Product Overview
This guide provides instructions for installing the Natures Composites Modern Horizontal Privacy Full Size Fence. The fence offers sustainable outdoor living solutions.
Our products and/or processes are protected by the following patents, as well as other patents that are pending: US 11,053,707; US 12,110,703; US 12,084,880.
For any further information or questions please visit www.naturescomposites.com or call us at (307) 338-2608.
A full-size image of the Natures Composites Modern Horizontal Privacy Fence, showcasing its horizontal wooden-plank appearance.
Components
Watch out for green boxes for our Frequently Asked Questions! ℹ️
| ITEM | QTY | DESCRIPTION | NC PART |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Product | 1 | Modern Horizontal Full Size Fence | 100301XX60600 |
| A | 2 | U-Channel Post 2.5" X 2.5" X 94" | 300722XX094 |
| B | 11 | Tongue and Groove Board 1" x 6" x 67" | 300340XX067 |
| C | 2 | Sliding Top Cap | 200721BK00C |
| D | 1 | Top Cable Assembly | 200030GV06900 |
| E | 1 | Board Stop Assembly (Pre-Installed) | 200720BK00000 |
| F | 4 | #8 1-5/8" Truss Head Screws (only to be used when screwing two panels together!) | ACSCR#8X1-5/8BRONZETRUSS |
| G | 2 | 1 3/4 Torx Composite - Top Cap Screw | ACSCR#10XI-314RV- |
| H | 2 | Post-Depth Stick | ACPC POST DEPTH STICK |
*Please note hardware kit is included in-between U-Posts in box.
An exploded view or diagram illustrating the various components of the fence system, labeled with letters A through H, showing U-Channel Posts, Tongue and Groove Boards, Sliding Top Cap, Top Cable Assembly, Board Stop Assembly, and screws.
Before You Begin
Verify Underground Utilities
Use aids such as local building departments, utility companies, or utility location services to ensure the area is free from underground lines or hazards.
- Locate Property Lines: Ensure the fence is installed within your property boundaries to avoid encroachment and comply with legal requirements.
- Consult Local Building Codes: Review local codes to ensure the fence and gate installation meets all requirements. Obtain any necessary permits before starting the installation.
- Wear Appropriate Safety Equipment: Always wear gloves, safety goggles, and work boots to avoid injuries during installation.
Tools Required
Tools for Preparing the Fence and Post Burial
- Tape Measure
- Post Hole Digger & Shovel
- Post Bubble Level (for ensuring posts are vertically aligned at 90 degrees)
- Level and String Line
- Wheelbarrow
- Stakes or Markers
- Torx T20 Bit (for fastening the self-drilling composite screws provided by NC for both securing the posts and attaching the post cap)
Recommendation: Use a power tool for both operations to ensure proper installation of the fasteners.
Fence Location
- Mark the Fence Layout: Use stakes and a string line to outline the fence location. The string helps ensure the fence remains straight during installation.
- Locate Gate Placement: Mark the post hole locations for gate posts according to the gate installation instructions.
- Mark Corners and Ends: Identify the locations of corner and end posts.
- Mark Intermediate Fence Posts: Posts should be placed no wider than 69 inches (5.75 feet) outside to outside posts for each fence panel.
A diagram illustrating fence panel layout and spacing. It shows two fence panels, each labeled '69" Fence Panel', with a measurement of '64" Between combined posts' and '69" Outside to Outside' indicating the spacing between posts.
Gate Post Spacing (If Adding a Gate)
To add a gate, you must use two NC 5x5 Commercial Posts; standard posts won't support the weight. The gate is 48" wide, and each post is 5" wide, so space them 58" apart (outside to outside) to ensure proper hinge and latch function. For added strength, insert a 4x4 treated wood post inside each composite post. For Full Size and Perimeter Gates with a 3.5" ground clearance, burial depth is 24". If you choose the 2" ground clearance option, burial depth increases to 25.5". For 2 or 3-board Ranch Rail Gates, burial depth is 16.5".
Mounting Options
Can my fence be Surface Mounted or only Buried?
Fences are engineered for maximum stability when buried directly into the ground. If in-ground installation isn't possible, posts can be surface-mounted using common bracket systems (e.g., RPBZ ZMAX Galvanized Retrofit Post Base for double 2x4 lumber, or NC Commercial-Grade Posts with E-Z Base for 4x4 Nominal Lumber). For more stability, we recommend anchoring using the E-Z Base. For added strength, insert a 4x4 pressure-treated wood post inside the bracket and the composite post. Securing the fence to an adjacent structure will help minimize movement. Surface mounts will void your warranty for any structural issues.
Understanding Your Posts
The NC patented Universal Post System is designed for maximum flexibility, using a single, versatile U-channel post for all configurations (start/end, line, corner). This simplifies ordering and installation.
- Board Stop: Each post has a pre-installed board stop to maintain correct spacing between boards and align the last board.
- Grooves at the Top: Posts have grooves to accommodate the Top Cable Fastener and serve as attachment points for the Top Cap.
Diagrams illustrating ground clearance options for fence posts, showing a 2-inch clearance and a 3.5-inch clearance. Another diagram shows the U-channel post with its internal 'Board Stop' feature and grooves at the top for the 'Top Cable' and 'Top Cap'.
Fence Finishing
Can I paint my fence?
No. Painting is not advisable. Products come pre-finished with durable, lasting color and a textured, non-reflective surface. Maintain appearance with occasional cleaning using soap and warm water.
