Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Composit deck post question

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SuicideNBK
05-04-06, 05:57 PM
We have 4x4 posts that are used as railing supports in a composit deck. The posts have a composit sleeve that fits over them but theres a 1/4in gap between the sleeve and post. Before installing the railing shoud shims be cut to tighten it up or should they just be screwed down? If shims are used should they be of treated wood or compsit decking?

lefty
05-06-06, 04:41 AM
The gap is a design feature of the sleeve to allow for variations in the wood posts. A couple of shims at the top also makes plumbing the sleeve easy. A cedar shim will work just fine. Once the railing is complete, there won't be any significant amount of water getting inside the sleeve. The screws that attach the rail to the post will be penetrating the wood post, and everything will be secure.