Product Description
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Superior Outdoors 400 Series Whitmer Deckboard Vinyl Railing – 36" Level Sections, 6' & 8' Lengths, Multiple Colors
- 400 Series drink-rail ready top rail — Features the 400 Series vinyl top rail with a pre-attached aluminum deckboard receiver so you can add a matching (or contrasting) deck board for a wide, functional drink rail surface.
- Whitmer square aluminum balusters — Uses 3/4" square aluminum Whitmer balusters for a crisp, modern infill that offers stronger visual definition than vinyl spindles while keeping sightlines relatively open.
- 36" level height with 6' & 8' sections — Standard 36" guard height and 6' or 8' level spans fit most residential decks and patios; 10' lengths and 42" heights are available in the 400 Series system by special request for select layouts.
- Color options to match your project — Offered in White, Almond, Clay, and Black so you can coordinate railing with trim, windows, and decking for a cohesive outdoor design.
- Aluminum-reinforced rails — Both top and bottom rails are reinforced with internal aluminum channels to improve stiffness, reduce deflection, and support the added weight of a full-length deckboard drink rail.
- USA-made vinyl & aluminum construction — Manufactured in the USA by Superior Outdoor Products from low-maintenance vinyl and structural aluminum, designed for long-term outdoor performance.
- Code-oriented design — Part of a railing family engineered and third-party tested to meet IBC/IRC guardrail criteria when installed per manufacturer specifications and applicable code reports.
- Boxed level kits — Each level section kit includes the aluminum-reinforced top rail with deckboard receiver, bottom rail, Whitmer balusters, level brackets with screws, and installation guide; posts, caps, trim, mounts, and deckboard are sold separately.
The Superior Outdoors 400 Series Whitmer Deckboard Vinyl Railing brings together a robust drink-rail-ready top profile with clean 3/4" square aluminum Whitmer balusters for a premium, entertaining-focused deck railing. These 36" level sections in 6' and 8' lengths are ideal for decks, porches, and balconies where you want a flat, usable top surface that can support glasses, plates, and décor while still meeting typical residential guardrail requirements. With aluminum-reinforced rails, a pre-attached deckboard receiver, and a choice of White, Almond, Clay, or Black rails, the 400 Series Whitmer system lets you coordinate with your deck boards and trim while providing a strong, low-maintenance, USA-made railing solution.
Why Choose This Railing Section
- Purpose-built for drink rails — Unlike improvised drink-rail add-ons, the 400 Series is engineered from the start with an aluminum receiver plate that accepts a full-width deckboard along the top for a sturdy, gap-free drink rail.
- Modern square-baluster look — Whitmer’s 3/4" square aluminum balusters deliver a contemporary, linear aesthetic that pairs well with modern homes, composite decking, and mixed-material designs.
- Flexible design with your deck boards — Because the deckboard is supplied separately, you can match the exact decking product (and color) used on your project or create a contrasting drink-rail accent.
- Low-maintenance performance — Vinyl rails and powder-coated aluminum balusters resist rot, peeling, and most weathering; routine cleaning with mild soap and water is usually all that’s required.
- Professional grade construction — Aluminum reinforcement in both rails and a robust receiver plate make this a fence-contractor and deck-builder friendly system designed for real-world use.
- Part of a complete railing family — Pair Whitmer level sections with matching 400 Series Whitmer stair sections and gates (where offered), plus compatible posts, caps, and trim, for a fully coordinated deck perimeter.
Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand / Series | Superior Outdoor Products — 400 Series Whitmer Deckboard Railing |
| Section Type | Level railing section (deckboard-ready drink rail) |
| Available Heights | 36" standard level height |
| Section Lengths | 6' and 8' boxed level sections; 10' level lengths available in the 400 Series system by special request |
| Top Rail Profile | 400 Series vinyl top rail with pre-attached aluminum deckboard receiver (drink rail plate) |
| Bottom Rail Profile | Vinyl bottom rail with internal aluminum reinforcement channel |
| Baluster Style | Whitmer — 3/4" square aluminum balusters |
| Colors | White, Almond, Clay, Black (availability may vary by distributor and configuration) |
| Deckboard | Not included — customer/installer supplies deckboard to attach to the receiver plate |
| Kit Contents | Top rail with deckboard receiver & aluminum insert, bottom rail with aluminum insert, Whitmer balusters, level mounting brackets, screws, and installation guide |
| Posts / Accessories | 4" post sleeves, post mounts, post caps, and post trim sold separately |
| Material | Vinyl (PVC) rails with aluminum reinforcement and aluminum balusters; manufactured in the USA |
| Intended Use | Deck, porch, balcony, and patio guardrail applications; drink-rail top when used with attached deckboard |
| Code / Testing | Engineered and third-party tested as part of Superior’s vinyl railing systems to meet IBC/IRC guardrail requirements when installed per specifications; verify current code reports |
Installation
Lay out your 400 Series Whitmer railing runs and locate post positions based on 6' or 8' section lengths plus gate openings and corners. Install structural posts and 4" post sleeves according to Superior’s installation instructions and local building codes. Once posts are set, measure between posts, cut the Whitmer level section to length if needed, and attach the bottom and top rails using the provided 400 Series level brackets and screws. Install the 3/4" square aluminum balusters per the kit instructions, ensuring consistent spacing and plumb alignment. After the rails and balusters are secured, fasten your chosen deckboard to the pre-drilled aluminum receiver plate on the top rail to complete the drink rail, then finish with compatible post caps and post trim.
Buying Guide
- Choose 6' vs. 8' sections — Use 8' sections to minimize joints along long deck edges, and 6' sections where shorter spans or more frequent posts are desirable for layout or code reasons.
- Plan your deckboard drink rail — Decide whether you’ll match the existing deck boards or use a contrasting color/texture; confirm deckboard thickness and fastener type to ensure compatibility with the aluminum receiver plate.
- Coordinate color and metal finishes — Select White, Almond, Clay, or Black rails to coordinate with house trim and choose complementary baluster, post cap, and post trim styles to complete the look.
- Confirm height and code requirements — Verify whether your project calls for a 36" or 42" guardrail (where available) and ensure post layout, mounting hardware, and baluster spacing all meet local building codes.
- Pair with matching components — Combine these Whitmer level sections with compatible 400 Series stair sections, gates, posts, caps, post trim, and lighting to build a cohesive railing system across your deck.
- Review warranty and documentation — Consult Superior Outdoor Products’ installation guides, technical resources, and warranty information for full performance details and maintenance recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the 400 Series Whitmer railing different from standard vinyl railing?
The 400 Series Whitmer railing is specifically designed for drink-rail applications with a top rail that includes an aluminum deckboard receiver and 3/4" square aluminum Whitmer balusters for a modern, high-end look.
Does this kit include the deckboard for the drink rail?
No. The kit includes the top rail with an aluminum receiver plate, bottom rail, balusters, brackets, and hardware. You or your installer supply the deckboard used on top so it can match your existing decking.
What heights and lengths are available?
This listing focuses on 36" tall level sections in 6' and 8' lengths. The 400 Series system also supports additional lengths (including some 10' options) and 42" heights in certain configurations; contact us if you need alternatives.
Are posts and post caps included?
No. Posts, post sleeves, structural post mounts, post caps, and post trim are sold separately so you can configure the layout and post style that best fits your project.
Can I use these sections on second-story decks and balconies?
Yes, the 400 Series is engineered as a guardrail system and is suitable for elevated decks and balconies when installed with appropriate posts and mounts and when it meets your local IBC/IRC and jurisdictional code requirements.
Are matching stair sections and gates available?
Whitmer infill is available across compatible 400 Series stair sections and gates in many markets, allowing you to carry the same square aluminum baluster look throughout your entire railing design.
Comparison
| Option | Key Strengths | Best Fit |
| 400 Series Whitmer Deckboard (this product) | Drink-rail-ready top rail with aluminum receiver and 3/4" square aluminum balusters; ideal for entertaining-focused decks. | Decks and patios where you want a functional drink rail and a modern, square-baluster look. |
| 400 Series Model Deckboard | Same drink-rail top rail with 1.3" vinyl square balusters for a softer, all-vinyl infill. | Projects that prefer vinyl balusters over aluminum while still wanting a deckboard drink rail. |
| 400 Series York Deckboard | Drink-rail top rail with 3/4" round aluminum balusters for a slightly lighter, more open appearance. | Installations where round metal balusters pair better with architectural details or other round elements. |
| 200 / 1000 / 3000 Series Rails | Traditional flat or T-top rails without built-in deckboard receivers; multiple infill styles. | Porches and decks where a standard guardrail profile is sufficient and a dedicated drink rail is not required. |
To build a complete 400 Series Whitmer deckboard railing system, pair these level sections with compatible 400 Series stair sections, gates, 4" post sleeves, post mounts, caps, and trim. If you’d like help planning a materials list, confirming 10' or 42" options, or comparing the Whitmer style to other 400 Series infills, please contact us.