Post Preparation
For Multiple Panel Sections
Procedure for Line Sections, Corner Posts, and End/Gate Posts
The NC system uses a versatile U-channel post. Use the provided 5 composite screws for assembly. A Torx T20 Bit and power tool are recommended for faster, secure assembly.
- For Line Sections: Install two U-channel posts back-to-back.
- For Corner Posts: Install two U-channel posts adjacent to each other.
- For Start/End or Gate Posts: Install a single U-channel post.
Diagrams illustrating the three configurations for the versatile U-channel post: 'Line Post' (two posts back-to-back), 'Corner Post' (two posts adjacent), and 'End Post' (a single post).
Screw the Adjacent U-Channel Posts Together
To screw posts together for maximum stability, use the included four #8 1-5/8" Truss Head Screws (F).
- Place the first screw (F) toward the top inside of the U-Post (A), below the siding top cap routing.
- Place the second screw (F) toward the bottom of the U-Post (A), just above your grade line.
- Place the other two screws evenly between the top and bottom.
A diagram showing two U-channel posts (A) being joined together with four #8 1-5/8" Truss Head Screws (F), indicating placement points for the screws.
Post Installation
Precise Post Spacing for Installation
NC Top Cable Solution: This patented feature ensures precise post spacing.
- Precise Post Spacing During Installation: The Top Cable system consists of two H-type fasteners and a 69-inch cable. Install the Top Cable before burial by inserting H-fasteners into U-post grooves and spreading posts to the full cable extension (69 inches apart). This keeps posts aligned.
- Maintaining Post Alignment During Curing: Keep the Top Cable Fastener in place throughout the concrete curing process.
Dig Post Holes to the Correct Depth
Dig 12-inch diameter holes at least 25.5 inches deep for proper stability when burying posts 25.5 inches.
A diagram illustrating post hole dimensions and burial depths. It shows a post with 3.5 inches of clearance above ground (24" burial depth) and 2 inches of clearance above ground (25.5" burial depth), with the hole diameter indicated as 8"-12".
Setting Posts in Concrete
- Add Gravel for Drainage: Pour 6 inches of gravel into the bottom of each post hole to improve drainage and ensure long-term stability.
- Set the Posts in Concrete: Two Critical Factors to Monitor
- Precise Post Spacing: Use the NC Top Cable Fastener to ensure posts are spaced correctly at 69 inches. Ensure the Top Cable (D) is fully extended before pouring concrete. Keep it tensioned during curing.
- Ground Clearance: Essential for function and appearance. Use the Post Depth Stick for visual guidance.
- If the Post Depth Stick is installed in the bottom cavity, the ground clearance will be 3 ½ inches.
- If installed in the top cavity, the ground clearance will be 2 inches.
Instruction: Lower the post into the ground until the Post Depth Stick touches the surface. This ensures correct depth. If terrain is uneven, ensure consistent depth and horizontal alignment. Use a Post Bubble Level for vertical alignment.
Diagrams showing the Post Depth Stick being used to ensure correct post burial depth and ground clearance. One shows the stick in the bottom cavity for 3.5" clearance, and another in the top cavity for 2" clearance. A visual indicates that when the stick touches the ground, the post is in the correct position.
Post Curing and Board Installation
- Maintain Proper Post Alignment and Spacing: Keep the Base Cable Assembly taut and continue to use the Top Cable (D) during the curing process.
- Allow the Concrete to Cure: Allow 24-48 hours for concrete to cure.
Fence Board Installation
Can I cut my fence to adjust the length?
Yes, the composite formula can be cut like wood. Cut all boards at the same place to avoid uneven alignment. First, remove the bottom cable by cutting it at the board stop. Then, adjust the Top Cable Assembly. You will need to purchase an aluminum ferrule and stop set to reattach the shortened cable. Reattach by crimping with a hammer.
- After concrete has set, begin fence board installation.
- Hollow Tongue and Groove Boards (B) come pre-cut to the proper post spacing.
- Install Hollow Tongue and Groove Boards (B) with the tongue facing up and the groove facing down. Hold the board at an angle, insert one end into the U-Post (A) channel, rotate the other end down into the other post channel. Push down until it rests on the Board Stop Assembly (E).
- Install fence boards about halfway up by repeating the above step, pressing each groove onto the other previous board's tongue. DO NOT USE A HAMMER TO FORCE THE FENCE BOARD INTO POSITION, AS IT MAY DAMAGE THE COMPOSITE FENCE BOARDS!
- Remove the Top Cable Assembly (D) from Posts (A) and install into the Top Hollow Tongue and Groove Board (B).
- Install the remaining boards (C), except the Top Board with the Top Cap Assembly (E).
- Insert the Top Cable Assembly (D) through the inside of the top hollow board (B).
- Install the top Board (B) with Top Cable Assembly (D): Rotate the Top Cable Bracket perpendicular to the Board. Slide the Board with the Cable assembly down the U-Channel Post (A) so the Top Cable Bracket (D) lines up with the routed space. Continue pressing down the Top Board until its groove is on the previous board's tongue.
Two diagrams illustrating fence board installation. The first shows a fence board being angled and inserted into the U-channel posts. The second shows the top fence board being installed with the Top Cable Assembly routed through it.
Top Cap Installation
- Slide the Top Cap (C) into the Top Cap Routed space on the top of the U-Channel post.
- Fasten the Top Cap (C) using the provided 1-5/8 Torx Composite Screws (G) with a Torx T20 Bit and power tool.
- Repeat for both U-Channel Posts (A).
Diagrams illustrating the installation of the Top Cap (C) onto the U-channel post (A) and fence board (B), secured with Torx Composite Screws (G).
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