48
Post & Rail with CertaGrain
®
Texture – 2-Rail, 3-Rail and 4-Rail
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
* In climates where the temperature exceeds 100° Fahrenheit,
we recommend installing Arctic Blend, Brazilian Blend, Sierra
Blend and Weathered Blend products on 6' post centers
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
• Fence may be installed post and bottom rails first,
then upper rails
4. Install Rails
• White product uses 1-1/2 x 5-1/2 rails
• Arctic Blend, Brazilian Blend, Sierra Blend and
Weathered Blend use 2 x 6 rails
• Tape the ends of any rail going into a post that is to be
filled with concrete to prevent concrete seepage
• Standard rails are supplied in 16 foot lengths for White
(12 foot rails for Blend products)
• For rolling terrain, rails may need to be shortened
• The starting point for rails should be staggered from post
to post for bottom/mid/top rail for maximum strength
• Insert lock ring into one end of rail by depressing tabs,
insert in rail end and release
• Depress lock ring tabs to insert bottom rail in first post
• Tabs will recoil to hold rail in post
• Insert lock ring in rail end, insert end into third post
• When installing rails leave a 1" gap between rail ends
inside post to allow for expansion
5. Support and Secure
• Block up bottom rail to determine correct fence height
• Fill holes around posts with concrete mix
• Tamp, level and square
• Fence assembly may be continued by installing all bottom
rails first or one section at a time
• To lower a post, place a wood block from corner to
corner of the post and carefully tap with a mallet
• Never strike the PVC post without a wood support
6. Hang Gate/Install Hardware
• For complete details, see gate installation instructions in
hardware box
• Position gate between posts
• Allow 1-1/2" gap on hinge side of the gate and 1-1/4" on
latch side to allow for the gate swing and hardware
• Block up gate to square with fence; rails should be level
• Gate hardware must be secured to two sides of the post
7. 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
- 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
8. 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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