If you've been in a lumberyard lately, you've probably seen Trex Select Aluminum Railing getting a lot of attention. What you won't find are tools made to help install it. So I made one.
Here's how the T-Select AL Jig came about, what it does, how to use it, and what the contractors who tested it had to say.
Built to work
Setting a top bracket on a Trex Select aluminum post with the T-Select AL Jig.
How the T-Select AL Jig Came About
I first noticed Trex Select Aluminum Railing at Dunn Lumber, where it's being marketed as an economical, efficient aluminum picket railing that's quick to install. TimberTech Impression Rail Express (IRX) fills that same spot, and I've installed plenty of it.
Over the last few years I've designed and built a set of installation jigs for IRX, because I got tired of the lack of tools made for railing installs. Builders and DIY’ers loved them. So, when I looked for tools made for Trex Select and there weren't any, that became the next railing system I tackled.
I took what I learned from the IRX tools and reached out to a group of deck building specialists on Facebook. They became my field testers. I sent them prototypes to use on real jobs, and they told me what worked and what didn't.
We went through several rounds of testing and a few redesigns, with some helpful ideas from fellow contractors. By the end, the feedback was all positive. Testers said it sped things up, made the job easier, and they couldn't think of anything to change. I did one last redesign to make it tougher and more durable before it was ready for market.
What the Jig Does
The T-Select AL Jig fits on a Trex Select aluminum post and holds the rail bracket in place while you screw it on. It sets bracket height for you, so you don't have to measure or mark each post.
Every feature at a glance
Top and bottom bracket install, a hands-free fit, a stair bracket holder and marking lines, all in one jig.
Sets top and bottom bracket height. One end sets the bottom bracket. Flip it over and the other end sets the top bracket.
Hands-free fit. It grips the post snugly and holds the bracket, so both hands are free for driving screws.
Stair bracket holder. A notch lets you see your marks so you can line up stair brackets quickly.
Marking lines. Lines on the side show where the bracket sits, for custom installs.
Built for the jobsite. It's made from tough, bright orange ASA, so it holds up outdoors and is easy to spot on the deck. It's also backed by our 30-day "break it, we'll replace it" guarantee.
How to Use the T-Select AL Jig
Bottom bracket
Slide the jig onto the post with the bottom tip butted against the post base.
Set the bottom bracket in the jig and screw it on.
Butt it to the post base
With the tip butted against the post base, the bottom bracket is held at the right height while you drive the screws.
Top bracket
Flip the jig over and set the tip flush with the top of the post.
Set the top bracket in the jig and screw it on.
Flip it for the top bracket
Set the tip flush with the post top and the jig holds the top bracket in place, with both hands free for the driver.
Stair brackets
Mark your bracket line on the post.
Set the stair bracket in the notched holder.
Line it up with your mark through the notch and screw it on.
Every bracket ends up at the same height and centered on the post, without pulling out a tape measure.
What the Field Testers Said
"Saved so much time. I literally have no complaints or anything that can be improved. It fits nice and snug, but not too tight."
Ryan, Bruce Fine Construction, Pennsylvania
"I love it. I used it to mount the stair rail brackets. So handy... I love how I can see my line with the little cut out on the top of the square for the stairs."
James, LVMC Decks, Pennsylvania
"The new jig works great. I would like to purchase 3 more. The guys loved it after using it today."
Victor, All-American Remod, Michigan
What It Fits
Trex Select Aluminum Railing with 2.5" posts
36" and 42" railing heights
Level and stair sections
It is not compatible with Trex Select composite railing.
Questions I Get About It
Do I still need a tape measure?
Not for standard level sections at 36" or 42". The jig sets bracket height off the post base and the post top. For anything custom, the marking lines on the side show where the bracket sits, so you can line it up with your own marks.
Can I install the bottom bracket with the post skirt on?
No. The jig is designed to butt directly against the post base. If the post skirt is on, the jig sits higher and the bottom bracket ends up at the wrong height.
How does it handle stairs?
Mark your stair line on each post first. Then set the stair bracket in the notched holder. The notch lets you see your mark, so you can line the bracket up right on it.
Do I have to hold it while I drive screws?
No. It grips the post and holds the bracket, so both hands are free for the driver.
Will it work with Trex Select composite railing?
No. It's made only for the Trex Select aluminum railing system.
Is it fragile?
No. It's built tough for jobsite use, and it's backed by our 30-day "break it, we'll replace it" guarantee. If it breaks, just fill out our claim form with a photo of the broken jig and your order information. We'll replace it, and the photo helps us make the next version even better.
Is this a Trex product?
No. I designed it and make it myself. Tool & Trade is not affiliated with Trex Company, Inc., and Trex did not make or endorse this product.
Where to Get It
The T-Select AL Jig is available on Amazon. You can also see it alongside my IRX railing tools on the Railing Installation Tools page.
If you install Trex Select and have ideas for other tools, I'd like to hear them. That's how this one got made.
