For coastal environments, this powder-coated steel Blu Mount Structural Post with Angle Adjustment can eliminate a lot of the time, effort and expense typical when installing traditional 4 inch x 4 inch wood posts. Each structural post is made of sturdy 1/8 inch thick steel with a sturdy mounting plate that can be used on wood or concrete surfaces (fasteners not included). Center the bottom PVC guide block at the height where rail brackets will attach to the post, then secure with a 1 inch screw. Then plumb the post by adjusting the top PVC guide block (loosen the center nut to adjust). Slide your choice of post sleeve over the structural post and the rail brackets will make a secure connection through the post sleeve and into the PVC guide blocks.

Used as is, the post is perfect for 36 inch rail systems, or simply remove and flip over the top guide block to get extra height for a 42 inch rail system. Note that you will need a socket extension to tighten the nut.