Natures Composites
Sustainable Outdoor Living
Traditional Two-Board Ranch Rail Installation Guide
Installation Guide (08/25)
A photograph of a brown, two-board ranch rail fence section.
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.
Product Overview
Composite Traditional Two-Board Ranch Rail Installation Guidelines (3 ft. H x 5.75 ft. W) Nominal: 36” x 69”
Tip: Watch out for green boxes for our Frequently Asked Questions!
Components
| ITEM | QTY | DESCRIPTION | NC PART |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Product | 1 | Composite Traditional Two-Board Ranch Rail | 100323XX30600-T |
| A | 1 | Commercial Grade Two Board Line Post - 5" x 5" x 50" | 300755XX0502L |
| B | 2 | Square Edge Board - 1" x 6" x 67" | 300341XX067 |
| C | 1 | Horse Post Cap | ACPC755XXPOSTCAP-HOSE |
| D | 4 | Board Arch Clip | 200726BK00C |
| E | 2 | Screw top cap | SCREW HORSE CAP |
| F | NOT INCLUDED | SOLD SEPARATELY 5X5 (50 inches) CORNER POST | 300755XX0502C |
| G | NOT INCLUDED | SOLD SEPARATELY 5X5 (50 inches) START / END POST | 300755XX0502SE |
Note: Corner Post (left) and Start/End Post (right) are not included in this package and sold separately.
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.
1. Locate Property Lines
Ensure the fence is installed within your 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 the installation.
3. 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
We recommend using a power tool for both operations to ensure proper installation of the fasteners.
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 the post hole locations for gate posts according to the 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) center to center posts for each fence panel.
Can I paint my fence?
No! Painting is not advisable. Our products come pre-finished with durable, lasting color and a textured, non-reflective surface. They're designed to maintain their appearance without the need for painting, staining, or sealing—just occasional cleaning with soap and warm water.
Can my ranch rail be Surface Mounted or only Buried?
Our fences are engineered for maximum stability when buried directly into the ground. However, if in-ground installation isn't possible, our posts can still be surface-mounted using common bracket systems. While this method doesn't provide the same level of structural integrity as direct burial, it remains a practical solution. We RECOMMEND anchoring your 5x5 posts using the E-Z Base Black Powder-Coated Post Base for 4x4 Nominal Lumber. Additionally, securing the fence to an adjacent structure—such as a house, wall, or corner—will help minimize movement, as angles provide natural reinforcement. Please note surface mounts will void your warranty for any structural issues.
Post Installation
1. Dig 12" diameter holes at 14" deep in all marked post hole locations.
2. Verify proper hole depth by:
- Ensuring that 36" of the post remains above ground, with 14" securely anchored beneath the surface. This deeper embedment provides extra stability, exceeding the standard 1/3 rule.
- Using a level to align the tops of all posts in a consistent, level plane across the fence line. Ensure the posts are Plumb and level.
- Note: This product is not recommended for sloped terrain.
3. Fill the hole with concrete to approximately 2" 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. Allow the concrete to properly cure according to the manufacturer's instructions before proceeding with the next steps.
Fence Post Types and Layout
Corner Post: Positioned at each corner of the lot. Crucial for primary structural support and maintaining shape at turns.
Line Post: Spaced evenly along the sides of the lot between corner posts. Provides support along the fence's length.
Start/End Post: Located at the beginning and end of each fence section. Vital for securing segments and defining boundaries. Gates are hung between these posts.
Board Installation
Prepare the Arch Clip
The Arch Clip is a weather-resistant polymer component, designed to securely hold the boards in place. It features a latch-style mechanism with a ramp, allowing it to slide into the board cavity. Once inserted, the latch will pop up into the pre-drilled hole, locking the clip in place.
Insert the Arch Clip
Before installing the boards into the post grooves, manually insert the arch clip into the cavity of the square edge board. The holes for the arch clip will be pre-drilled from the factory, ensuring a precise fit. No tools are required—just apply enough pressure with your fingers to slightly deform the clip, allowing it to fit snugly into the cavity.
Important: The arch clip should be installed on both sides of the board. We recommend installing it on the top side, ensuring the latch is pointing upward when sliding it into the board cavity.
Install the Boards
1. Work one panel at a time.
Start on one end of your fence to install the boards in order to allow enough room to slide each board into the post on the opposite side.
2. Position the Board
Align each square edge board with the post slots.
3. Position and Insert the Board
The center-to-center spacing between posts should be 69 inches. Each board is 67 inches long, so you will need to slide one side of the board deep into the cavity of one post first.
4. Maneuvering the Board
Once one side is in, you will need to maneuver the other side of the board into the groove of the second post. This step requires enough space on both sides to ensure the board fits securely within the post cavities.
During this process, the arch clip will automatically click into place after it clears the 5x5 post wall, ensuring the board is securely locked in.
Why is my 69" center to center post centering so important?
If your posts are not 69" center to center your boards might not fit properly or be difficult to install. We recommend working one panel at a time starting from one end of your line.
Why should I start installing the boards from one end of the rail?
If you don't work on one panel at a time starting from one end and moving along you will potentially have difficulty installing the rails if your posts are not perfectly aligned at 69" center to center.
Install the Top Cap
1. Positioning the Post Cap
Place the post cap securely on top of the 5x5 post, ensuring it is pushed all the way down for a snug fit.
2. Securing the Cap
Nature's Composites provides 2 Phillips screws to fasten the post caps. Pre-drilling for the Screws: We recommend pre-drilling holes using a 1/8-inch bit to make it easier to attach the screws. Drill two evenly spaced holes before securing the screws, ensuring a stable attachment.
Sold Separately
This pack includes a line post. To finish a job, you will need to purchase additional posts separately, such as start/end posts or corner posts. Line posts are required whenever there is more than 1-panel, as they are routed on both sides to accommodate 2-panels. Start/end and corner posts, sold separately, are used depending on your fence layout. This approach allows you to customize your fence, making it both cost-effective and perfectly suited to your property.
Fence Post Designation and Placement
This diagram is included to help the installer understand where each type of post is required for proper fence installation. Additionally, it illustrates the placement of a gate that is hung between the start/end posts.
1. Corner Posts (Green)
- Placement: Positioned at each corner of the lot.
- Purpose: These posts are crucial as they provide the primary structural support for the entire fence. They help maintain the shape and alignment of the fence at turns and changes in direction.
2. Line Posts (Blue)
- Placement: Spaced evenly along the sides of the lot between the corner posts.
- Purpose: Line posts serve to keep the fence firm and aligned. They provide additional support along the fence's length, ensuring that the panels remain straight and secure between the corners.
3. Start/End Posts (Red)
- Placement: Located at the beginning and end of each fence section.
- Purpose: These posts are vital for securing and defining each segment of the fence. They help anchor the panels in place and mark the boundaries of each section, contributing to the overall stability and integrity of the fence. The gate is hung between these posts, facilitating access through the fence.
For any further information or questions please visit www.naturescomposites.com or call us at (877) 810-4029.
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.
Natures Composites
