Wall returns connect your handrail to a wall or other vertical surface. It also caps off the open end of the handrail, preventing any exposed edges that could pose a safety risk.

Step 1: Cut the railing

Start by cutting the railing to the right length depending on where it will be attached to other components or wall returns.

Step 2: Slide the collar over the rail

To hide the seam where the handrail meets the wall return, you can use a collar ring. Make sure to slide the collar over the rail before inserting it into the wall return.

Step 3: Insert rail into wall return

Slide the rail onto the wall return until it's completely inserted, making sure the seam is hidden beneath the collar if you’ve decided to use one.

Step 4: Attach the wall return

Now, attach the wall return using the hardware provided, ensuring it aligns properly with the post. Remember, the wall return fits snugly into the rail, so the attachment location is crucial.

Inline brackets secure your handrail directly to a wall or other vertical surface in a straight and continuous line.

Step 1: Cut the railing

Start by cutting the railing to the right length depending on the location of your inline bracket or if it’s being attached to other components.

Step 2: Attach the bracket

Once you have the right length, you can attach the inline bracket to the post using the provided hardware.

Step 3:  Slide on the rail

Slide the rail onto the inline bracket until it’s fully inserted. Double-check that the rail is sitting flush with the bracket and isn’t wobbling.

Rail-to-rail straight connections are used for longer spans of handrails. Posts must be installed at a maximum of 6 feet on center when using rail-to-rail connections.

Step 1: Cut the railing

Cut railings to size if two or more full-lengths are not required.

Step 2: Slide the collar over the rail

To hide the seam where the two pieces of handrail will meet, you can use a collar ring. Make sure to slide the collar over one rail before connecting.

Step 3: Connect the rails

Slide the internal connector into the rail end until the metal spacer screw touches either the end of the handrail or the collar if you’re using one. Next, slide the second rail over the opposite end of the internal connector until it is also touching the metal spacer screw. Next, remove the spacer screw using a #2 square-head screwdriver. With the screw removed, push the second rail further over the internal connector until it fits in the collar or tightly against the opposite rail.

Step 4: Attach wall mounts

Attach wall mounts as needed to posts using the provided hardware, keeping in mind that a wall mount must be used at each rail-to-rail seam connection. Make sure each wall mount is at the proper angle of alignment to the angle of the rail. To help with an angled attachment, place one screw into the bottom hole of the bracket and pivot the wall mount to the required position.

Step 5: Attach the rail

Finally, attach the connected rail to the wall mount using the provided hardware and finish by attaching the end cap to the rail for a safe, professional finish.

Handrails ensure your railing extends beyond the top and bottom of a set of stairs or a ramp, as required by ADA guidelines.

Step 1: Cut the railing

First, make sure you have the right railing length for your handrail return. You'll also want to use a collar ring if you want to hide the seam between the handrail return and the rail or elbow. Slide the collar ring over the rail before inserting it into the other component. 

Step 2: Align the components

Before you attach anything, make sure all the components are aligned properly. This means checking that the wall mount on the post lines up with the location of the elbow on the rail. 

Step 3: Slide the internal connector

Once everything is lined up, slide the internal connector into the appropriate elbow until the metal spacer screw is touching either end of the elbow or the collar, if you used one. 

Step 4: Connect the wall return

Next, attach the wall return to the lower end of the handrail return (the longer side). Make sure the wall return is at the proper angle of alignment to the post. The wall return is designed to fit tightly into the rail, so the location of the attachment is critical. 

Step 5: Finish the connection

Slide the opposite end of the handrail return onto the internal connector until it's touching the metal spacer screw.  Remove the metal spacer screw using a #2 square-head screwdriver and push the handrail return further over the internal connector until it fits in the collar (if you used one) or fits tightly against the elbow. 

Step 6: Attach the wall return

Finally, attach the wall return to the post as previously described and use end caps where required for a finished appearance.

Elbows are used to change the direction of your handrail on a staircase or ramp.

Step 1: Cut the railing

Cut the railing to the proper length based on the location of the elbows and other components being used.  Use a collar ring to hide the seam between the elbow and the rail if desired. Slide the collar ring over the rail before inserting it into the elbow. 

Step 2: Begin the connection

For the adjustable elbow, slide it into the rail and ensure it fits tightly against the rail. For angled elbows, slide the internal connector into the rail end until the metal spacer screw touches either the rail's end or the collar if you used one. Then, slide the appropriate angled elbow onto the opposite end of the internal connector until it's touching the metal spacer screw. 

Step 3: Adjust the elbow or complete the connection

For the adjustable elbow, determine the angle required and tighten the set screw on the adjustable elbow. Doing this before the final attachment is recommended to access the set screw more easily. Remove the metal spacer screw using a #2 square-head screwdriver for angled elbows. Push the elbow further over the internal connector until it fits in the collar (if you used one) or fits tightly against the rail. 

Step 4: Install the corner mount

For the corner mount, pre-drill the metal post and install the corner post to the metal post using the provided hardware.

Step 5: Secure the elbow

Finish by installing the elbow to the corner mount.

Build an Accessible Deck with Trex!

Little things can make a big difference, which is why adding a Trex ADA-compliant handrail to your deck can make such an impact. You can create an inclusive and welcoming environment by making every guest on your deck feel valued and safe.

Discover more Trex products that can help turn your outdoor space into an inviting space for everyone.