Trex Signature® X-Series™ Cable Rail Install Instructions

Trex Signature X-Series horizontal cable rail installation instructions with 24 pages of comprehensive guidelines and professional installation methods.

TREX SIGNATURE® X-SERIES™ HORIZONTAL CABLE RAIL Installation Instructions

PLANNING AHEAD: » PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION. USE ALL REQUIRED PARTS WHERE SPECIFIED. » X-SERIES HORIZONTAL CABLE RAIL IS ONLY COMPATIBLE WITH X-SERIES ANCHOR POSTS. IT CANNOT BE USED WITH STANDARD SIGNATURE POSTS OR PRESSURE-TREATED POSTS/POST SLEEVES. » X-SERIES HORIZONTAL CABLE RAIL IS DESIGNED TO BE INSTALLED AT A MAXIMUM CLEAR SPAN OF 6', 12', OR 18' BETWEEN X-SERIES ANCHOR POSTS. TOP RAILS DO NOT HAVE TO BE CUT FOR FULL-SPAN INSTALLATIONS. » X-SERIES ANCHOR POSTS MUST BE USED AT ALL CABLE TERMINATIONS. » ONLY X-SERIES ANCHOR POSTS CAN BE USED AT CORNERS. DO NOT USE PASS-THROUGH POSTS AT CORNERS. » USE COMPOUND SWIVEL BRACKETS FOR HORIZONTAL ANGLE INSTALLATIONS. REFER TO INSTRUCTIONS FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS. » X-SERIES HORIZONTAL CABLE RAIL CANNOT BE USED WITH TRADITIONAL OR COCKTAIL DESIGNS. » MINIMUM SPAN BETWEEN ANCHOR POSTS IS 12". » INSTALL CABLE INFILL ADAPTERS WITH SHORT AND LONG CABLES INTO ALL ANCHOR POSTS UP FRONT (OR AT LEAST ON ADJACENT SECTION). CUT AND DRY FIT CABLE INFILL ADAPTERS. MAKE SURE ALL SIDES OF ANCHOR POSTS ARE FILLED WITH EITHER A SIDE COVER OR CABLE INFILL ADAPTER BEFORE PROCEEDING TO NEXT STEPS. USE TAPE OR POST CAP TO SECURE ALL CORNER COVERS/SIDE COVERS/CABLE INFILL ADAPTERS AFTER INSTALLING CABLE INFILL ADAPTERS. » HAND-TIGHTEN CABLES ONLY (AT MOST) UNTIL CABLES HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON ALL SECTIONS. TENSION CABLES ON ALL SECTIONS AS FINAL STEP. » IF THE SPAN BETWEEN X-SERIES POSTS IS 3' OR LESS, A CABLE BRACE IS NOT REQUIRED. » REFER TO TREX CARE AND CLEANING GUIDE FOR DETAILED CLEANING RECOMMENDATIONS.

Tools Required: • Please wear safety glasses during installation. • Note that tools are NOT included unless otherwise specified. – WD-40 Specialist® Corrosion Inhibitor ( RECOMMENDED for saltwater environments) – Min 18V drill – Min 18V impact driver (post install only) – Tape measure – 3/4" socket – Hammer – Level

– 9/16" drill bit – 9/64" drill bit (included) – Cable cutters – 5/32" Allen wrench – 3/32" Allen wrench – 1/8" Allen wrench – T-20 drive bit – Cable tension gauge

– Turnbuckle wrench (included) – Adjustable wrench (if needed) WD-40 Specialist® Corrosion Inhibitor is a registered trademark of WD-40 Company.

18' Horizontal Cable Rail Configuration

» (2) X-Series Anchor Posts (sold separately) » (3) 6’ Top Rails » (1) Fixed Horizontal Bracket Pack (2) Top Rail Straight Brackets (1) Screw Pack (2) Top Rail Locking Assemblies (2) Top Inserts (1) 9/64" Drill Bit » (2) Pass-Through Posts » (2) Pass-Through Post Bracket Packs (1) Pass-Through Post Bracket (1) Barrel Bolt Pack (1) Screw Pack

» (2) Cable Infill Adapters » (3) Cable Braces (w/ set screws included) » (1) Turnbuckle Wrench » (2) Post Mounting Hardware Packs (4) 1/2” x 6” SS Hex Bolts

