Natures Composites Modern Three-Board Ranch Rail Installation Guide

Product Overview

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing the Natures Composites Modern Three-Board Ranch Rail. The system is designed for flexibility and ease of installation, utilizing a patented Universal U-channel post system.

Product Name: MODERN THREE-BOARD RANCH RAIL

Dimensions: 4 ft. H x 5.75 ft. W (Actual Dimensions: 48" X 69")

Installation Guide Version: (07/25)

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

Products and processes are protected by US patents: US 11,053,707; US 12,110,703; US 12,084,880.

Components

*Please note hardware kit is included in-between U-Posts in box.

Diagram showing the assembled Modern Three-Board Ranch Rail. Two vertical U-Posts (A) are visible. Three horizontal Square Edge Boards (C) are positioned between the posts. Spacers (E) are shown between the boards, secured by screws (G). Sliding Top Caps (B) are at the top of the posts.

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

• 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)

A power tool is recommended for fastener operations 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) outside to outside posts for each fence panel.

Diagram illustrating fence post spacing. It shows three vertical posts. The distance labeled '69" OUTSIDE TO OUTSIDE' spans between the outer edges of the two outer posts. The distance labeled '64" INSIDE SPAN' is between the inner edges of the two outer posts.

Gate Installation Note

⚠️ STOP! Are you adding a gate? How should you space your posts?

To add a gate, you must use two NC 5x5 Commercial Posts; standard posts won’t support the weight. The gate is 48" wide, and each post is 5" wide, so space them 58" apart (outside to outside) to ensure proper hinge and latch function. For added strength, insert a 4x4 treated wood post inside each composite post. For 2 or 3-board Ranch Rail Gates, burial depth is 16.5”.

Understanding Your U-Posts

The NC patented Universal Post System is designed for maximum flexibility. Unlike traditional systems requiring specific post types, the NC Modern system uses a single, versatile U-channel post adaptable for any configuration, simplifying ordering and installation.

Each NC panel system includes two U-channel posts with features for smooth installation:

Board Stop

Each post comes with a pre-installed board stop. This helps maintain correct spacing between boards and ensures the last board is aligned correctly, leaving just enough room for the Top Cap installation.

Diagram of a U-post showing key features. A horizontal line indicates the 'Board Stop' component. Two horizontal lines indicate '2" Ground Clearance' and '3.5" Ground Clearance' from the bottom. Text indicates 'First board rest on NC Board stop'.

Grooves at the Top

The posts have grooves at the top to accommodate the Top Cable Fastener during installation. These grooves also serve as attachment points for the Top Cap, finalizing the installation and providing a finished look.

Diagram showing the top of a U-post with a 'TOP CABLE GROOVE' and a 'TOP CAP GROOVE'.

Surface Mounting vs. Burial

Natures Composites fences are engineered for maximum stability when buried directly into the ground. If in-ground installation is not possible, posts can be surface-mounted using common bracket systems. While this method offers less structural integrity than direct burial, it is a practical solution. Options include:

• Attaching standard U-Posts using a bracket like the RPBZ ZMAX Galvanized Retrofit Post Base for double 2x4 nominal lumber.
• For more stability, purchase NC Commercial-Grade Posts and anchor them using the E-Z Base Black Powder-Coated Post Base for 4x4 Nominal Lumber.

For added strength in surface mounting, insert a 4x4 pressure-treated wood post inside the bracket and the composite post. Securing the fence to an adjacent structure (house, wall, corner) will help minimize movement. Note: Surface mounts may void your warranty for structural issues.

Painting

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 painting, staining, or sealing, requiring only occasional cleaning with soap and warm water.

Prepare Your Posts

For Multiple Panel Sections

When installing multiple panels, bolt the posts together before the burial process to ensure proper alignment and simplify installation.

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

The NC system uses a versatile U-channel post. The 5 composite screws provided should be used to assemble posts in the desired configuration. A Torx T20 Bit and power tool are recommended for faster, secure assembly.

• For Line Sections: Install two U-channel posts back-to-back to seamlessly connect panels.
• For Corner Posts: Install two U-channel posts adjacent to each other, ensuring correct orientation for corners.
• For Start/End or Gate Posts: Install a single U-channel post at the start, end, or gate section.

Screw the Adjacent U-Channel Posts Together

If placing panels next to each other, screw the posts together for maximum stability. Use the included four #8 1-5/8" Truss Head Screws (D) to secure the posts.

1. Place the first screw (D) toward the top of the inside of the U-Post (A), below the siding top cap routing.
2. Place the second screw (D) toward the bottom of the U-Post (A), just above your grade line.
3. Place the other two screws evenly between the top and bottom as pictured.

Diagram showing two U-posts (A) being joined together. Four screws (D) are indicated: one near the top, one near the bottom (above grade line), and two spaced evenly in between, securing the posts together.

