How to Install Vinyl Porch Railings & Posts

Measure the porch's perimeter to determine the number of posts needed. Most vinyl porch railing kits require using one post per 42-inch section of railing. Place marks every 42 inches along the porch perimeter to identify the correct placement for posts.

Install wall brackets into the exterior walls of the house that meet the porch. Place the wall brackets at the height recommended by the vinyl railings' manufacturer. The wall brackets will take the place of the posts at the inside edge of the porch.

Install the vinyl porch railing kit's post mounting plates over the marks you made for the posts. Use a carpenter’s level to make the mounting plates square with the angles of the porch. Screw the mounting plates into the porch with the screws provided in the kit. The posts in your kit should have metal plates attached to their bottom. Set the metal plates that are on the bottom of the posts over the mounting plates on the porch, and twist them so they clip in place, holding the posts upright.

Hold a vinyl railing section at the desired height between the upright posts. Place wooden spacer blocks between the bottom of the railing and the porch decking to help hold the railing section vertical while you work. Hold the carpenter’s level along the top of a railing to ensure an even rail height. Mark the railing height along the sides of the posts with a pencil. Screw the railing mounting brackets for the railing into the vinyl posts at the marks. Snap the ends of the railing sections into the brackets on the walls and on the posts. Tighten the screws to hold the vinyl railing firmly in place. Repeat the procedure for each railing.