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Semi-Private Fence – Columbia
1. Getting Started
• Be sure to call underground (811) prior to digging
• Assemble gates (if necessary) and decide where they will
be located
• Stake out the fence line
• Space and mark post hole locations for gate and sections
(spacer bar/template may be useful)
• Start at gate end post and work outward to determine
proper fence height relative to ground
2. Dig Holes
• Dig holes 30" deep or to frost line
- Hole size for 5 x 5 posts = approximately 12"
• Clean holes and check for straight walls
• Bell bottom of holes
3. Install First Post
• Insert post in hole
• Determine rough height
• Fill hole around post with concrete mix (sand, gravel and
cement) approximately 2" or 4" below grade
• Tamp concrete in hole to eliminate air pockets
• Level and square post
4. Install Bottom Rail
• Tape the ends of any rail going into a post that is to be filled
with concrete to prevent concrete seepage
• Depress bullet clip and insert bottom rail in post; clip will drop
down to hold rail in post
5. Install Second Post
• Insert second post in hole
• Insert bottom rail in post
• Insert block under bottom rail to position at correct
fence height
• Fill hole around second post with concrete mix
• Tamp, level and square fence
• Assembly may be continued by installing all bottom rails first,
or one section at a time
6. Support and Secure
• Level and square fence
• To lower a post, place a wood block from corner to corner on
the post and carefully tap with a mallet
• Never strike the PVC post without a wood support
7. Install Mid-Rail
• Insert mid-rail in first post with larger routed holes facing in
the down position
• Insert into second post (Note: This rail floats in post.
No bullet clips are required)
8. Install Pickets and Top Rail
• Insert all pickets through mid-rail into bottom rail
• Temporarily remove mid-rail ends from post and pull the
section forward
• Insert the top rail over the pickets starting at one end
• Insert the mid-rail and the top rail back into the posts
• Secure top rail inside post with a #8 x 3/4" screw
9. Hang Gate/Install Hardware
• For complete details, see gate installation instructions in
hardware box
• Position gate between posts
• Allow 1" gap for the hinge and 3/4" for latch and gate swing
• Block up gate to square with fence; rails should be level
• Gate hardware must be secured to two sides of the post
10. Solidify Gate Posts
• It is critical that gate hinge and latch posts are solid to ensure
proper gate functionality. Two methods are available:
A. Aluminum gate post stiffener
- Slide aluminum gate stiffener inside hinge,
latch or end posts with open end facing routed hole
- Drive a screw through the vinyl into the aluminum
stiffener at the bottom of the post
- Insert post into the ground
- Fill hole with concrete around outside of post
B. Concrete and rebar*
- Use two pieces of 1/2" rebar in each hinge, latch and
end post
- Rebar should extend from the bottom of the hole to
approximately 12" from the top of the post
- Hold rebar in opposite corners of post with rebar
separator clips
- Fill post with concrete mix to cover rebar and
hardware fasteners
- Tamp post with a rubber mallet to eliminate air pockets
- Leave gate on blocks for 72 hours to allow concrete to set
11. Install Caps
• Install post caps
• Caps may be secured with glue, silicone adhesive or
#8 x 3/4" screws, caps and washers
* Caution – In climates that experience freeze-thaw cycles, this installation method could result in post cracking over time. This would not be covered by the warranty.
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