Fortress AL13 Aluminum Railing System
For the look of steel in a lightweight aluminum panelized system, Fortress AL13 Aluminum Railing is your go to. This high-quality aluminum railing is an excellent choice for patios, porches, and decks alike. The finishes in this railing system match perfectly with Fortress Accents' Deck Lighting components and offer the choice to add a decorative top rail for a distinctive touch.
Key Features
- Durable, Lightweight Aluminum
- Customizable Top Rail
- Glass Infill Options Available
- Three Color Options (Gloss Black, Gloss White, & Black Sand)
The Basics
The Fortress AL13 Railing System is a simple 4-part railing system with the option to add additional accessories and decorative additions. Our AL13 Aluminum Rail Installation Guide will help you install your railing correct the first time.
Step 1 - AL13 Aluminum Deck Post
The AL13 Aluminum Post by Fortress is a 3 x 3 inch aluminum post with a solid welded base. These posts are available in a 39-1/2 inch and 45-1/2 inch heights and three powder-coated finishes, Gloss Black, Gloss White, and Black Sand. Each AL13 aluminum post purchase includes the post, one post base cover, and one base plate barrier (placed between post base and deck surface)
Step 2 - Post Cap
Step 2 is where you will make a decision on what style of post cap you want to use. In order to stay within the Fortress line of products, DecksDirect offers the Flat Pyramid Post Cap by Fortress Accents and the AL13 Aluminum Post Cap by Fortress. Both of these post caps are available in the same color finishes as the rest of the Fortress AL13 products and will also fit the 3 x 3 inch AL13 aluminum post. Both of these post caps include two set screws and an allen wrench for installation. DecksDirect also has a wide variety of post caps in different material types in both lit and unlit varieties, so definitely feel free to go with something completely your own as well.
Step 3 - Fortress AL13 Traditional Prefabricated Aluminum Panels
Now you decide if you want to use the AL13 Traditional Prefabricated Aluminum Panel by Fortress for level railing, the AL13 Traditional Adjustable Aluminum Stair Panel by Fortress for stair railing, or both if you're installing both level and stair railing. Both level and stair railings are available in gloss black, gloss white, and black sand with rail height choices of 34-inches or 40-inches. With level railing, you have the choice of 6-foot or 8-foot railing lengths (nominal - on center measurements) but with stair railing, you only have the option for 8-foot sections.
Step 4A - Fortress AL13 Evolve External Rail Bracket
Step 4 is where you will decide the style of railing bracket you want to use with your railing system. The AL13 Evolve External Rail Brackets are available in packs of four in your choice of three different colors, gloss black, black sand, or gloss white. Each pack includes the four brackets, eight 2-1/2-inch wood screws, and twelve 3/4-inch thread cutting metal screws. You also have the choice of a standard bracket, adjustable stair bracket (up/down) that accommodates 0-45°, or angle brackets that accommodate angles from 0° to 45°.
Step 4B - Fortress AL13 Evolve Internal Rail Bracket
The AL13 Evolve Internal Rail Bracket by Fortress is the simplest way to install level sections of AL13 rail panels. Just like the AL13 evolve external rail brackets above, the internal rail brackets are available in gloss black, gloss white, and black sand and come in packs of four. The internal rail brackets only include the one bracket and are only for use with level, straight AL13 rail panels.
Customizations & Additional Deck Railing Options
The Fortress AL13 Aluminum Panel Railing System has a few additional customization options that are available.
Step 5A - AL13 Accent Top Panel
Fortress' AL13 Accent Top Panels are a fantastic way to accessorize your AL13 panel. You have your choice of four top rail styles - the colonial flat accent top to add an architectural design, the ring top, circle top, or 3 rail accent. The ring top, circle top, and 3 rail accent top panel require 45-1/2 inch posts, 34-inch rail panel height, and the AL13 Evolve Large External Rail Brackets for Accent Panels. This would make your total installed railing height 42-1/2 inches (This includes a 3-1/2 inch space between deck surface and bottom edge of bottom rail).
Step 5A - AL13 Evolve Large External Rail Brackets For Accent Panels
AL13 Evolve Large External Rail Brackets for Accent Panels are what connects your accent top panel and prefabricated aluminum panel to your post. Installing a top accent panel is not possible without these brackets. These brackets come in four packs and only include the bracket with purchase.
Step 5B - AL13 Cap Rail Clip
In order to incorporate a wood or composite top cap rail into your aluminum railing system, you will need the AL13 Cap Rail Clip by Fortress. Installation is fast and easy as each purchase includes four rail clips and eight color-matched installation screws. You need one clip for every four feet in order to ensure a secure installation. These cap rail clips are available in gloss black, black sand, and gloss white.
Step 6A - AL13 Support Block
If you're worried that your railing won't have enough support or if you notice your railing is sagging then we recommend purchasing the AL13 Support Blocks by Fortress.They're available in the same finishes as the rest of the AL13 system and include one support block and four installation screws.
Step 6B - AL13 Aluminum Gate Uprights
Last but not least are the AL13 Aluminum Gate Uprights. They allow you to create a custom-sized gate, for a distinctive addition to your AL13 railing. All you need to do is install the uprights on each side of a cut-down AL13 prefabricated panel. Every purchase includes two uprights and the self-tapping screws that are needed in order to attach the panel. These gate uprights are available in the same colors as the rest of the AL13 system. Keep in mind that your Gate Hardware is sold separately.