Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about our products. Read on to learn more about our products' characteristics, installation, fasteners and warranty.
- What are the inside dimensions of your post caps?
- What are the dimensions of a standard 4x4 or 6x6 wood post?
- Will my stainless steel post caps rust?
- Will the brass post caps tarnish?
- What preservative is used to protect Deckorator's pressure-treated wood post caps?
- How bright is the solar post cap light?
- Where can I purchase replacement LED light bulbs?
- What kind of replacement batteries should I buy for the solar post cap light?
- How long will the rechargeable batteries provided with the solar post cap last?
- Can I use regular, non-rechargeable batteries in the solar post cap light?
- How long is the life of the LED light bulbs?
- What’s the maximum amount of LEDs that can be on a single transformer?
- What is the metal underneath the post caps with the powder-coated finish?
- What is powder-coating?
- What does “patina” mean?
- What type of wood is used to make the tropical hardwood cap rail?
- How do I maintain my tropical hardwood cap rail after its been installed?
- What is post base trim?
- When do you need to install a graspable secondary handrail on a residential deck?
- How do I attach the post cap to the post?
- How do I attach the solar post cap light to my post?
- How do I activate the solar post cap?
- How do I activate the solar Tiffany-style post cap?
- Should I remove the thin, clear plastic film over the top of the solar collector on the solar post cap light?
- How do I assemble the Sundial Post Cap Accessory?
- How do I assemble the Convertible Post Cap Light?
Product Characteristics
What are the inside dimensions of your post caps?
Our post caps come in many sizes, but the most common sizes are 4x4 and 6x6, which are made to fit a Standard 4x4 or 6x6 post. The inside dimensions of the Standard 4x4 measure 3-5/8", and the inside dimensions of the Standard 6x6 measure 5-5/8". We produce a limited selection of other opening sizes, such as 4-5/8", 4-7/8" and 6-1/8". In addition, we make a 4x6 post cap (with inside dimensions of 3-5/8x5-5/8) in two all-wood styles: Newport High Pyramid and Newport Classic. We also make an 8x8 Copper-Topped post cap with an opening size of 7-5/8" and a 10x10 cap with an opening size of 9-5/8". All of these special sizes are available in cedar. Our 4x6 post caps are also available in redwood.
What are the dimensions of a standard 4x4 or 6x6 wood post?
The lumber industry defines standard wood post sizes as 4x4 or 6x6. The outside dimensions of the standard 4x4 measures 3-1/2" x 3-1/2", and the outside dimensions of the standard 6x6 measures 5-1/2" x 5-1/2".
Will my stainless steel post caps rust?
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron that contains more than 10% chromium. Stainless steel has a hard oxide coating that makes it resistant to stains. Corrosion and wear strip away this coating, causing the steel to rust. To maintain this coating, clean the post cap periodically with a mixture of vinegar and club soda.
Will the brass post caps tarnish?
Our brass post caps, like our copper finish post caps, are a true metal brass—an alloy of copper and zinc. Our brass post caps are protected with a thin, clear coating of lacquer designed to protect them before and during installation. Once exposed to the elements, the sun’s ultraviolet rays, moisture and pollution begin to break down this coating, exposing the metal underneath. Periodic reapplication of this clear coating will help to protect the brass post cap.
What preservative is used to protect Deckorator's pressure-treated wood post caps?
Our wood post caps are protected by Copper Azole Type B (CA-B), an EPA-registered pesticide containing copper and azole compounds to protect it from termite attack and decay. For more information, refer to the Copper Azole Safe Handling Information.
How bright is the solar post cap light?
The solar post cap light provides an ambient light not suitable for tasks.
Where can I purchase replacement LED light bulbs?
The LED bulbs are part of the whole solar cell component and are not designed to be replaced. The LED bulbs have an average life of 10 years, with a normal usage of 6 to 8 hours per day. We do have Solar Collector Replacement Units available.
What kind of replacement batteries should I buy for the solar post cap light?
If the rechargeable batteries provided with the cap will no longer recharge, they can be replaced with any AA rechargeable batteries. The life depends on the quality of the batteries purchased.
How long will the rechargeable batteries provided with the solar post cap last?
The rechargeable batteries should last approximately one year.
Can I use regular, non-rechargeable batteries in the solar post cap light?
No, the solar post cap light is designed to be used with rechargeable batteries. If regular batteries are used in the sun, they will destroy the solar collector. We do have Solar Collector Replacement Units available.
How long is the life of the LED light bulbs?
With a normal usage of 6-8 hours per day, the LED bulbs should last an average of 10 years. We do have Solar Collector Replacement Units available.
What’s the maximum amount of LEDs that can be on a single transformer?
Up to 24 LEDs can be added to a single transformer.
What is the metal underneath the post caps with the powder-coated finish?
The base of our powder-coated post caps is made of stainless steel.
What is powder-coating?
Our metal balusters are treated with powder-coating. Powder-coating is a dry finishing process in which finely ground particles of pigment and resin are electrostatically charged and sprayed onto an electrically grounded post cap. The charged powder particles adhere to the grounded post cap until they melt and fuse into a smooth coating in the curing oven. The result is a uniform, durable, high-quality finish that is also environmentally friendly. Our Classic, Baroque, Arc, Estate and Traditional balusters are powder-coated with AAMA2604 compliant material, which provides 5 times the outdoor exposure and twice the humidity exposure as AAMA2603.
