MoistureShield Traverse Solid Core Composite Railing - Level Rail Kit with Square Balusters (36″ height, 6' length)

MoistureShield’s Traverse railing delivers 100% composite construction with a PVC-capped skin that handles Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles better than hollow alternatives. At 45 pounds per 6-foot kit, this isn’t lightweight vinyl pretending to be durable — it’s genuinely solid material.

The 1.5” x 1.5” square balusters space at 4 inches on-center, hitting code requirements while providing the clean lines contractors want. The 15-year limited warranty specifically covers moisture-related defects including rot, decay, and insect damage — problems that plague untreated wood railings across Montana’s varying climates.

Construction and Installation Details

The Solid Core™ technology creates a 100% composite core wrapped in a PVC-capped skin. This matters when spring melt saturates everything and winter freezes it solid again. Hollow railings trap moisture that expands when frozen. Solid construction doesn’t give water anywhere to hide.

Specification	Value
Height	36 inches
Length	6 feet (72 inches)
Baluster Spacing	4 inches on-center
Baluster Size	1.5 in. x 1.5 in. square
Weight	Approx. 45 lbs per 6-ft kit
Level Rail Kit Lengths Available	6’, 8’ or 10’
Level Rail Kit Heights Available	36” or 42”

Installation follows standard deck railing procedure: prepare deck and verify joist spacing (typically 16” on-center), position and pre-drill mounting brackets, secure bottom rail to joists with stainless-steel screws, insert square balusters into pre-drilled bottom rail openings, fasten top rail over balusters and secure to brackets, then check horizontal alignment with a level.

Integrated brackets/lugs handle the attachment, and concealed fasteners keep the finished look clean. The included items cover everything needed: top rail (composite), bottom rail (composite), 14-15 square vinyl balusters, mounting brackets, hardware package with stainless-steel screws and fasteners, plus installation instructions.

Performance Features and Warranty

The rot, insect, and decay resistance addresses real Montana problems. Carpenter ants love moist wood. Porcupines chew untreated railings. This composite construction eliminates both issues.

No sanding, staining, or sealing required — that’s not marketing fluff. Wood railings need staining every two years in Montana’s UV exposure. Skip one cycle and the damage accelerates. This product sidesteps that maintenance trap entirely.

The transferable limited lifetime warranty goes beyond the 15-year coverage for moisture-related defects. Both IRC and IBC code compliance means no inspection surprises.

Made in the USA matters to contractors who’ve dealt with import quality issues. According to industry reviews, MoistureShield’s solid core composite railings are recognized for their superior moisture resistance and ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions.

The Bottom Line

The solid core construction provides added stability compared to hollow railings. For Montana contractors dealing with temperature swings from -30°F to 90°F, moisture that arrives as snow, rain, and summer thunderstorms, plus clients tired of annual staining, this railing system solves multiple problems.

The weight tells the story. At 45 pounds per 6-foot section, crews know they’re installing substance, not hollow promises. Compatible with all MoistureShield composite decking systems and works with non-MoistureShield decks with standard joist spacing.

The smooth, contemporary T-Rail profile with vinyl cap delivers the modern aesthetic mountain homes demand. True-to-length panels mean no awkward joints or seams.

For contractors who understand that what holds up the handrail matters as much as how it looks, MoistureShield’s Traverse delivers genuine structural integrity. The solid core construction and moisture warranty address Montana’s specific challenges — not theoretical ones from a product testing lab in Phoenix.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Solid Core construction better than hollow railings? The 100% composite core with PVC-capped skin eliminates the hollow spaces where moisture collects and freezes. This solid core construction provides added stability compared to hollow railings, reducing flex and improving long-term durability in freeze-thaw conditions.

What’s included in the Level Rail Kit? The kit includes one top rail (composite), one bottom rail (composite), 14-15 square vinyl balusters (1.5”), mounting brackets, hardware package with stainless-steel screws and fasteners, and installation instructions.

Does this meet building codes? Yes, it’s compliant with both IRC and IBC codes. The 4-inch on-center baluster spacing meets standard residential requirements.

What size options are available? Level rail kits come in 36” or 42” heights and 6’, 8’ or 10’ lengths. Stair rail kits are available in 36” or 42” heights and 6’ or 8’ lengths.

How heavy is this railing system? Approximately 45 pounds per 6-foot kit. The weight reflects genuine solid construction rather than hollow materials.