Natures Composites Two Board Ranch Rail Gate Installation Guide

Step 1: Attach 2 Angle Brackets to the Bottom Horizontal U-Post

1. Install Two Angle Brackets: Attach an angle bracket on each side of the U-post. The pre-drilled holes will automatically align with the brackets. Use a rubber mallet if needed to secure the brackets inside the U-channel.
2. Secure the Angle Brackets with Joint Connectors (Chicago Screws): Place the female joint connector on the outside of the post and the male part inside the U-channel. Use the #4 Phillips screwdriver to tighten them, but do not fully tighten until the next step. Avoid over-tightening.

Diagram Description: A horizontal U-shaped post is shown with two L-shaped angle brackets attached to its ends using screws.

Step 2: Install the Vertical U-Posts to the Bottom Horizontal U-Post

1. Position the Vertical U-Posts: Attach the two 35-inch vertical U-posts to the bottom horizontal U-post to create the gate frame.
2. Align and Slide the Angle Brackets: Slide the angle brackets into the U-channels of the vertical posts, tapping gently with a rubber mallet if necessary.
3. Secure the Angle Brackets with Joint Connectors: Repeat the process to tighten the joint connectors. Once aligned, fully tighten all connectors, ensuring they do not interfere with the NC boards. Avoid over-tightening.

Diagram Description: Two vertical U-shaped posts are shown attached to the ends of the bottom horizontal U-shaped post, forming an inverted 'U' shape. A second diagram shows the angle brackets, previously attached to the horizontal post, being slid into the open channels of the vertical posts.

Step 3: Slide the NC Boards into the Frame

1. Slide the First NC Board: The gate includes four square edge boards, each 43 inches long. Slide one board into the frame from the top until it fits securely.
2. Position the NC Spacers: Place a 10 11/16-inch spacer inside each U-shaped post after sliding in the first board.
3. Secure the Spacers with Velcro Dots: Attach four Velcro dots to each spacer, positioning them to ensure they touch the inside of the U-channel post. Repeat this process for the remaining boards and spacers.
4. Complete the Gate Structure: After all boards and spacers are installed, the main structure of your gate will be complete.

Diagram Description: A gate frame is shown with an arrow indicating a board being slid downwards into the frame. A second diagram shows a spacer being inserted into the U-channel of a vertical post, with four blue dots (representing Velcro dots) visible on its surface.

Step 4: Close the Gate by Installing the Top Horizontal U-Post

1. Attach Angle Brackets to the Top U-Post: Attach two angle brackets to the top U-post. Install the joint connectors (Chicago screws) but do not fully tighten them yet.
2. Slide the Top U-Post into Place: Carefully slide the top U-post into the frame, ensuring it fits above the last NC board. Use a rubber mallet if needed. Once aligned, fully tighten the joint connectors. Avoid over-tightening.

Diagram Description: Angle brackets are shown attached to the top horizontal U-shaped post. A hammer icon is displayed next to a depiction of the top U-post being fitted into the gate frame.

Step 5: Secure the Top U-Post

1. Insert the Screws into the Vertical U-Posts: Use the provided flat head screws and insert them into the pre-drilled holes on both vertical U-posts.
2. Tighten the Screws with a Power Tool: Use a power tool with a #4 Phillips screwdriver to drive the self-tapping screws into the angle brackets for a secure connection.

Diagram Description: A close-up view shows a power tool with a Phillips head bit driving a screw into an angle bracket attached to a vertical post. A second diagram shows the completed gate frame with circles highlighting the locations where screws secure the top horizontal U-post to the vertical posts.

Step 6: Install the Post Caps on All 4 Post Ends

1. Slide the Top Caps into Place: The gate includes four NC top caps. Slide a top cap onto each of the four post ends, aligning the groove of the cap with the post.
2. Secure the Top Caps: Use the provided screws and a Phillips screwdriver to secure the top caps in place, ensuring they are tight and properly aligned.

Diagram Description: A top cap is shown being slid onto the end of a fence post.

Option 1: Residential Installations (Light to Moderate Use)

This option considers mounting the gate as part of a NC Composite Modern Perimeter Fence system (3.5 ft. H x 6 ft. W). The Two Board Ranch Rail Gate (3 ft. H x 5.75 ft. W) is suitable for residential applications with light to moderate usage. The top cable fastener, included with the fence installation, is critical. It must be used when hanging the gate on this post to ensure the gate's weight is distributed across the entire system, preventing sagging and ensuring long-term stability.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows three fence posts with a gate installed between the two outer posts. Dimensions are indicated: 69.00 inches between the outer posts and the next posts, and 48.50 inches between the gate posts, with the gate itself measuring 45.50 inches wide.

Option 2: Commercial or Heavy Usage Applications

• NC Part number 300755XX094 (includes post cap)
• NC 5x5 Composite Commercial Grade Post (94 in. H x 5 in. W)

For commercial settings or residential applications with heavy use, Natures Composites recommends the 5x5 Composite Commercial Grade Post. This post is specifically designed to handle the gate's weight and withstand the demands of high-traffic environments, providing a secure and stable installation.

Diagram Description: Similar to the residential diagram, this shows three fence posts with a gate. Dimensions are indicated: 69.00 inches between the outer posts and the next posts, and 48.50 inches between the gate posts, with the gate itself measuring 45.50 inches wide.