Natures Composites

Components

The following components are included in the gate kit:

Diagram Description: An exploded view of the gate assembly shows the placement of components labeled A through K.

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

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

Before You Begin

Ensure a safe and compliant installation by following these preliminary steps:

1. Verify Underground Utilities: Before starting, contact local utility companies or use utility location services to ensure the installation area is clear of underground lines and potential hazards. Dial 811 for assistance.
2. Locate Property Lines: Confirm the fence will be placed within your property boundaries to prevent encroachment and comply with any applicable legal requirements.
3. Review Local Building Codes: Check local building codes to ensure your installation complies with all requirements. Obtain any necessary permits prior to beginning the installation.
4. Use Appropriate Safety Gear: Wear protective equipment, including gloves, safety goggles, and work boots, to ensure a safe installation.

Tools Required

• Rubber mallet (not included; used for securing angle brackets)
• #4 Phillips screwdriver
• Power drill (compatible with a #4 Phillips head screwdriver)
• Torx T20 Bit (for fastening the top cap)

Installation Summary & Guidelines

This assembly requires an intermediate skill level. Prior experience with tools and assembly techniques is necessary.

For assembly, Natures Composites recommends positioning components on a sturdy work table.

Natures Composites Gates are a fixed size: 45.5 inches wide by 35 inches tall. Proper planning for the gate opening is essential.

This full-size gate weighs approximately 55 pounds and requires strong support. Use the matching Natures Composites 5x5 Commercial Post to mount your gate; otherwise, it will not hold over time. Reinforce the composite post by inserting a 4x4 treated lumber post for extra strength.

Post Installation Accuracy: Position the posts where the gate will be hung with precision before securing them into the ground.

The following instructions outline the assembly process:

1. Assemble the Metal Frame according to the provided specifications.
2. Position the assembled metal frame inside the composite U-Posts.
3. Install the boards, ensuring they fit securely within the U-Posts.
4. Secure the gate by installing ten 3-inch screws (F) – one at each corner and in the middle.
5. Attach Top Caps (D) to each corner of the gate and secure them using the provided screws (K).

Once the gate is fully assembled, refer to the additional instructions for mounting the hardware and hanging the gate onto the posts.

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

Part A: Gate Assembly Instructions

1. Metal Frame Assembly

Begin by assembling the metal frame, which serves as the structural backbone of the gate.

1.1 Connect the Frame Components

• Take 2 Horizontal Upper/Lower Frames (G) and connect them with 2 Frame Extensions (H).
• Ensure the components are aligned properly for a seamless connection.

Tips for a Secure Fit:

• The fit between the metal frame parts (G and H) is designed to be tight to ensure structural stability.
• Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the components together, ensuring they are securely connected without damaging the frame. Start with light taps and gradually increase force as needed until the parts are firmly joined.

Once the frame components are fully assembled, verify that all connections are tight and properly aligned before proceeding to the next step.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows two Horizontal Upper/Lower Frames (G) connected by two Frame Extensions (H), forming the gate's rectangular metal frame. Arrows indicate the connection points.

2. Composite U-Post and Metal Frame Assembly

2.1 Assemble the Lower Composite Gate Frame

Start by positioning one Horizontal U-Post (A) and two Vertical U-Posts (B) in a U-Shape configuration. This will become your lower U-Post Frame assembly.

Diagram Description: A diagram illustrates the assembly of the lower U-post frame, showing one Horizontal U-Post (A) forming the base and two Vertical U-Posts (B) extending upwards, creating a U-shape.

2.2 Metal Frame Positioning into the Lower Composite Gate Frame

Insert the assembled metal frame into the Lower Composite Gate Frame.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the assembled metal gate frame being placed inside the U-shaped composite frame formed by posts A and B.

2.3 Fasten the Bottom of the Gate Frame

Secure the gate frame by fastening the cutting screws (F) through the pre-drilled holes on the horizontal (A) and vertical U-Posts (B) into the metal frame. This process uses 10 screws (F) for a secure and stable assembly.

4.1 Verify Alignment

Ensure the alignment of the composite U-Posts (B) with the metal frame has not shifted. The factory pre-drilled holes on the U-Posts (B) must remain perfectly aligned with the metal frame beneath.

4.2 Pre-Drill Holes into the Metal Frame

Using a power drill and a 17/64-inch drill bit, pre-drill 10 holes into the metal frame at each location, using the factory pre-drilled holes in the U-Posts as a guide for alignment.

• Drill carefully through the composite U-Posts and into the metal frame to maintain accurate alignment.
• Tip: Keep the drill perpendicular to the surface to avoid misaligned holes and ensure a precise fit for the screws.

4.3 Insert Cutting Screws

Once pre-drilling is complete, insert the cutting screws (F) into each pre-drilled hole on the composite U-Posts (B). DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN. Use a power drill to drive the screws securely into the metal frame.

4.4 Check Stability

After securing all 10 screws, verify the gate's stability. Ensure that all screws are tightened and that the U-Posts are firmly and uniformly attached to the metal frame.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the U-Posts (A and B) attached to the metal frame. Red circles highlight the screw locations (F) connecting the U-posts to the frame. Arrows indicate the direction of drilling and screwing.

3. Install the Tongue & Groove Boards

1. Insert the first Tongue & Groove board (C) into the U-Post and Metal Frame assembly.
2. Repeat sliding 5 Tongue & Groove boards (C) into the assembly.
3. Insert the last Tongue & Groove board. The last board will need to be inserted by angling it so its tongue fits into the groove of the previous board.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the Tongue & Groove boards (C) being slid into the gate frame, with an emphasis on how the last board needs to be angled to fit.

