Natures Composites Traditional Three-Board Ranch Rail Installation Guide

Product Overview

This guide provides instructions for installing the Natures Composites Traditional Three-Board Ranch Rail. The system is designed for durability and aesthetic appeal in outdoor living spaces.

Product Details:

• Type: Traditional Three-Board Ranch Rail
• Dimensions: 4 ft. Height x 5.75 ft. Width
• Nominal Size: 48" x 69"

Patents: Our products and/or processes are protected by US patents including US 11,053,707, US 12,110,703, and US 12,084,880, as well as other pending patents.

For further information or questions, visit www.naturescomposites.com or call (307) 338-2608.

Components

The following components are included in the standard kit:

Note: Corner Posts (F) and Start/End Posts (G) are not included in this package and must be purchased separately.

Diagram Description: A visual representation shows the components. Item A is a line post. Item B is a board. Item C is a post cap. Item D is an arch clip. Item E is a screw. Items F and G are depicted as posts, with F on the left and G on the right, illustrating their shapes and indicating they are sold separately.

Before You Begin

Verify Underground Utilities

Use resources like local building departments, utility companies, or utility location services to ensure the installation area is free from underground lines or hazards. ?

1. Locate Property Lines: Ensure the fence is installed within property boundaries to avoid encroachment and comply with legal requirements.
2. Consult Local Building Codes: Review local codes to ensure the fence and gate installation meets all requirements. Obtain any necessary permits before starting installation. ?️
3. Wear Appropriate Safety Equipment: Always wear gloves, safety goggles, and work boots to avoid injuries during installation. ⛑️

Fence Location

1. 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.
2. Locate Gate Placement: Mark post hole locations for gate posts according to gate installation instructions.
3. Mark Corners and Ends: Identify the locations of corner and end posts.
4. Mark Intermediate Fence Posts: Posts should be placed no wider than 69 inches (5.75 feet) outside to outside for each fence panel.

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

A power tool is recommended for post hole digging and fastener installation to ensure proper operation.

2. Post Installation

Why is 69" center-to-center post centering important? If posts are not spaced at 69" center-to-center, boards may not fit properly or installation may be difficult. It is recommended to work one panel at a time, starting from one end of the fence line.

1. Dig Post Holes: Dig 12-inch diameter holes at 16-inch depth for all marked post hole locations.
2. Verify Proper Hole Depth:
   • Ensure 48 inches of the post remains above ground, with 16 inches securely anchored beneath the surface. This deeper embedment provides extra stability, exceeding the standard 1/3 rule.
   • Use a level to align the tops of all posts in a consistent, level plane across the fence line. Ensure posts are plumb and level. ⚖️
   • Note: This product is not recommended for sloped terrain.
3. Fill Hole with Concrete: Fill the hole with concrete to approximately 2 inches below ground level. Before the concrete sets, adjust the post to ensure it is perfectly plumb and aligned with the string line for a straight and secure fence.
4. Cure Concrete: Allow the concrete to cure properly according to the manufacturer's instructions before proceeding with the next steps.

Diagram Description: A diagram illustrates post hole dimensions, showing a 12-inch diameter hole extending 16 inches deep. It also shows a post with 48 inches above ground and 16 inches below ground, indicating the embedment depth.

Fence Layout and Dimensions

Diagram Description: A top-down view shows a fence layout with corner posts, line posts, and start/end posts. Dimensions are indicated: 69 inches from center-to-center for line posts, and 74 inches from the exterior of the posts.

3. Board Installation

Prepare the Arch Clip

The Arch Clip is a weather-resistant polymer component with a latch-style mechanism and ramp. It is designed to slide into the board cavity and lock into a pre-drilled hole, securing the board in place.

Insert the Arch Clip

• Before installing boards into post grooves, manually insert the arch clip into the cavity of the square edge board. Pre-drilled holes ensure a precise fit. Apply gentle finger pressure to slightly deform the clip for a snug fit.
• Important: Install arch clips on both sides of the board. It is recommended to install on the top side, with the latch pointing upward when sliding into the board cavity.

Diagram Description: A sequence of three images shows the arch clip being inserted into the edge of a board, then the board with the clip being slid into a post groove, and finally the board securely seated in the post.

Position and Insert the Board

• Position the Board: Align each square edge board with the post slots.
• The center-to-center spacing between posts should be 69 inches. Each board is 67 inches long. Slide one side of the board deep into the cavity of one post first.
• Maneuvering the Board: Once one side is inserted, maneuver the other side of the board into the groove of the second post. Ensure sufficient space on both sides for the board to fit securely within the post cavities.
• During insertion, the arch clip will automatically click into place after clearing the 5x5 post wall, ensuring the board is securely locked.

Why start installing boards from one end of the rail? Working one panel at a time from one end prevents potential difficulties in installing rails if posts are not perfectly aligned at 69" center-to-center.

4. Install the Top Cap

1. Positioning the Post Cap: Place the post cap securely on top of the 5x5 post, pushing it all the way down for a snug fit.
2. Securing the Cap: Natures Composites provides 2 Phillips screws to fasten the post caps.
3. Pre-drilling for Screws: It is recommended to pre-drill holes using a 1/8-inch bit to make attaching screws easier. Drill two evenly spaced holes before securing the screws for a stable attachment. ?

Diagram Description: An illustration shows the top cap being placed on a post, and another detail shows the screws being used to secure it, with pre-drilling indicated. A final diagram shows the complete fence panel with overall dimensions.

Sold Separately: Post Types

This kit includes a line post. To complete a fence installation, additional posts such as start/end posts or corner posts must be purchased separately. Line posts are needed for any panel beyond the first, as they accommodate two panels. Start/end and corner posts are selected based on fence layout, allowing for customization, cost-effectiveness, and property suitability.

Fence Post Designation and Placement

This section clarifies where each post type is required for proper installation and illustrates gate placement between start/end posts.

• 1. Corner Posts (Green):
  • Placement: Positioned at each corner of the lot.
  • Purpose: Provide primary structural support for the entire fence, maintaining shape and alignment at turns and changes in direction.
• 2. Line Posts (Blue):
  • Placement: Spaced evenly along the sides of the lot between corner posts.
  • Purpose: Keep the fence firm and aligned, providing additional support along the fence's length to ensure panels remain straight and secure between corners.
• 3. Start/End Posts (Red):
  • Placement: Located at the beginning and end of each fence section.
  • Purpose: Secure and define each fence segment, anchoring panels and marking boundaries for overall stability and integrity. Gates are hung between these posts.

Diagram Description: A visual representation shows a property with a house, illustrating the placement of corner posts at the property's corners, line posts along the fence runs, and start/end posts at the beginning and end of fence sections, including where a gate would be installed.