{"product_id":"treated-decking-utility-rail-38mm-x-69mm-x-4200mm","title":"Treated Decking Utility Rail 38mm x 69mm x 3.6mt","description":"\u003cp\u003eTreated decking utility rail in 38mm x 69mm section and 3.6 metre lengths is designed for use as a top or bottom rail in timber balustrade systems, fixed between newel posts to carry spindles and balusters on raised decks, steps, and balconies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoftwood timber\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTreatment\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePressure treated (preservative treated)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNominal Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e38mm x 69mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.6 metres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUtility rail (flat\/rectangular section)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSawn\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUse Class\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUC3 (above ground, exposed outdoor use)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat it's used for\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTop rail or base rail in decking balustrade panels fitted between newel posts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHandrail support framing on raised garden decks, steps, and platforms\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBottom rail for enclosing spindles and balusters on balconies and verandas\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStructural framing rail wherever a treated 38 x 69mm section is needed in outdoor joinery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFitting and handling\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAllow the rails to acclimatise for 24 to 48 hours on site before cutting and fixing, particularly in warm or dry conditions. Fix securely to newel posts using galvanised or stainless-steel fixings to avoid corrosive reaction with the preservative treatment. When housing spindles between top and bottom rails, pair with decking fillets to allow for natural timber movement and reduce the risk of splitting over time. If painting, staining, or oiling, apply a suitable exterior finish to all cut ends promptly to maintain the protection provided by the pressure treatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between a utility rail and a standard handrail?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA utility rail is a plain rectangular section used as the structural top or bottom member in a balustrade frame. A shaped handrail typically has a moulded or rounded profile designed to be gripped by hand. Utility rails are used in pairs to hold spindles, with the shaped handrail sometimes fitted on top.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to treat the cut ends of pressure treated decking rail?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Cutting exposes untreated timber below the surface. Apply an end-grain preservative or exterior wood treatment to all cut ends before fixing to maintain protection against moisture and decay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat length spindle spacing should I use with 38mm x 69mm balustrade rail?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUK building regulations require that gaps between balusters do not allow a 100mm sphere to pass through. For most domestic decking and stair balustrades, spindles are spaced at roughly 100mm centres, but always check the current Building Regulations Approved Document K before finalising your layout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse the full range of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/decking\"\u003etreated decking timber\u003c\/a\u003e at Nottage Timber Merchants, including deck boards, newel posts, and balustrade components. We supply trade and DIY customers direct from our yard in Bridgend, South Wales, with competitive pricing and local delivery available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is the difference between a utility rail and a standard handrail?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"A utility rail is a plain rectangular section used as the structural top or bottom member in a balustrade frame. A shaped handrail typically has a moulded or rounded profile designed to be gripped by hand. Utility rails are used in pairs to hold spindles, with the shaped handrail sometimes fitted on top.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Do I need to treat the cut ends of pressure treated decking rail?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes. Cutting exposes untreated timber below the surface. Apply an end-grain preservative or exterior wood treatment to all cut ends before fixing to maintain protection against moisture and decay.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What length spindle spacing should I use with 38mm x 69mm balustrade rail?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"UK building regulations require that gaps between balusters do not allow a 100mm sphere to pass through. For most domestic decking and stair balustrades, spindles are spaced at roughly 100mm centres, but always check the current Building Regulations Approved Document K before finalising your layout.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Nottage Timber Merchants","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52565696545105,"sku":"DECKUTR457536","price":13.54,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/1467\/1697\/files\/45mm-x-70mm-x-36m-Treated-Decking-Utility-Rail-Nottage-Timber-Merchants_1031__71719.1724753620.1280.1280.jpg?v=1765210373","url":"https:\/\/www.timberonline.co.uk\/products\/treated-decking-utility-rail-38mm-x-69mm-x-4200mm","provider":"Nottage Timber Merchants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}