What does “patina” mean?
"Patina" refers to the natural weathering of copper due to airborne sulfur compounds, which gradually change copper’s surface color. The resulting color, called a patina, depends on location and climate. Salt, moisture, sunlight, ultraviolet rays and pollution can affect the final color. In general, copper progresses from a natural salmon color to a series of russet browns and grays, and finally to a blue-green or gray-green patina. To maintain the shiny look, apply a car wax immediately after purchasing the post cap, and reapply every 3 to 6 months. To encourage a natural patina, remove the lacquer with mineral spirits and grade 0000 steel wool.
What type of wood is used to make the tropical hardwood cap rail?
The tropical hardwood cap rail is made of Sapele, a reddish-brown tropical hardwood that resembles mahogany in appearance, with strength similar to oak. It is commonly used for hardwood flooring, furniture and doors.
How do I maintain my tropical hardwood cap rail after its been installed?
We recommend recoating your tropical hardwood cap rail with an oil stain twice per year to maintain the rail’s color and finish. Any oil-based exterior wood stain of mahogany color can be used. If the rail is not properly maintained, it may dry and bleach out over time.
What is post base trim?
Post base trim is a trim molding for the base of a post. Post base trim is available in 4” x 4” and 6” x 6” sizes, three styles, and three wood species: pressure-treated pine, cedar and redwood. Our post base trim is cut to size, with three sides pre-joined. The fourth side can be easily slipped into place and attached with finish nails, staples or exterior-grade construction adhesive.
When do you need to install a graspable secondary handrail on a residential deck?
A graspable secondary handrail is an important component to consider when planning a deck with stairs. So whether you're constructing a residential composite deck, lumber deck or a deck made from other decking material, you're typically required to install a graspable secondary handrail on one side of the deck's stair railing when there are four or more stair risers present.
Key Residential Stair Handrail Requirements (IRC - International Residential Code)
- Stairways having four or more risers, or rising more than 30 inches in height, whichever is less, must have at least one grab rail.
- Handrails with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of at least 1-1/4 inches and not greater than 2 inches. If the handrail is not circular it shall have a perimeter dimension of at least 4 inches and not greater than 6-1/4 inches with a maximum cross section of dimension of 2-1/4 inches.
- The grab rail must terminate at the newel post (top and bottom posts).
- Clear space between a handrail and a wall or other surface shall be a minimum of 1-1/2 inches.
- The height of handrails must be installed 34 inches - 38 inches from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread.
Graspable secondary handrails are required by more and more building codes / deck codes in areas across the country. Latitudes features a secondary handrail system in their deck railing products lineup.
This attractive and highly versatile graspable handrail is ideal for meeting building codes when required. Made of heavy gauge aluminum and durable PVC, the system includes five different radius elbows and several styles of returns to meet every possible installation. The railing is available in three colors (adobe, tan and white) to complement a homes exterior.
As always, check your local building code or ask your building inspector to make sure you or your contractor installs a secondary handrail when required by law.
Check out the American Wood Council's "Design for Code Acceptance" document for complete details. Stair handrail requirements are outlined on page 18.
Installation
How do I attach the post cap to the post?
We recommend using an exterior-grade construction adhesive to adhere the cap to the post. Apply the adhesive liberally to the inside of the cap and place the cap firmly over the top of the post. If you prefer to use Brad nails, be sure to pre-drill all nail holes to avoid splitting. For more information, refer to the installation instructions.
How do I attach the solar post cap light to my post?
To attach our solar post cap light to a post, apply an exterior-grade construction adhesive to the inside edge of the molding at the bottom of the light, and then place the light firmly onto the post. For more information, refer to the installation instructions.
How do I activate the solar post cap?
- Remove top by pressing inward on the side of the clear lens, grasping the edge of the top and lifting it off.
- Install the batteries.
- Replace the top by snapping it back onto side panels. (Ensure that the holes in the sides are matched up with the stubs on the top.)
- Place your solar post cap light in direct sunlight for 24-48 hours to fully charge.
How do I activate the solar Tiffany-style post cap?
- Remove the solar panel by lifting it straight up from the top of the cap.
- Ensure that the batteries are securely in place.
- Replace the solar panel.
- Your solar Tiffany-style post cap is now ready to be installed on your post.
- Your solar Tiffany-style post cap will need 24 to 48 hours of sunlight to fully charge. Note: The amount of direct sunlight received by the solar panel determines the length of time the light will remain lit after dark.
Should I remove the thin, clear plastic film over the top of the solar collector on the solar post cap light?
Yes. The clear plastic film is meant to protect the solar collector during shipping.
How do I assemble the Sundial Post Cap Accessory?
Place the outside ring over the sundial. Attach the Sundial Post Cap Accessory to the 6 x 6 Victoria Post Cap using an exterior-grade construction adhesive.
How do I assemble the Convertible Post Cap Light?
- Secure the post cap light base to the post by applying an exterior-grade construction adhesive to the underside of the base and placing the base firmly on the post.
- Attach the post cap light by pushing downward onto the base until the components are flush.
- Place the solar panel onto the top of the post cap light and push downward. Note: The solar panel will need 24 to 48 hours of sunlight to fully charge. The amount of direct sunlight received by the solar panel determines the length of time the light will remain lit after dark.
- Optional lighting method: Remove post cap light from base and place a tea candle onto base. Be sure to remove the solar panel for proper ventilation if using a tea candle.