(4) SS Washers (4) SS Tee Nuts » (2) Bolt Cap Packs (4) Inner Caps (4) Outer Caps » 18' Cable Assemblies

(Qty 10 for 36” height) (Qty 12 for 42” height)

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NOTE: Construction methods are always improving. Please ensure you have the most up-to-date installation instructions by visiting: trex.com NOTE: Construction methods are always improving. Please ensure you have the most up-to-date installation instructions by visiting: trex.com

XSHZC-0725

TREX SIGNATURE® X-SERIES™ HORIZONTAL CABLE RAIL Installation Instructions

12' Horizontal Cable Rail Configuration

» (2) X-Series Anchor Posts (sold separately) » (2) 6’ Top Rails » (1) Fixed Horizontal Bracket Pack (2) Top Rail Straight Brackets (1) Screw Pack (2) Top Rail Locking Assemblies (2) Top Inserts (1) 9/64" Drill Bit » (1) Pass-Through Post » (1) Pass-Through Post Bracket Pack (1) Pass-Through Post Bracket (1) Barrel Bolt Pack (1) Screw Pack

» (2) Cable Infill Adapters » (2) Cable Braces (w/ set screws included) » (1) Turnbuckle Wrench » (1) Post Mounting Hardware Pack (4) 1/2” x 6” SS Hex Bolts

(4) SS Washers (4) SS Tee Nuts

» (1) Bolt Cap Pack (4) Inner Caps (4) Outer Caps » 12' Cable Assemblies

(Qty 10 for 36” height) (Qty 12 for 42” height)

6' Horizontal Cable Rail Configuration

» (2) X-Series Anchor Posts (sold separately) » (1) 6' Top Rail » (1) Fixed Horizontal Bracket Pack (2) Top Rail Straight Brackets (1) Screw Pack (2) Top Rail Locking Assemblies (2) Top Inserts (1) 9/64" Drill Bit

» (2) Cable Infill Adapters » (1) Cable Brace* (w/ set screws included) » (1) Turnbuckle Wrench » 6' Cable Assemblies

(Qty 10 for 36” height) (Qty 12 for 42” height) * If span between X-Series Posts is 3' or less, a cable brace is not required.

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XSHZC-0725

NOTE: Install X-Series Anchor Posts as per instructions provided with these posts. Then proceed to instructions below.

Installing Pass-Through Posts » X -Series Horizontal Cable Rail is designed to be installed at a maximum clear span of 6', 12', or 18' between X- Series Anchor Posts. » If not installing standard clear spans as listed above, you must first calculate the clear span between X-Series Anchor Posts, then divide accordingly, depending on total overall span.

– Any span over 6’ will require the use of one Pass-Through Post. – Any span over 12’ will require the use of two Pass-Through Posts.

Post Placement

18' Post Placement

Anchor Post

Pass-Through Post

Anchor Post

6' (183 cm) Center to Center

6' (183 cm) Center to Inside

6' (183 cm) Inside to Center

18' (549 cm)

12' Post Placement

6' (183 cm) Inside to Center

6' (183 cm) Center to Inside

12' (366 cm)

6' Post Placement

6' (183 cm) Inside to Inside

1. Install Pass-Through Posts using mounting hardware provided. When mounting Pass-Through Posts to pressure-treated wood framing, follow the same installation method and blocking details outlined in the Trex Signature X-Series Post installation instructions. Ensure Pass-Through Posts are plumb.

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XSHZC-0725

TREX SIGNATURE® X-SERIES™ HORIZONTAL CABLE RAIL Installation Instructions

Measuring and Cutting Top Rails (When Required)

18' Top Rail Dimensions

Cut Length = X + 5/16" (7.93 mm)

Cut Length = Y + 13/16" (20.83 mm)

Cut Length = Z + 5/16" (7.93 mm)

12' Top Rail Dimensions

Cut Length = X + 5/16" (7.93 mm)

Cut Length = Y + 5/16" (7.93 mm)

6' Top Rail Dimensions

Cut Length = X – 1/4" (6.35 mm)

2. Measure each span separately. Do not assume all top rails will be identical in length.

NOTE: IF INSTALLING HORIZONTAL RAILS AT AN ANGLE, USE COMPOUND SWIVEL BRACKETS AND REFER TO INSTRUCTIONS AT THE END OF THIS DOCUMENT.

