Natures Composites Modern Semi-Privacy Horizontal Perimeter Fence

Product Overview

This guide provides detailed instructions for installing the Natures Composites Modern Semi-Privacy Horizontal Perimeter Fence. The fence system is designed for durability and ease of installation, utilizing a patented Universal Post System.

Components

Note: Hardware kit is included in-between U-Posts in box.

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.

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) outside to outside posts 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
• Torx T20 Bit (for fastening the self-drilling composite screws provided by NC for both securing the posts and attaching the post cap)

We recommend using a power tool for both operations to ensure proper installation of the fasteners.

Post Spacing for Gates

To add a gate, use two NC 5x5 Commercial Posts. The gate is 48" wide, and each 5x5 post is 5" wide, so space them 58" apart (outside to outside) for proper hinge and latch function. For extra strength, insert a 4x4 treated wood post inside each composite post.

Diagram showing post spacing for a gate.

Fence Installation Options

Surface Mounted or Buried Installation

While buried installation provides maximum stability, surface mounting is a practical alternative using common bracket systems. For enhanced stability in surface mounting, consider using NC Commercial-Grade Posts with E-Z Base Black Powder-Coated Post Bases and a pressure-treated wood post inside the bracket and composite post.

Note: Surface mounts may void the warranty for any structural issues.

Painting Your Fence

Painting is not advisable. Natures Composites products are pre-finished with a durable, lasting color and textured surface, requiring only occasional cleaning.

Understanding Your Posts

The NC patented Universal Post System uses a versatile U-channel post adaptable for any configuration. Each panel system includes two U-channel posts with:

• Board Stop: Pre-installed to maintain correct spacing between boards and align the last board for Top Cap installation.
• Grooves at the Top: Accommodate the Top Cable Fastener and serve as attachment points for the Top Cap.

Diagram illustrating the Board Stop and Top Cap grooves on the U-channel post.

Prepare Your Posts

For Multiple Panel Sections

Note: When installing multiple panels, bolt the posts together before burial to ensure proper alignment.

Procedure for Line Sections, Corner Posts, and End/Gate Posts

The NC system uses a versatile U-channel post. Use the provided composite screws and a Torx T20 Bit with a power tool for assembly.

• Line Sections: Install two U-channel posts back-to-back.
• Corner Posts: Install two U-channel posts adjacent to each other.
• Start/End or Gate Posts: Install a single U-channel post.

Screw the Adjacent U-Channel Posts Together

Use the included four #8 1-5/8" Truss Head Screws (G) to secure U-Posts (A) together for maximum stability. Place screws evenly at the top, bottom, and in between.

Diagram showing how to screw U-channel posts together.

Precise Post Spacing for Installation

NC Top Cable Solution

The Top Cable Fastener ensures precise post spacing. The system includes two H-type fasteners and a 69-inch cable.

1. Precise Post Spacing During Installation: Insert H-shaped fasteners into U-shaped post grooves. Spread posts apart until the cable is fully extended to maintain 69-inch spacing.
2. Maintaining Post Alignment During Curing: Keep the Top Cable Fastener in place throughout concrete curing to maintain alignment and spacing. This allows boards to move slightly without binding.

If Spacing is Too Short: Boards will not fit correctly.

If Spacing is Too Wide: Boards may become loose.

Post Installation

Dig Post Holes to the Correct Depth

Dig 12-inch diameter holes at least 26 inches deep for 24 inches of burial, ensuring proper stability. Maintain 3.5 inches of ground clearance above ground for the bottom board and 2 inches for the top cavity.

Diagram showing post hole depth and ground clearance measurements.

Add Gravel for Drainage

Pour 6 inches of gravel into the bottom of each post hole for drainage and stability.

Set the Posts in Concrete

Monitor two critical factors:

• Precise Post Spacing: Use the NC Top Cable Fastener to ensure 69-inch spacing. Ensure the Top Cable is fully extended before pouring concrete. Keep the cable tensioned during curing.
• Ground Clearance: Use the Post Depth Stick to ensure posts are buried to the correct depth for proper function and appearance. If the stick is in the bottom cavity, ground clearance is 3.5 inches; if in the top cavity, it's 2 inches.

Lower the post until the Post Depth Stick touches the surface. Use a Post Bubble Level for vertical alignment.

Diagram illustrating post placement with Post Depth Stick and alignment.

Maintain Proper Post Alignment and Spacing

Keep the Base Cable Assembly taut and use the Top Cable Fastener to maintain alignment during curing.

Allow the Concrete to Cure

Allow concrete to cure for 24-48 hours before proceeding with installation.

Fence Board Installation

The NC system includes a pre-assembled Board Stop (H) for correct board spacing.

1. Install Bottom Square Edge Board (E): Hold the board at an angle, insert one end into a U-shaped post, and rotate the other end into the opposite post. Push the board down until it rests against the Board Stop Assembly.
2. Install NC Spacer with Velcro Dots: After the first board, attach two Velcro dots (J) to the unfinished side of an NC Spacer (F). Position the spacer to touch the Square Edge Board (E) and secure it in the U-channel Post (A). Repeat on both sides.
3. Continue Adding Square Edge Boards and Spacers: Repeat the process with each Square Edge 1x6 Board and spacers to maintain alignment.

Diagram showing fence board installation with spacers.

Install the Top Cable (C)

Before installing the last board, insert the H-shaped fasteners of the Top Cable (C) into the top cavity of the board. Once secured, slide the last board into place.

Ensure a proper gap for Top Cap (B) installation after the last board is in place.

Top Cap Installation

1. Slide the Top Cap (B) into the Top Cap Routed space on the U-Channel Post (A).
2. Fasten the Top Cap (B) using a provided 1-5/8 Torx Composite Screw (I) with a Torx T20 Bit and power tool.
3. Repeat for both U-Channel Posts (A).

Diagram showing Top Cap installation.

Product Patents and Contact Information

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 (307) 338-2608.