Product Description
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Superior Outdoors 400 Series 36" Whitmer Deckboard Vinyl Railing Stair Sections – Choose Your Length & Color
- Deckboard-ready stair top rail — 400 Series Whitmer stair sections use a vinyl top rail with a pre-attached aluminum deckboard receiver, so you can add a matching or contrasting deckboard and carry a continuous drink rail look down the stairs (deckboard not included).
- 36" guard height for standard decks — These stair sections are supplied in a 36" rail height that fits most residential deck and porch applications; always confirm local code requirements before ordering.
- 6' and 8' boxed stair sections — Available in 6' and 8' lengths that can be cut to size on site, making it easier to match your stair run and landing layout while maintaining proper baluster spacing.
- Whitmer 3/4" square aluminum balusters — Features 3/4" square aluminum balusters for the Whitmer style, giving your stair railing a crisp, modern infill that complements composite or wood decking.
- Aluminum-reinforced rails — Both top and bottom rails are reinforced with internal aluminum inserts, adding strength, stiffness, and long-term stability to the drink-rail stair system.
- Four rail colors — Offered in White, Almond, Clay, and Black to coordinate with common trim, window, and deck color schemes.
- Standard stair brackets included — Kits include stair mounting brackets sized for typical 32–36° stair pitches; universal 0–45° brackets can be ordered separately for non-standard stairs or ramps.
- USA-made, code-focused system — Manufactured in the USA from low-maintenance vinyl and aluminum and engineered as part of a guardrail system that is third-party tested to IBC/IRC criteria when installed per current specifications.
- Complete boxed kits — Each 400 Series Whitmer stair kit includes top and bottom rails with aluminum inserts, Whitmer balusters, stair mounting brackets with screws, and an installation guide; posts, caps, trim, mounts, and deckboard are sold separately.
The Superior Outdoors 400 Series Whitmer Deckboard Vinyl Railing Stair Sections extend the functionality and style of your drink-rail deck system onto your stairs. Each 36" high stair section pairs an aluminum-reinforced top rail with a pre-installed deckboard receiver and a reinforced bottom rail with 3/4" square Whitmer aluminum balusters, creating a strong, modern stair guard that still feels open and inviting. Available in 6' and 8' lengths and four rail colors (White, Almond, Clay, and Black), these stair kits let you continue the same square-baluster, deckboard-top look from your level runs down to each landing for a cohesive, entertainment-ready outdoor space.
Why Choose This Stair Railing
- Continuous deckboard on stairs — The built-in aluminum receiver plate at the top of each section lets you run the same deckboard from your main deck railing right onto your stair runs.
- Clean, square-baluster aesthetic — Whitmer’s 3/4" square aluminum balusters give the railing a contemporary, linear style that pairs well with modern architecture and composite decking.
- Flexible layout with cut-to-fit sections — 6' and 8' stair sections can be trimmed in the field to accommodate various stair lengths, landings, and transitions while maintaining a professional finish.
- Low-maintenance durability — Vinyl rails and powder-coated aluminum balusters resist rot, peeling, and most weathering, so upkeep is usually limited to occasional cleaning.
- System-matched components — The Whitmer infill style is available across compatible 400 Series level sections and gates, allowing you to carry the same look throughout the entire railing project.
Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand / Series | Superior Outdoor Products — 400 Series Whitmer Deckboard Stair Railing |
| Section Type | Stair railing section (deckboard-ready drink rail) |
| Available Heights (this listing) | 36" stair height |
| Section Lengths | 6' and 8' stair sections (cut-to-fit on site as needed) |
| Stair Pitch (standard brackets) | Designed for typical 32–36° stair runs (use universal 0–45° brackets for other pitches) |
| Top Rail Profile | 400 Series vinyl top rail with pre-attached aluminum deckboard receiver (deckboard not included) and internal aluminum reinforcement |
| Bottom Rail Profile | Vinyl bottom rail with internal aluminum reinforcement channel |
| Baluster Style | Whitmer — 3/4" square aluminum balusters |
| Baluster Material | Powder-coated aluminum |
| Rail Colors | White, Almond, Clay, Black (availability may vary by distributor) |
| Kit Contents | Top rail with deckboard receiver and aluminum insert, bottom rail with aluminum insert, Whitmer balusters, standard stair mounting brackets with screws, and installation guide |
| Deckboard | Not included — installer supplies compatible deckboard to attach to receiver plate |
| Compatible Posts | 4" vinyl post sleeves over structural posts or post mounts approved for use with Superior railing (sold separately) |
| Typical Applications | Deck, porch, and balcony stairs where a drink-rail top and modern square-baluster look are desired |
| Code / Testing | Part of a railing system engineered and third-party tested to IBC/IRC guardrail requirements when installed per current Superior specifications and code reports |
| Origin | Manufactured in the USA |
Installation
Plan your stair layout and determine the total run, rise, and pitch (most standard stairs fall between 32° and 36°). Set structural posts and 4" sleeves at the top and bottom of the stair and at any intermediate landings according to Superior’s 400 Series guidelines and local codes. Measure between posts along the slope and cut the Whitmer stair section to length if required, maintaining the manufacturer’s minimum rail engagement into each bracket. Attach the included stair brackets to the posts, then secure the bottom and top rails to the brackets. Install the 3/4" square aluminum balusters per the instructions, making sure spacing and height comply with code. Finally, fasten your chosen deckboard to the aluminum receiver plate in the top rail using the provided fasteners and recommended pilot holes, then finish the installation with compatible post caps and trim. For non-standard stair or ramp pitches outside 32–36°, substitute 400 Series universal stair brackets (0–45°, sold separately).