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XSHZC-0725

Inserting Cables into Cable Infill Adapters

Top

Approx. 3.25"

3a. Insert short cables into cable infill adapter as shown.

3b. S lide cable infill adapters into X-Series Anchor Posts as shown.

Approx. 2.5"

IMPORTANT: Cable infill adapter should be inserted so that the hole closest to the end is at the bottom of the post. See dimensioned figure above to identify correct orientation of cable infill adapter.

Bottom

Top

Approx. 3.25"

4a. Insert long cables into opposite cable infill adapter as shown.

4b. S lide cable infill adapters into X-Series Anchor Posts as shown.

Approx. 2.5"

Bottom

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XSHZC-0725

TREX SIGNATURE® X-SERIES™ HORIZONTAL CABLE RAIL Installation Instructions

Threading Long Cables Through Cable Brace(s) and Pass-Through Post(s)

Cable Brace

Pass-Through Post

5. Remove cover on end of cable. Thread the top cable through the top hole in the cable brace. Continue to thread this same cable through the top hole in the Pass-Through Post (when required). If you have multiple spans, continue in this fashion. Next, thread the bottom cable in the same manner. After installing the top and bottom cables, slide the cable brace next to the Pass-Through Post. Tip: Tape cable brace to Pass-Through Post or push close to anchor post for easier installation of remaining cables.

NOTE: If span between X-Series Posts are 3' or less, a cable brace is not required.

6. Remove remaining cable covers and thread remaining cables through cable brace(s) and Pass-Through Post(s).

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XSHZC-0725

Inserting Brackets onto Top Rails

Pre-Drilling Top Rails at Bracket Locations

Pass-Through Bracket

Straight Bracket

Pass-Through Bracket

7. Insert all brackets so they are ALL fully seated. IMPORTANT: See steps 9a-9c to see proper bracket orientation for 18', 12' and 6' applications, BEFORE attaching any brackets to rails.

8. Using a 9/64” drill bit, pre-drill at all bracket locations as shown.

Note: Only pre-drill through the first layer of the rail and bracket.

Installing Top Rails and Brackets onto Posts

Note: Cables removed from image above for clarity.

9a. For 18' spans (or spans that have 3 top rails), install center rail onto Pass-Through Posts first, then install outer rails on each side.

Note: Cables removed from image above for clarity.

9b. For 12' spans (or spans that have 2 top rails), install first rail onto X-Series Anchor Post and Pass-Through Post, then install remaining rail.

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XSHZC-0725

TREX SIGNATURE® X-SERIES™ HORIZONTAL CABLE RAIL Installation Instructions

11. Tighten screw in locking assembly using a 5/32" Allen wrench.

Note: If locking assembly does not stay in place, use a

flat head screwdriver or other tool to hold this down while tightening set screw.

Note: Cables removed from image above for clarity.

Fastening Pass-Through Post Bracket to

9c. For 6' spans (or spans that have 1 top rail), install rail onto both X-Series Anchor Posts. Installing Top Rail Straight Brackets in X-Series Anchor Posts

Pass-Through Post (When Required)

12. Install two barrel bolts through Pass-Through Post as shown. Insert screw on opposite side and tighten using a 1/8” Allen wrench.

10a

Dovetail

Threading Push-to-Connect Fittings into Turnbuckles

10a. Position the top rail straight bracket PARTIALLY into the X-Series Anchor Post as shown. Pull up on top rail to expose the dovetail on the top rail straight bracket.

10c

Locking Assembly

10b

10b. Slide the top rail locking assembly onto the dovetail on the top of the bracket. 10c. Slide the bracket down until it sits on the cable infill adapter. Note that the screw in the locking assembly may need to be loosened to allow the locking assembly to fit properly in the X-Series Anchor Post.

13. Thread each push-to-connect (PTC) fitting into the turnbuckle on each short cable until the threads just disappear in the turnbuckle. Ensure threads are flush with the end of the turnbuckle.

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XSHZC-0725

Cutting Long Cables (Safety Note: Wear safety glasses when cutting cables).

14. Pull each long cable taut and straight by hand and mark cable at cut line on PTC fitting as shown. Cut each long cable on mark using cable cutters.

NOTES: » BE SURE TO USE GOOD CABLE CUTTERS. DO NOT FRAY CABLE ENDS. » THIS APPLICATION MAY REQUIRE TWO PEOPLE IN ORDER TO PULL CABLE TAUT AND CUT.

