Natures Composites

Overview

This guide provides instructions for installing the Natures Composites Traditional Two-Board Ranch Rail. The fence is designed for durability and aesthetic appeal, offering a sustainable outdoor living solution.

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

Our products and/or processes are protected by patents: US 11,053,707; US 12,110,703; US 12,084,880.

Components

The complete product package includes one line post. Additional posts (corner and start/end) are sold separately.

Note: Corner Post (left) and Start/End Post (right) are not included in this package and are sold separately.

Before You Begin

Verify Underground Utilities

Use 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

A power tool is recommended for digging holes to ensure proper 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 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 for each fence panel.

Can I paint my fence?

No, painting is not advisable. Natures Composites products come pre-finished with durable, lasting color and a textured, non-reflective surface. They are 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. If in-ground installation isn't possible, posts can be surface-mounted using common bracket systems. This method does not provide the same level of structural integrity as direct burial but remains a practical solution. Natures Composites recommends anchoring 5x5 posts using the E-Z Base Black Powder-Coated Post Base for 4x4 Nominal Lumber. Securing the fence to an adjacent structure (house, wall, corner) will help minimize movement, as angles provide natural reinforcement. Please note that surface mounts will void your warranty for any structural issues.

Post Installation

1. Dig Post Holes: Dig 12" diameter holes at 14" deep in all marked post hole locations.

Diagram Description: A visual representation of a post hole showing a 12-inch diameter and a depth of 14 inches.

2. Verify Proper Hole Depth:

• Ensure 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.
• Use 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 Hole with Concrete: 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 Concrete to Cure: Allow the concrete to properly cure according to the manufacturer's instructions before proceeding with the next steps.

Diagram Description: A diagram illustrating the fence line with posts. It shows measurements for post spacing (69.00 inches center-to-center) and hole dimensions (12" diameter, 14" deep for burial).

Board Installation

1. Prepare the Arch Clip: The Arch Clip is a weather-resistant polymer component designed to securely hold boards in place. It features a latch-style mechanism with a ramp, allowing it to slide into the board cavity. Once inserted, the latch pops up into the pre-drilled hole, locking the clip.

2. Insert the Arch Clip: Before installing boards into post grooves, manually insert the arch clip into the cavity of the square edge board. The holes for the arch clip are pre-drilled from the factory for a precise fit. No tools are required; apply finger pressure to slightly deform the clip for a snug fit.

Important: The arch clip should be installed on both sides of the board. Install on the top side, ensuring the latch points upward when sliding into the board cavity.

Diagram Description: A sequence of three images showing the arch clip being inserted into the board cavity, the clip engaging with the post, and the board secured in place.

3. Install the Boards:

• Work one panel at a time, starting from one end of your fence. This allows enough room to slide each board into the post on the opposite side.
• Position the Board: Align each square edge board with the post slots.
• Position and Insert the Board: 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 in, 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.

Diagram Description: A diagram showing a board being slid into a post cavity, with the arch clip visible and engaging the post.

Why should I start installing the boards from one end of the rail?

If you do not work on one panel at a time starting from one end and moving along, you may 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: Natures Composites provides 2 Phillips screws to fasten the post caps. Pre-drilling for the screws is recommended using a 1/8-inch bit to make attachment easier. Drill two evenly spaced holes before securing the screws for a stable attachment.

Diagram Description: A diagram showing a post with the cap placed on top, and another showing the cap secured with screws.

Diagram Description: A diagram showing the overall fence structure with dimensions indicating board heights (9.80" and 2.00" from top) and post heights (36.00" above ground, 14.00" from ground to bottom of post, 12.20" total burial depth).

Fence Post Designation and Placement

This section helps the installer understand where each type of post is required for proper fence installation and illustrates gate placement.

• 1. Corner Posts (Green):
• Placement: Positioned at each corner of the lot.
• Purpose: Provide primary structural support, maintaining the fence's 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.
• 3. Start/End Posts (Red):
• Placement: Located at the beginning and end of each fence section.
• Purpose: Vital for securing and defining each segment, anchoring panels and marking boundaries. Gates are hung between these posts.

Diagram Description: An illustration of a house with a fence layout, showing the placement of corner posts (green), line posts (blue), and start/end posts (red) around the property. It also indicates the placement of a gate between start/end posts.