Product Description
Superior Outdoor Products 4" Standard 4-Lag Galvanized Post Mount – 36" & 42"
- Structural base for 4" vinyl newel posts — Standard 4-lag post mounts are designed for 4" x 4" plain or turned vinyl newel posts on decks, porches, patios, and stair landings.
- Galvanized steel construction — Heavy-duty galvanized steel post tube with a metal base provides a strong, long-lasting alternative to wood posts that won’t bow, split, rot, or warp.
- Four-lag mounting plate — A steel base with four lag-bolt holes allows you to securely anchor the post mount to concrete slabs or wood framing using appropriate structural fasteners.
- Includes leveling hardware and spacers — Each mount comes with a leveling plate, four adjustable leveling bolts, and spacer blocks to help plumb the post and fill the space inside 4" vinyl sleeves.
- Two height options — Choose 4" x 36" (8436G-NT) for 36" finished rail systems or 4" x 42" (8442G-NT) when your local code or design calls for a 42" guard height.
- Code-focused performance — Listed by the manufacturer as structural post mounts tested to meet IRC guard requirements and IBC loads up to specified limits when installed correctly as part of their railing system.
The Superior Outdoor Products 4" Standard 4-Lag Galvanized Post Mounts give your vinyl railing posts a solid, structural foundation when you’re building on concrete, wood decks, or other hard surfaces where you can’t dig a traditional footing. Available in 4" x 36" and 4" x 42" heights, these mounts are engineered for 4" vinyl newel posts and include a leveling plate, adjustable leveling bolts, and spacers to help you plumb the post before you sleeve it and attach your railing. The galvanized steel construction is designed for long-term outdoor use, making these mounts a dependable choice for code-focused residential and light commercial railing projects.
Why Choose These Standard 4-Lag Post Mounts
- Stronger than wood blocking — Purpose-built metal mounts provide a more consistent, engineered base than site-built wood posts or blocking that can twist or rot over time.
- Simplifies code-compliant installs — Manufacturer-tested structural mounts help you build guard and handrail systems that can meet common IRC and IBC load requirements when installed per instructions.
- Leveling built in — The included leveling plate and bolts make it easier to plumb posts even when the deck or slab surface is slightly out of level.
- Compatible with vinyl sleeves — Spacers and the 4" square tube are designed to work with 4" vinyl newel sleeves so the finished post looks clean and substantial.
- Flexible for level and stair runs — The same mounts can be used for both standard (level) newel posts and stair posts in matching railing lines.
Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Superior Outdoor Products |
| Product Type | Structural 4-lag metal post mount for vinyl railing |
| Sizes / Models | 4" x 36" (8436G-NT) • 4" x 42" (8442G-NT) |
| Post Compatibility | 4" x 4" plain or turned vinyl newel posts |
| Material | Galvanized steel post mount with metal (stainless steel on many systems) leveling plate |
| Included Hardware | Leveling plate, four leveling bolts/set screws, spacer blocks for 4" vinyl sleeves |
| Mounting | Four-lag bolt holes in base plate for attachment to concrete slabs or wood framing (anchoring fasteners sold separately) |
| Typical Use | Deck, porch, balcony, and stair guard/handrail posts where excavation for footings is not practical |
| Code Notes | Listed as structural post mounts tested for IRC compliance and IBC guard loads up to manufacturer-specified limits when properly installed |
Installation
Confirm your finished rail height and choose either the 36" or 42" Standard 4-lag post mount accordingly. Lay out post locations and mark the base plate hole pattern on the concrete or framing, then drill and install appropriate structural anchors or lag bolts per manufacturer and fastener guidelines. Attach the included leveling plate and use the leveling bolts to plumb the post mount. Slide a 4" vinyl post sleeve over the mount with any required spacers, then install your vinyl railing brackets and rails according to the railing installation instructions. Always follow local building codes and the manufacturer’s installation guides when using structural post mounts.
Buying Guide
- Choose the correct height — Use the 4" x 36" mount for 36" railing systems and the 4" x 42" mount for 42" systems or where local code requires a taller guard.
- Match to 4" vinyl newel posts — These mounts are sized for 4" post sleeves; if you’re using larger posts, check compatible adapter blocks or alternative mounts.
- Plan one mount per structural post — Count line, corner, stair, and gate or entry posts that require structural support on slabs or decks.
- Select suitable anchors for your surface — Use structural concrete screws/anchors for slabs or structural lag screws for wood framing, following fastener manufacturer guidance.
- Review code requirements — Verify local IRC/IBC guardrail requirements for height, spacing, and load so you can design the railing system appropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Standard 4-lag post mounts used for?
Standard 4-lag post mounts provide a structural base for 4" vinyl newel posts when installing railing on concrete slabs, wood decks, or other hard surfaces where you can’t dig a footing.
What sizes are available for these Superior post mounts?
These mounts are offered in 4" x 36" (8436G-NT) and 4" x 42" (8442G-NT) heights to match common 36" and 42" railing systems.
What material are the Standard 4-lag mounts made from?
They are galvanized steel structural post mounts with a separate metal leveling plate, designed for long-term outdoor use.
Do the mounts include anchors for concrete or wood?
No. The mounts include a leveling plate, leveling bolts, and spacers, but structural anchors or lag screws for attaching the base plate to concrete or framing are purchased separately.
Can these mounts be used for both level and stair posts?
Yes. Standard 4-lag post mounts are used under both straight (level) railing posts and stair posts as part of compatible vinyl railing systems.
Are these mounts tested for building code compliance?
According to manufacturer specifications, these structural post mounts are tested for IRC compliance and IBC guard loads up to specified limits when installed correctly as part of the approved railing system. Always check local codes and follow the installation instructions for your project.
Comparison
| Option | Key Strengths | Best Fit |
| Standard 4-Lag Post Mount (this product) | Galvanized steel structural mount with four-lag base, leveling plate, and spacers for 4" vinyl newel posts. | Most 4" vinyl deck and porch railing projects on concrete slabs or wood decks that need a strong, code-focused base. |
| Plumb Perfect Post Mounts | Enhanced alignment features and additional components to simplify achieving plumb posts on challenging surfaces. | Installations where fast, precise post alignment is a priority or where surfaces are significantly out of level. |
| 6" or 8" Structural Post Mounts | Larger, heavier-duty mounts designed for 6" and 8" structural newel posts and higher load demands. | Big posts, heavier rail systems, or applications that call for larger structural columns. |
| Direct-Burial Posts (no mount) | Posts set in concrete footings instead of surface mounting. | Ground-level installs where you can dig footings rather than mounting on slabs, decks, or elevated structures. |
Need help deciding between 36" and 42" Standard 4-lag post mounts, or how many you need for a given railing layout? Please contact us.
