glass baluster spacing is recommended at 1.5 per linear foot.

Aluminum baluster spacing is recommended at 2.5 balusters per linear foot. This includes the following collections:

• Classic balusters
• Estate balusters
• Colonial balusters
• Traditional balusters
• Architectural balusters

• Classic round or Colonial baluster installation requires: baluster connectors, stair adaptors, Deckorators rail connectors, drill driver, tape measure, clamps, white rubber mallet and support blocks, which can be cut from scrap lumber.
• Traditional and Architectural baluster installation requires: basic installation tools, including a drill driver, tape measure, 2 pt. square head drill bit, clamps, and support blocks, which can be cut from scrap lumber.
• Estate square baluster installation requires: Estate square baluster connectors (sold separately), Estate stair adaptors (sold separately), Deckorators rail connectors (optional, sold separately), drill driver, tape measure, clamps, white rubber mallet and support blocks, which can be cut from scrap lumber.
• Scenic baluster installation requires: drill driver, tape measure, clamps, 2-pt. square head drill bit and support blocks, which can be cut from scrap lumber.

• Stair connectors are made to fit between 30 and 35 degrees
• Designer stair adaptors are designed to fit a 35 degree stair angle
• Estate stair adaptors are designed to fit a 35 degree stair angle

Deckorators product warranties protect you so that you can enjoy beautiful, virtually maintenance-free outdoor living for years. Deckorators is covered by a lifetime limited warranty, which warrants the finish against coated surface chips, cracks, checks, chalks, or peels.

Find out how easy it is to install Deckorators aluminum balusters with our installation instructions.

Architectural balusters offer an affordable and attractive railing idea. These unique balusters offer the appearance of hand-forged wrought iron at a fraction of the price.

Deckorators includes several colors and styles and are available in 26", 32", 36" and 40" lengths. Aluminum balusters come in Classic round, Estate square and Colonial styles. Clear and tinted Scenic glass balusters are also available for an unobstructed view. Deckorators offers Architectural and Baroque balusters with a hand-forged wrought look at a fraction of the price.

Add finishing touches and enjoy easy installation by selecting:

• Connectors or adaptors
• Deckorations for balusters

Classic round and Estate square balusters are made from low-maintenance aluminum. They are powder coated for durability. The Scenic glass balusters are made of tempered safety glass.

• Round aluminum balusters are 3/4” outside diameter and come in 26", 32" and 36" lengths
• Colonial aluminum balusters are 3/4” outside diameter and are 26" in length
• Estate square aluminum balusters are 3/4” square and come in 26" and 32" lengths
• Traditional aluminum balusters are 1/2” x 1” and 32" in length
• Frontier glass balusters are 4” wide and come in 26" and 32" lengths
• Contour glass balusters are 4” wide and 32" in length

• Classic round aluminum balusters are available in black, white, clay, forest, bronze, rust and stainless
• Architectural and Baroque, Traditional and square Estate balusters are available in black and bronze
• Colonial balusters are available in black, white and bronze
• Scenic glass balusters are available in clear and autumn

• 26" balusters create a final railing height of approximately 36"
• 32" balusters create a final railing height of approximately 42"
• 36" balusters create a final railing height of approximately 48"
• 40" Architectural balusters for 36” (by connecting directly to the band board) or 42” (by attaching the baluster to the top and bottom rails) rail height

View the Deckorators Code Compliance Research Report

The Scenic baluster has four pre-drilled holes. The pre-drilled holes are 1-1/2” from the bottom of the baluster to the center of the pre-drilled hole. It is 1-1/4” distance from the side of the baluster to the center of the hole.

Deckorators copper post caps come with a thin, clear marine lacquer designed to protect them before and during installation. Once exposed to the elements, the sun’s ultraviolet rays, moisture and pollution begin to break down this coating, exposing the metal underneath. In its natural state, copper breaks down in the elements and patinas. In general, copper progresses from a natural salmon color to a series of russet browns and grays, and finally to a blue-green or gray-green patina.

To maintain the shiny post cap appearance, be sure to apply a car wax immediately after purchasing the post cap. Simply reapply car wax every three to six months.

Encourage a natural patina by removing the lacquer with mineral spirits and grade 0000 steel wool.

Stainless steel has a hard oxide coating that makes it resistant to stains. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron that contains more than 10 percent chromium. Corrosion and wear strip away the coating and cause the steel to rust. To maintain this coating, simply clean the post cap periodically with a mixture of vinegar and club soda.

Exposure to the elements may cause the copper-wrapped solder on glass post caps to oxidize and lose its original color. Applying car wax before placing the post cap outdoors will help to prevent the initial oxidation. Deckorators has found regular furniture polish to have the same affect, but its prevention time may vary based on geographical location. Reapply the car wax/furniture polish every 3 to 6 months as needed.

Install Deckorators Post Caps by following these easy Post Cap Install Instructions.

The lumber industry defines standard wood post sizes as 4x4 or 6x6. The outside dimensions of the standard 4x4 measures 3-1/2" x 3-1/2", and the outside dimensions of the standard 6x6 measures 5-1/2" x 5-1/2".

The solar post cap lights provide ambient lighting. Ambient lighting is not suitable for tasks.

The LED bulbs are part of the whole solar cell component and are not designed to be replaced. The LED bulbs have an average life of ten years, with a normal usage of 6 to 8 hours per day. We do have Solar Collector Replacement Units available at DIY Home Center.

“Patina” refers to the natural weathering of copper due to airborne sulfur compounds, which gradually change copper’s surface color. The resulting color, called a patina, depends on location and climate. Salt, moisture, sunlight, ultra-violet rays and pollution can affect the final color. In general, copper progresses from a natural salmon color to a series of russet browns and grays, and finally to a blue-green or gray-green patina. To maintain the shiny look, apply a car wax immediately after purchasing the cap, and reapply every 3 to 6 months. To encourage a natural patina, remove the lacquer with mineral spirits and grade 0000 steel wool.

Deckorators brass post caps, like copper post caps, are a true metal brass—an alloy of copper and zinc. Deckorators brass post caps are protected with a clear, thin coating of lacquer designed to protect them before and during installation. Once exposed to the elements, begin to break down this coating and expose the metal underneath. Periodic reapplication of this clear coating will help protect the brass post cap from the sun’s UV rays, pollution and moisture.

As with all wood products, Deckorators recommends coating the wood post cap with a high-quality exterior finish to preserve the wood's natural beauty and ensure a lifetime of enjoyment. Apply to all wood areas, including the underside of the cap, before installation.

No. Deckorators treated wood post caps are kiln-dried and do not require a drying period. Deckorators recommends applying a protective finish immediately to the post cap.