The stackable Column can be used for many different applications - from horse jump stations, flag pole bases to signage. This installation instruction only covers one way to install the Column for a few applications.
Select Installation:
1.) Choose your structural post that the Column will sleeve over. Your job may require a 4" treated wood post, 5" vinyl post or structural full weight pipe. In addition to the structural post, you can add rebar in the posthole and up into the Column. In some cases re-bar alone may be appropriate
(see figure 1). You determine the structural need for your particular application based upon your local codes and/or conditions.
2.) Set structural post according to local codes based upon soil conditions in your area and the style of your fence. Set the structural post to raise at least 8" above the top joint in the Column (if not using a stack section, set at least 24" above the ground). For more stability, extend the structural post higher and fill with gravel/concrete around the structural post. Make sure there is a level foundation of concrete around the base of the structural post for the Column to rest upon. Some applications will require a concrete footing below the frost line. For example, use a footing if you fill the Column with concrete or gravel. If the ground is level you can choose to set the structural post (re-bar) and the Column all at the same time.
3.) Leaving an approximate 1" lip, cut out the inner mating flat surface on both the male and female joining sections. This will leave a wide enough (approx. 9" x 9") hole to fill gravel/concrete and fasten bolts and washers. Do not cut out the 3" rise for mating the sections (see figure 2).
4.) Skip this step if not using a stack section. Determine the best aesthetic alignment of the Column joints. A natural look is maintained with a variance in each Column so rotate the Column to get the best joint alignment. Mark the alignment on the inside of the Column joint. Start joining the 15 ½" stacking section(s) to the main/cap section. To start this process, stand the main/cap section upside down (as it gets taller, lay flat) and align the stacking section to your mark. Temporarily hold the sections together with several wood or sheet metal screws. Make sure not to place the screws in a place that will need to be routed later. Drill 3/8" holes in each corner for the bolts. Secure 5/16" bolts, washers and lock washers. Repeat process until all stack sections are assembled for each Column.
5.) Drill at least two 3/8" holes in opposing corners of the bottom section to allow for drainage.
6.) If your job requires routing the Column, lay the Column on a clean flat surface. Make a plywood template for your router (see figure 3) to use as a jig for a perfect routing job.
7.) Position the Column over the structural post and/or rebar in the properly aligned position (see figure 4).
8.) Pour concrete inside the Column to the bottom section. Make sure the concrete fills in the lower ground cavity of the Column and down around the base of the structural post. Fill the Column with at least 10" of concrete. Vibrate the concrete by tapping the side of the Column with your foot. Make sure the concrete works its way down around the structural post and fills up the lower cavity (see figure 5). Make sure Column is positioned correctly before allowing concrete to set.
9.) Wait for concrete to completely set before attaching any wind load rated or privacy panels to the Column.
The gatepost Column is installed in the same manner as the regular fence Column with a few exceptions: