Product Description
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Superior Outdoor Products 400 Series 36" or 42" Model Deckboard Vinyl Railing Level Sections – Choose Your Height, Length & Color
- Integrated drink-rail design — 400 Series Model level sections feature a pre-attached aluminum deckboard receiver on the top rail so you can add a deckboard of your choice to create a flat, usable drink rail surface (deckboard not included).
- 36" or 42" guard heights — Choose 36" sections for typical residential decks and porches or 42" sections where a taller guard is preferred or required by local building code.
- Level sections in 6' and 8' lengths — Standard 6' and 8' level spans simplify layout between posts, reduce waste, and can be trimmed to match exact post-to-post openings.
- Model square vinyl balusters — Each section includes 1.3" square x 31" Model vinyl balusters that deliver a clean, squared-off infill and help maintain 4" sphere spacing when installed per instructions.
- Aluminum-reinforced top and bottom rails — Vinyl top and bottom rails are each reinforced with aluminum inserts for added stiffness and long-term performance on elevated decks and balconies.
- Four popular rail colors — Available in White, Almond, Clay, and Black rail colors so you can coordinate the railing with your decking, trim, and exterior palette.
- Complete boxed section kits — Each 400 Series Model level kit includes the top rail with aluminum deckboard receiver, bottom rail with aluminum insert, Model balusters, mounting brackets with screws, and an installation guide (deckboard, posts, caps, and trim sold separately).
- Professional-grade, made in the USA system — 400 Series railing is manufactured in the USA from high-quality virgin vinyl and aluminum and is engineered as a code-conscious guard system when installed according to current specifications and code reports.
The Superior Outdoor Products 400 Series Model Deckboard Vinyl Railing Level Sections let you turn your railing into an entertaining-friendly drink rail while keeping the clean, squared-off look of Model vinyl balusters. Each 36" or 42" high level kit pairs aluminum-reinforced vinyl rails with 1.3" square x 31" Model balusters and a pre-attached aluminum deckboard receiver on the top rail, so you can fasten a matching or contrasting deckboard (not included) to create a smooth surface for drinks, plates, or decor. Offered in 6' and 8' lengths and rail colors like White, Almond, Clay, and Black, the 400 Series Model infill is an ideal upgrade for decks and balconies where both style and usable space matter.
Why Choose This Railing Section
- Built-in drink rail capability — The pre-attached deckboard receiver makes it easy to add a deckboard on top of the rail, creating extra serving and seating edge space without complex custom framing.
- Customizable top appearance — Because the deckboard is supplied by you, you can match the existing deck surface or choose a contrasting board to create a design accent along the perimeter.
- Two guard heights for more projects — 36" sections suit many residential applications, while 42" sections help satisfy taller guard requirements on certain decks, balconies, or commercial projects.
- Sturdy, low-maintenance construction — Vinyl rails with aluminum inserts and vinyl balusters resist rot, rust, and peeling paint, reducing the maintenance burden compared to many wood or all-metal railings.
- Part of a flexible railing family — 400 Series offers multiple infill options (including Model and other styles), so you can keep the same deckboard-ready top rail while choosing the infill that best fits your design.
- Ideal for pros and serious DIYers — Boxed kits with brackets, fasteners, and guides help streamline installation while maintaining a professional, finished look between posts.
Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand / Series | Superior Outdoor Products — 400 Series Model Deckboard Vinyl Railing |
| Section Type | Level railing section (deckboard-ready drink rail, boxed kit) |
| Available Heights | 36" and 42" (nominal guard heights) |
| Available Lengths (this listing) | 6' and 8' level sections (can be cut to fit post-to-post openings) |
| System Length Options (general) | 400 Series rails are also offered in 10' lengths in some configurations; check availability if longer spans are needed. |
| Top Rail Profile | Vinyl top rail with pre-attached aluminum deckboard receiver; typical 400 Series top rail size approximately 3 1/8" wide x 3 7/16" high (system spec) |
| Bottom Rail Profile | Vinyl bottom rail with internal aluminum reinforcement (approx. 1 5/8" x 2 5/8" system profile) |
| Baluster Style | Model — 1.3" square vinyl balusters (approx. 31" long for 36" rail; scaled for 42" rail) |
| Rail / Baluster Material | High-quality virgin vinyl (PVC) with internal aluminum inserts in both rails; vinyl balusters |
| Available Rail Colors | White, Almond, Clay, Black (color availability can vary by distributor and height) |
| Kit Contents | Top rail with aluminum deckboard receiver, bottom rail with aluminum insert, Model balusters, level mounting brackets with screws, installation guide (deckboard not included) |
| Sold Separately | 4" post sleeves, structural post mounts, post caps, post trim, deckboards, lighting, and gates |
| Origin | Made in the USA |
| Code / Testing | 400 Series railing is engineered and third-party evaluated for use as a guard under IBC/IRC when installed per current code reports and manufacturer instructions. |
Installation
Lay out your deck or balcony railing runs and mark post locations based on your chosen 6' or 8' section lengths, as well as any corners, ends, and gate openings. Install structural post mounts and 4" vinyl post sleeves according to Superior's instructions and local building codes, making sure posts are plumb and securely anchored. Measure the post-to-post opening for each level run and cut the 400 Series Model section to length if needed, maintaining the minimum rail engagement required by the brackets. Attach the level mounting brackets at the proper heights for your 36" or 42" rail, then set the aluminum-reinforced top and bottom rails into the brackets and fasten them with the supplied screws. Install the 1.3" square Model balusters into the pre-routed or pre-punched openings per the installation guide, ensuring consistent spacing and plumb alignment. Once the rail and balusters are installed, fasten a deckboard (not included) to the pre-attached aluminum deckboard receiver using the recommended fasteners and predrilled holes, then finish the job with matching post caps and trim for a polished look.
Buying Guide
- Choose 36" vs. 42" height — Pick 36" sections for standard residential decks where 36" guards are allowed, or 42" sections in locations that require or benefit from a taller guard height (such as certain balconies or commercial projects).
- Select the right length — Use 6' sections for shorter runs and tighter layouts; use 8' sections to reduce the number of posts and brackets on long, straight spans. Both can be trimmed to fit.
- Plan your deckboard choice — Decide whether you’ll match your existing decking or choose a contrasting deckboard for the drink rail; confirm thickness and manufacturer recommendations before fastening.
- Coordinate colors with your exterior — White, Almond, Clay, and Black rails make it easy to align with window trim, fascia, and decking colors for a cohesive outdoor living space.
- Pair with compatible posts and accessories — Use 4" post sleeves, approved post mounts, and compatible post caps and trim from Superior to complete a unified 400 Series railing system.
- Review installation guides and code reports — Before ordering, check local code requirements, then review Superior’s 400 Series installation guide and current code evaluation reports to confirm spans, heights, and attachment details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What heights and lengths are available for 400 Series Model level sections?
400 Series Model level sections are available in 36" and 42" guard heights and in 6' and 8' lengths in this listing. The broader 400 Series system also offers additional length options in some configurations.
What is the purpose of the aluminum deckboard receiver?
The pre-attached aluminum deckboard receiver on the top rail is designed to accept a deckboard (not included), allowing you to create a drink rail surface that matches or complements your deck.
Is the deckboard included with the railing kit?
No. The deckboard is not included. You supply the deckboard material, which is then fastened to the aluminum receiver using the recommended fasteners and predrilled holes.
What comes in a 400 Series Model level section box?
Each boxed kit typically includes the vinyl top rail with aluminum deckboard receiver, vinyl bottom rail with aluminum insert, Model 1.3" square balusters, level mounting brackets, screws, and an installation guide.
Are posts, caps, and trim included?
No. Posts, structural post mounts, post caps, post trim, lighting, and gates are sold separately so you can configure the system to your layout and design preferences.
Is the 400 Series Model railing code compliant?
400 Series vinyl railing is engineered and third-party evaluated for IBC/IRC guard use when installed per the current code reports and the manufacturer's installation instructions. Always verify specific requirements with your local building authority.
Comparison
| Option | Key Strengths | Best Fit |
| 400 Series Model Deckboard (this product) | Pre-attached aluminum deckboard receiver for an integrated drink rail; Model square vinyl balusters; 36" and 42" heights; 6' and 8' lengths. | Entertaining-focused decks and balconies where a flat drink rail surface and customizable deckboard top are priorities. |
| 200 Series Model Vinyl Railing | Economical flat-top vinyl rail without deckboard receiver; 1.3" square vinyl balusters; multiple lengths and heights. | Projects that want a clean, simple vinyl railing at a lower price point without the need for a drink rail feature. |
| 400 Series York Deckboard Railing | Same deckboard-ready top rail with round aluminum balusters instead of vinyl Model balusters. | Installations where a more open, airy look through the railing is desired while still using a drink rail top. |
If you'd like help choosing between 36" and 42" heights, mixing 400 Series Model sections with other infills, or building a complete package with posts, caps, trim, and gates, please contact us and our team will be happy to assist.