4. Complete Gate Assembly

4.1 Fasten the Top of the Gate Frame

• Fasten the remaining Horizontal U-Post (A) by drilling the remaining 4 holes on the metal frame, using the U-Post as a guide (refer to step 2.3).
• Insert the remaining four 3-inch screws (E) through the Vertical U-Post (B) and into the metal frame (G).
• Repeat on both sides. Do not fully tighten the screws; do not over-tighten!

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the final Horizontal U-Post (A) being attached to the top of the gate frame using screws (E) through the Vertical U-Posts (B) and metal frame (G).

Part B: Hanging the Modern Gate

4. Top Cap Installation

• Slide the Modern Sliding Top Cap (D) into the Top Cap Routed space on the top of the Vertical U-Channel Post (B).
• Fix into position using one 1 5/8 Torx composite screw (K).
• Repeat for all Vertical U-Channel Posts (B).

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the Top Cap (D) being slid onto the top of a Vertical U-Channel Post (B) and secured with a screw (K).

Hanging the Modern Gate

Natures Composites gates are crafted for durability, with the full-size gate weighing approximately 90 pounds. Proper installation is essential to ensure smooth functionality and longevity in your chosen location.

Hinge Installation Note

The Natures Composites Gate requires the hinges to be secured into the gate through the composite material and into the metal frame to properly support the gate's weight and ensure optimal functionality.

• Pre-Drill for the Gate Side: Pre-drill holes using a 5/32" drill bit for the hinge screws. On the gate, the hinge screws must penetrate the composite U-Post and the metal frame. Ensure proper alignment so the screws securely fasten into the metal frame; 4 of the 6 screws on the gate side will anchor into the metal frame for stability.
• Pre-Drill for the Post Side: If using an NC 5x5 Commercial Post, pre-drill the holes using the same 5/32" drill bit. Insert a 4x4 post insert inside the 5x5 post for additional reinforcement. Ensure the hinge screws penetrate both the 5x5 post and the 4x4 post insert for a secure connection.

Diagram Description: A diagram indicates that hinges should be positioned approximately 3.5 inches from the top and bottom of the gate. It also shows the hinge attachment points on the gate and the post.

D&D Manuals

Natures Composites has partnered with D&D Technologies, a premier gate hardware manufacturer, for reliable and hassle-free hardware. Every Natures Composites gate kit includes a pair of D&D hinges and a latch, selected specifically to support the weight and design of the gates. This premium hardware is engineered to deliver optimal operation.

For further installation instructions, please refer to the provided links:

• Download Hinge, SKU# TCHDMA1S3BT: https://us.ddtech.com/products/truclose-multi-adjust-heavy-duty-series-3?variant=43821580943517
• Download Latch, part # 210003, instructions: https://us.ddtech.com/products/wood-hardware-standard-post-latch

Note: Please note D&D recommends a different positioning for hinges; use the Natures Composites recommendation as shown in the diagram.

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

Gate Opening Requirements & Post Support

To properly accommodate the Natures Composites gate width and required hardware spacing, the opening between posts should measure 48 inches. This allows for the 45.5-inch-wide gate plus 1.25-inch clearance on each side, as needed for the D&D hinges.

To add a gate, you must use two NC 5x5 Commercial Posts; standard posts will not support the weight. Since the gate is 48" wide, and each 5x5 post is 5.5" wide, space them 58" apart (outside to outside) to ensure proper hinge and latch function.

Diagram Description: A diagram illustrates the gate opening requirements, showing the 45.50" gate width, 13/16" clearance on each side, and the overall 48" opening. It also indicates the 5.5" width of the 5x5 posts.

Proper Support for Your Gate

For optimal performance and durability, it's important to understand that the full-size Natures Composites gate weighs approximately 60 pounds. Due to this weight, it needs robust support to ensure smooth operation and prevent sagging over time.

Natures Composites offers a 5x5 Commercial Grade Composite Post that matches the gate's color and material, offering a cohesive, seamless look.

• NC 5x5 Commercial post dimensions: Outside dimensions 5x5 inches; Inside dimensions 3.87 inches (3 7/8").

The NC 5x5 Post, when used as support for a full-size gate, should be reinforced by inserting a 4x4 treated wood post inside the composite post. This added reinforcement greatly increases the strength and durability of the post.

• Commercial 4x4 treated wood post dimension is 3.5" x 3.5".
• This lumber post will fit inside the 5x5 NC Commercial post.

Post Burial Recommendations

• Select the Correct Post Length: For full-size gates, choose a post length suitable for your local soil and engineering conditions. Natures Composites offers 5x5 Commercial Posts in lengths of 94", 108", and 132" to meet different installation needs. Consult your contractor for guidance on the appropriate post length.
• Burial Depth and Concrete Requirements: To ensure stability, bury at least 1/3 of the post length in the ground. For example, a 94" post should be buried 31 inches deep. Use a minimum of 80-100 pounds of concrete per post to provide a solid foundation. Make sure your post is plumb.

Diagram Description: A diagram illustrates post burial depth recommendations, showing a post partially buried in concrete, with a note to ensure the post is plumb.

Part C: Installing Gate with NC Modern Fence System

1. Screw the U-Channel Fence Post to the 5x5 Post

1.1 Attach the NC U-Channel fence post to the 5x5 heavy duty post

• Using 5 composite screws, secure the posts together.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows a U-Channel fence post being attached to a 5x5 post using screws. Another diagram shows a cross-section of the two posts joined.

2. Bury the Posts Together into the Ground

2.1 Assembled posts should be buried together in the ground.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows two posts, one a 5x5 post and the other a U-channel post attached to it, being installed together into the ground, likely set in concrete.

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