Buying Guide
- Select section length — Use 8' stair sections for long, straight runs with fewer joints and 6' sections for shorter runs, landings, or where additional posts are desired for visual or structural reasons.
- Confirm stair pitch — If your stairs are within the standard 32–36° range, the included brackets should work; for ramps or unusual pitches, plan on adding universal 0–45° stair brackets.
- Coordinate color with your deck — Match White, Almond, Clay, or Black rails to your deck boards, fascia, and trim, then choose post caps and post trim that complete the look.
- Plan your drink rail deckboard — Decide whether to match your existing deck boards or use a contrasting deckboard to highlight the drink rail; confirm thickness and fastening requirements before installation.
- Check local code requirements — Verify that a 36" stair guard height is allowed in your jurisdiction and confirm baluster spacing, opening size, and handrail requirements with your local building authority.
- Pair with matching components — Combine 400 Series Whitmer stair sections with Whitmer level sections, gates, 4" post sleeves, mounts, caps, and trim for a fully coordinated railing system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What heights and lengths are available for 400 Series Whitmer deckboard stair sections?
For this listing, 400 Series Whitmer deckboard stair sections are supplied in a 36" guard height and 6' and 8' lengths, which can be cut to fit your specific stair run.
Does the stair kit include the deckboard for the top rail?
No. The kit includes the top rail with an aluminum deckboard receiver, bottom rail, Whitmer balusters, brackets, and installation hardware. The deckboard itself is supplied separately so you can match your deck surface.
What pitch stairs do the included brackets work with?
The standard brackets supplied with these stair sections are designed for typical residential stair pitches of approximately 32–36°. For other pitches or for ramps, use 400 Series universal stair brackets rated for 0–45°.
Are posts and post caps included with the stair sections?
No. Posts, post sleeves, structural post mounts, caps, and post trim are sold separately so you can choose the post layout and post-top style that best fits your project.
What kind of balusters are used in the Whitmer stair railing?
Whitmer deckboard stair sections use 3/4" square aluminum balusters that provide a modern, linear look and durable metal infill.
Is this stair railing system code compliant?
The 400 Series railing system is engineered and third-party tested as a guardrail to meet IBC/IRC requirements when installed according to Superior’s current specifications and code reports. Always verify final compliance with your local building official.
Comparison
| Option | Key Strengths | Best Fit |
| 400 Series Whitmer Deckboard Stair (this product) | Deckboard-ready top rail with 3/4" square aluminum balusters for a modern, drink-rail stair system. | Deck and porch stairs where you want a square-baluster metal infill and a continuous drink rail from level to stair sections. |
| 400 Series York Deckboard Stair | Deckboard-top rail with 3/4" round aluminum balusters for a slightly lighter, more open visual profile. | Projects that favor round balusters to coordinate with other round elements or a softer look. |
| 400 Series Model Deckboard Stair | Deckboard-ready rail with vinyl square balusters instead of aluminum. | Installations that prefer an all-vinyl infill with a drink-rail top and a slightly softer aesthetic. |
| 200 Series Whitmer Stair (no deckboard) | Traditional flat top rail with Whitmer aluminum balusters but no integrated deckboard receiver. | Stairs where a standard guardrail profile is sufficient and a dedicated drink rail is not needed. |
To complete a 400 Series Whitmer deckboard railing system, pair these stair sections with matching 400 Series Whitmer level sections, gates, compatible posts, post mounts, caps, and post trim. If you’d like help planning a full materials list, confirming bracket choices, or comparing Whitmer to other 400 Series infill options, please contact us.