Will aluminum railing rust?
Because of the properties of aluminum, it should not rust. Plus, our products are coated to resist corrosion.
Can I cut a rail?
Yes, you can cut rails using a miter saw. We recommend using a 10-inch 82 carbide blade. For more installation
Can I install railing into a concrete patio?
Yes. If your concrete patio doesn’t already have rails built in, we recommend using Patriot Post Mount. Installation is basically
How far can I span between posts?
Deck posts should be no further than 8 feet apart. Keep in mind that all Color Guard rails are true
What angle should my stairs be?
Stair codes and guidelines prefer an angle of around 37° for normal stairways and around 7° for ramps. There is,
Do I need to have handrail on my steps?
According to code, rails must be installed on stairs with more than three risers. Local code may differ. We have
Do I need to have lighting on my steps?
According to IRC (International Residential Code) Exterior stairways shall be provided with an artificial light source located at the top
What’s a post vs. post sleeve?
A post is a structural element of the deck, usually made from pressure treated wood or metal. It could also
What is code for railing height?
While some local codes deviate from this, all decks that are built 24 inches above grade (ground level) must have
Do I need to meet code if I am not having my deck inspected?
Yes! Just because you are not planning on getting your deck inspected, it needs to be built to code. We
How much does railing cost?
The price of railing is determined by a number of factors, including: Style and material of railing Amount of railing
Do I have to install rails on my deck? Or is that just required if I have children?
In most cases, the answer is simple, “yes.” While some local codes deviate from this, all decks that are built
Can vinyl railing be installed on a rounded porch?
The short answer is, "no." In the past, we worked with a third party vendor to create rounded railing based
Can Post Wrap be painted?
We do not recommend painting our product as we have not done any testing regarding that process. Some installers have
Can recessed light fixtures be installed with the UpSide Deck Ceiling system? How are they sealed?
For mounting a recessed light, fan, or electrical fixture, you will need to plan the location or have a fixture
How do you clean/polish railing?
For both our vinyl and aluminum lines we recommend a mild detergent (like Dawn) and a soft cloth. We do
Are caps and collars available for the 2×4 vinyl post sleeve?
Color guard does make a 2x4 vinyl post sleeve, available in white, tan, and clay. However, we do not manufacture
Is there a way to mount railing brackets onto a round column?
We do offer a column adaptor for our vinyl railing lines. The rail bracket that comes with you railing would
What material are drink rails made from?
Drink rail systems come with the railing and brackets to mount a drink rail, but you choose the material that
Can I buy directly from Color Guard?
No, products must be purchase from a Color Guard Dealer. Find a dealer near you. Color Guard products are also