Post Height Matters More Than You’d Think
Brass railing posts range from 1⅜″ to 3 15⁄16″ tall. The right height depends on what you’re protecting and how much of the shelf, cabinet front, or bar edge you want the rail to guard. Measure the surface first, then choose a post height that suits the items being held. Shorter posts work well for shallow display shelves and cabinet fronts, while taller posts provide more protection for books, bottles, and larger objects. The stated height is the post height, with the horizontal rod passing through the opening near the top.
Plan Your Layout Design
- First choose which style to use, consideration should be given to height, appearance and attachment method.
- Sketch your layout design. Decide how you want the brass railing to appear, where the posts will be located
Post Placement:
- Typically posts are equally spaced across front or back. This can be modified if there is something above or below the railing that the posts should be lined up with.
- Position of posts is somewhat subjective. Typical spacing between posts across front, depends upon which post style is used. The taller the post, the more distance between them. See specific layout guidelines for the railing you are using.
- If brass rail will be straight, without sides, use end posts or wall mount posts on each end.
- If brass rail will have sides, use corner posts and end or wall mount posts. (spacing from corner to end post is dependent upon the depth of what the railing is being used on).
How many Railing Posts do I need?
Spacing recommendation for 12" intervals between posts:
. 24" railing calls for 2 end and 1 center post
. 36" railing calls for 2 end and 2 center posts
. 48" requires 2 end and 3 centers
. 60" needs 2 end and 4 centers
. 72" uses 2 end and 5 center posts
. 84" wants 2 end and 6 center posts
Spacing is flexible based on design, see formula below to determine custom spacing.
2 Rods can be joined within a center post to extend railing length.
Need to customize your post spacing?
Use this formula to calculate distance between Center Posts if spacing is different than 12" or if railing length varies from standard lengths. Typically center posts are placed evenly 8” – 14” apart.
1.Divide railing length, by estimated distance between posts.
2. Subtract 1, this equals the number of center posts.
3. Add 2 end posts, wall posts or corner posts to finish
4. If total number of center-posts is a fraction, then distance between posts will need to be adjusted to equal an even number of posts.
Install Brass Gallery Rail, Modern Rail and Vintage Shelf Rail
1. Install Posts with machine screw:
Best and easiest attachment method for this style post is the machine screw. It inserts through hole from underneath mounting surface and screws into bottom of post. Nickel-colored machine screws included. Machine screw is slotted for both a flat-tipped or Philips screw driver.
- Drill hole through wood surface, insert screws from underneath of surface, through hole and thread into bottom of post.
- The gallery rail can be used on stone such as marble or granite provided holes are predrilled at post locations. Machine screws are inserted from under-side of stone, through hole and into base of post.
- If preferred: Brass Ball Head Screws or Brass Thumb Screws can be used, in place of standard machine screws, to attach posts. Use when screw head is visible. Sold separately.
2. Install Posts with: Cap and Nut (sold separately)
This installation method provides an old-time appearance, as it displays a Brass Nut on underside of shelf. Use Threaded stem with brass cap nut in place of standard machine screw attachment method. It is sold separately.
3. Install Posts with Adapter Screw:
This installation method is difficult, requiring extra manipulation of rod and post head when inserting rod. Top mounting will not work if using with wall mount posts. If mounting from top we recommend using Cabinet Railing Posts, as these mount from the top to provide an easier application.
- Screw projects 3/8" from bottom of post. It screws down into top of wood surface.
- This attachment method cannot be used in conjunction with wall mount posts.
- Also, it cannot be used on stone surfaces.
To install Posts with rod using adapter wood screw:
1. Screw all posts into wood surface.
2. Insert rods which fit easily.
3. Tight fitting rods require extra attention:
- Cut rod slightly short.
- Slide rod into post. As rod is slightly short, additional clearance is achieved when sliding rod into post. This added clearance provides space to insert rod into last post.
- If necessary: ball-top of post can be slightly turned and rod can be gingerly bent to fit into post.
Install Brass Railings with Wood Screws
Cabinet Rail Posts, Retro Posts & Mid Century Posts, Low Tipping Rail and Short Brass Rail
This is a fairly simple method of attachment using wood screws. Wood screws are used to attach post to wood surface. Mount by threading wood screw down through countersunk holes in brass base into predrilled holes in wood.
To install Posts with wood screws:
- Mark location of screw-holes on wood surface.
- Drill pilot holes at marked locations. We suggest threading a steel screw into hole and then back it out. This helps thread the holes as brass screws are some what soft.
- Screw posts in place
