FAQ's

How big of a pole can fit in the Rail-EZ?

The Rail-EZ Font Loader will hold a pole up to 2 (58mm) to a minimum diameter of 5/8”

The Rail-EZ Top Loader will hold a pole up to 1 1/2” (38mm) to a minimum diameter of 5/8”

If your pole is larger than 2 inches, it will not work in the Rail-EZ 

How big of an umbrella can I use?

You can use small to REALLY big umbrellas (10, 12, 15 foot)
However, we recommend using the System in the "Extended" position when using Umbrellas over 8 feet. If your Pole does not reach the deck, we recommend you get the "Bottom Bracket." 

Will this work on aluminum railings as well as wood?

Yes, The Rail-EZ works on all types of railings, even the ones you buy at the home improvement stores such as "Regal Railings". Check out our handy FIT GUIDE to learn more details. 

What do you mean by the "Extended" and "Suspended" Positions?

There are also two ways you can use the Rail-EZ system.
1) "Suspended," which uses the top of the umbrella (the bottom pole is not needed) 

2) "Extended," where you put the umbrella pole all the way to the deck. The "Extended" configuration also adds support to a weak railing or when using big umbrellas.

3) if your Umbrella Pole does not reach the deck, we have a BOTTOM BRACKET that can be used to solve this problem! 

Do I need rungs on my railing to make this work?

No, it can work if your railing has rungs or glass below it. As long as your railing is a minimum of 1-5/8" wide up to 6" wide and 7/8" high up to 2-1/2" high (thick) and has a lip at least 3/8 inch on either side, it will work! 

Does Rail-EZ work on a completely ROUND railing?

The Rail-EZ NextGen will work with Round Railings but needs to be used in conjunction with the Bottom Bracket - SEE HERE for more info. 

Rail-EZ will work on a domed or 1/2 round railing as the bottom is flat and this creates the lip / or ledge needed to secure to.

Does Rail-EZ work on a completely SQUARE railing?

Rail-EZ will work on a Square railing as the bottom is flat and this creates the area needed to secure to

Won’t a strong wind rip my umbrella off my railing - twist, torque, and wreck my railing?

We tested the Rail-EZ under extreme conditions, and the system is designed to release before it would ever damage your railing SEE TESTS HERE 

However, it is important to understand is that the Rail-EZ is not a solution to keeping your patio umbrella up in the wind :)  As with a traditional patio umbrella stand or base, it is advised that you remove your umbrella in high winds.

How can this work for shade, only half the umbrella is over the deck? 

That would hold true if the sun were only ever overhead, but the sun moves depending on the time of day, and that’s what makes the Rail-EZ system extremely effective in targeting exactly where you want shade since you can easily move it! This works even better if your umbrella can tilt; then you are 100% covered.

What’s the weight capacity for Rail-EZ?

We were able to apply 45 FTP of torque without any damage to the Rail-EZ or the railing itself. These tests were conducted in a suspended configuration without using the umbrella pole. Fully extended to the patio floor for additional support, this configuration would be much stronger. 

How much wind can a typical Patio umbrella take and how does this compare to that?

Most umbrellas have some type of base, in which the pole sits. The base adds more support and keeps the upper portion of the umbrella from tilting to one side. Most outdoor umbrellas cannot withstand the pressure from a 20 mph wind. We made tests, and a traditional umbrella stand took about 7.5 pounds of pressure before it tipped over. The same umbrella in the Rail-EZ took about 23 pounds, so it can withstand about 3 times the weight or wind velocity. We've done many tests and put 23 lbs of side pressure at the top of a standard umbrella pole before the Rail-EZ flexed enough to release from the railing. In comparison, a standard 45 lbs base can only take 7.3 lbs before the umbrella and base fall over.

Will the Rail-EZ scratch my railing? 

We have lined the Rail-EZ with Plastic Pads  (soft and slippery kind of plastic) this protects your railing and prevents it from denting or scratching.