Installing Long Cables into Push-to-Connect Fittings and Tensioning Cables

IMPORTANT NOTE: »

If installing X-Series Cable Rail near saltwater environments, spray a small amount of WD-40 Specialist® Corrosion Inhibitor in the open end of the PTC fitting before inserting the cable. Do this IMMEDIATELY before inserting the cable to prevent dirt and dust from collecting inside the fitting. Use caution not to get this on the decking surface! Protect decking from drips and runs.

1/4 TURN MAX

15. Push the end of each long cable into opposite PTC fitting, slightly rotating the PTC fitting counterclockwise and cable clockwise 1/4 TURN MAX turn until cable is fully seated.

16. Hand-tighten all cables by holding the PTC fitting fixed and rotating the turnbuckle. Do NOT rotate PTC fitting when tightening cables.

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XSHZC-0725

TREX SIGNATURE® X-SERIES™ HORIZONTAL CABLE RAIL Installation Instructions

IMPORTANT NOTE: FOLLOW THESE STEPS AFTER ALL RAILING SECTIONS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.

PTC Fitting Engagement

Release Tool

11 9 7 5 3 1 2

Turnbuckle Engagement

Notes: » An adjustable wrench can also be used on the flat sides of the PTC fitting. » Use the release tool on the turnbuckle wrench to release the cable from the PTC fitting if needed. PTC fittings are intended to be single use after the cable has been tensioned. Do NOT reuse PTC fittings after tensioning. » Before using the release tool, unthread the PTC fitting from the turnbuckle so that there is no tension on the cable.

4 6 8 10 12

19. Tension each cable to 100 lbs by rotating the turnbuckle-side wrench. Do NOT rotate PTC fitting when tensioning cables. Tension cables from the center outward, following the sequence shown. Repeat sequence as necessary until all cables are fully tensioned.

17. Using the turnbuckle wrench(es) provided (one per kit), place one wrench on the flat sides of the PTC fitting.

Note: 42” rail height (with 12 cables) shown here.

18. Place a second wrench on the turnbuckle as shown so that it locks in place with the cutouts on the end of the turnbuckle.

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XSHZC-0725

Centering Cable Brace(s)

20. Locate the center of each span and slide all cable braces to their center positions. Ensure that cable braces are straight/vertical, and then tighten both top and bottom set screws using a 3/32" Allen wrench.

Fastening Top Rails to Brackets

Final Installation Steps

21. Install #8 x 1/2" screws into pre-drilled holes in top rails to fasten top rails to brackets at each Pass-Through Post and X-Series Anchor Post.

23. Install post caps and bolt caps to complete installation. For bolt caps, align hex shadow line on inner cap with bolt head before installing outer cap.

Installing Top Inserts 22. Install top inserts into the open channel above each bracket in all X-Series Anchor Posts.

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XSHZC-0725

TREX SIGNATURE® X-SERIES™ HORIZONTAL CABLE RAIL Installation Instructions

Installing Horizonal Cable Rail on an Angle

NOTES: » COMPOUND SWIVEL BRACKETS (SOLD SEPARATELY) AND CABLES CAN ACCOMMODATE UP TO A 22.5˚ ANGLE FOR HORIZONTAL APPLICATIONS. » FOR LARGER ANGLES, POSTS MUST BE ANGLED ACCORDINGLY. EXAMPLE BELOW IS FOR A 45˚ ANGLE.

Cut Length = X + 5/8" (15.8 mm)

3. Adjust each compound swivel bracket to align with direction of top rail and hand-tighten screws using a 5/32" Allen wrench to temporarily stabilize the swivel bracket. Measure between brackets at location shown, add 5/8" (15.8 mm) and cut top rail to this length. 4. Complete the remainder of the installation following the steps previously outlined. After installation is complete, tighten all screws in each compound swivel bracket using a 5/32" Allen wrench.

1. Follow all instructions as previously stated for standard horizontal installation EXCEPT for where noted below.

Measuring and Cutting Top Rails 2. Temporarily slide compound swivel bracket(s) into X-Series Anchor Posts.