Versatility of U-Posts: No need to buy separate line, corner, and start/end posts. The patented U-Post system is designed for ultimate versatility, allowing the same post for all configurations, simplifying installation and reducing component needs.

Post Installation

Can I cut my fence to adjust the length?

Yes, the composite formula can be cut like wood. When cutting a panel or ranch rail, cut all boards at the same place to avoid uneven alignment. First, remove the bottom cable by cutting it at the board stop. Then, adjust the Top Cable Assembly by cutting the top cable to the desired length and replacing the top cable bracket. Purchase an aluminum ferrule and stop set to reattach the shortened cable. Reattach by hitting it with a hammer to crimp it. These steps maintain proper spacing and stability.

Precise Post Spacing for Installation

The NC Top Cable Solution, featuring the Top Cable Fastener (I), ensures precise post spacing.

1. Precise Post Spacing During Installation: The Top Cable system (I) includes two H-type fasteners and a 69-inch cable. Install the H-shaped fasteners (I) into the U-shaped posts (A) before burial. Spread posts until the cable is fully extended (69 inches spacing) to keep them aligned and properly spaced.
2. Maintaining Post Alignment During Curing: The Top Cable Fastener should remain in place throughout concrete curing to keep posts aligned and properly spaced.

Note: The Top Cable Fastener is essential for maintaining correct spacing for the free-floating board system, allowing boards to move slightly without binding or falling out.

• If Spacing is Too Short: Boards will not fit correctly between the posts.
• If Spacing is Too Wide: Boards may become loose and potentially fall out of the channels.

Dig Post Holes

Dig 12-inch diameter holes at least 26 inches deep to ensure proper stability when burying posts 24 inches.

Diagram illustrating post hole dimensions. A vertical measurement shows '16.5"' (referring to burial depth, though text specifies 26 inches for stability). A horizontal measurement indicates a hole diameter of '8"-12"'.

Add Gravel for Drainage

Pour 6 inches of gravel into the bottom of each post hole to improve drainage and ensure long-term stability.

Set the Posts in Concrete

Monitor two critical factors when setting posts in concrete:

1. Precise Post Spacing: Use the NC Top Cable Fastener to ensure posts are spaced correctly at 69 inches. Before pouring concrete, ensure the Top Cable is fully extended to lock posts in place at the correct distance. Keep the Top Cable tensioned throughout curing to prevent movement or misalignment.

Allow the Concrete to Cure: Allow concrete to cure for 24-48 hours before proceeding with installation.

Diagram showing three vertical posts set in concrete. The overall width is labeled '69 inches'. The height of the boards is indicated as '47.50"'. The spacing between boards is '9.81"'. The distance from the ground level to the bottom board is '9.26"'. The burial depth is shown as '16.50"'. Ground level is indicated.

Fence Board Installation

The NC system comes pre-assembled with a Board Stop, ensuring correct spacing for the boards.

1. Install Bottom Square Edge Board (C): Hold the bottom board (C) at a slight angle and insert one end into the U-shaped post (A), then place the other end into the opposite post.

Diagram showing a horizontal board (C) being inserted at an angle into the U-shaped posts (A).

2. Install NC Spacers: Attach screw (G) through one of the 9.8" Spacers (E). Insert the spacer on top of the first board installed into the U-Post. Secure with one of the screws (G) for the 9" Spacers (E).

Diagram showing a 9.8" Spacer (E) with a screw (G) attached, ready to be placed on top of an installed board.

3. Continue Adding Square Edge Boards: Repeat the process with each Square Edge Board (C) and 9.8" Spacer (E), using the spacers to maintain alignment.

Diagram showing multiple horizontal boards (C) installed between U-posts (A), with spacers (E) and screws (G) positioned between each board for alignment.

Top Cap Installation

1. Install the Top Cable Inside the Top Cavity of the Last Board: Before installing the last board, insert the H-shaped fasteners attached to the Top Cable into the top cavity of the board. Once secured, slide the last board into place.
2. Ensure Proper Space for Top Cap Installation: After the last board is installed, ensure a proper gap for installing the Top Cap.
3. Install the Top Cap (B): Slide the Top Cap (B) into the routed space at the top of the U-channel posts.
4. Secure the Top Cap: Fasten the Top Cap (B) using the provided 1-3/4 inch composite screws (F) with a Torx T20 Bit and power tool.

Diagrams illustrating the installation of the Top Cable and the securing of the Top Cap with screws.

Post Curing and Finalization

1. Maintain Proper Post Alignment and Spacing: Keep the Base Cable Assembly taut to ensure posts remain correctly spaced. Continue using the Top Cable Fastener to maintain proper post alignment during curing.
2. Allow the Concrete to Cure: Allow concrete to cure for 24-48 hours before proceeding with installation.