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XSHZC-0725

TREX SIGNATURE® X-SERIES™ STAIR CABLE RAIL Installation Instructions

PLANNING AHEAD: » P LEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION. USE ALL REQUIRED PARTS WHERE SPECIFIED. TWO PEOPLE ARE RECOMMENDED FOR THIS INSTALLATION. » X -SERIES ANCHOR POSTS MUST BE USED AT ALL STAIR POST LOCATIONS. DO NOT USE PASS-THROUGH POSTS. FOR 36" RAIL HEIGHT, USE 43" X-SERIES POSTS; FOR 42" RAIL HEIGHT, USE 53" X-SERIES POSTS. » F OR A 6' STAIR RAIL, POST TO POST SPAN WILL BE LESS THAN 6'. PRIOR TO INSTALLING STAIR POSTS, CALCULATE POST-TO-POST SPAN USING THE MAXIMUM STAIR RAIL LENGTH REQUIRED AND THE ANGLE (32°-37°) AT WHICH THE STAIR RAILS WILL BE INSTALLED. DO NOT INSTALL STAIR POSTS AT 6' HORIZONTAL SPAN, AS STAIR RAILS WILL THEN BE TOO SHORT. » X -SERIES STAIR CABLE RAIL IS ONLY COMPATIBLE WITH X-SERIES ANCHOR POSTS. IT CANNOT BE USED WITH STANDARD SIGNATURE POSTS OR PRESSURE-TREATED POSTS/POST SLEEVES. » M INIMUM SPAN BETWEEN ANCHOR POSTS IS 12". » INSTALL CABLE INFILL ADAPTERS WITH SHORT AND LONG CABLES INTO ALL ANCHOR POSTS UP FRONT (OR AT LEAST ON ADJACENT SECTION). CUT AND DRY FIT CABLE INFILL ADAPTERS. MAKE SURE ALL SIDES OF ANCHOR POSTS ARE FILLED WITH EITHER A SIDE COVER OR CABLE INFILL ADAPTER BEFORE PROCEEDING TO NEXT STEPS. USE TAPE OR POST CAP TO SECURE ALL CORNER COVERS/SIDE COVERS/CABLE INFILL ADAPTERS AFTER INSTALLING CABLE INFILL ADAPTERS. » H AND-TIGHTEN CABLES ONLY (AT MOST) UNTIL CABLES HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON ALL SECTIONS. TENSION CABLES ON ALL SECTIONS AS FINAL STEP. » IF THE SPAN BETWEEN X-SERIES POSTS IS 3' OR LESS, A CABLE BRACE IS NOT REQUIRED.

6' Stair Cable Rail Configuration » (2) X-Series Anchor Posts (sold separately) » (1) 6' Top Rail » (2) Compound Swivel Bracket Packs (1) Compound Swivel Bracket (1) Screw Pack (1) Top Rail Locking Assembly » (2) Cable Infill Adapters Tools Required: • Please wear safety glasses during installation. • Note that tools are NOT included unless otherwise specified. – WD-40 Specialist® Corrosion Inhibitor ( RECOMMENDED for saltwater environments) – Min 18V drill – Min 18V impact driver (post install only) – Clamp – Tape measure – 3/4" socket – Hammer

– Level – 9/16" drill bit – 9/64" drill bit – Cable cutters

– 5/32" Allen wrench – 3/32" Allen wrench – T-20 drive bit – Cable tension gauge

– Turnbuckle wrench (included) – Adjustable wrench (if needed) WD-40 Specialist® Corrosion Inhibitor is a registered trademark of WD-40 Company.

» (1) Cable Brace (w/ set screws included) » (1) Turnbuckle Wrench » 6' Cable Assemblies

(Qty 11 for 36” height) (Qty 13 for 42” height)

NOTE: Install X-Series Anchor Posts as per instructions provided with these posts, then proceed to instructions below. Ensure that the stair posts are installed close to the nose of the stair tread.

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XSSTC-0725 XSSTC-0725

TREX SIGNATURE® X-SERIES™ STAIR CABLE RAIL Installation Instructions

Measuring and Marking X-Series Anchor Posts

Short Run

String

1. Run a string line from the front face of the bottom X-Series Anchor Post to the back face of the topmost X-Series Anchor Post, ensuring that the string line touches the stair tread nose closest to each post. If applicable, string line will run across multiple X-Series Anchor Posts for long stair runs.

Long Run

3. Measure up from top of baseplate to stringline at each post location as shown.