Installation Tips
Installation Tips - Shadowbox Fence Style
Installation Tips
Planning
- Prior to construction, check with your local regulatory agency for special code requirements in your area.
- Contact your utility supplier to locate and mark underground lines.
- Sketch out the layout of your fence and calculate the number of panels, gates, posts, brackets and caps needed for your project.
- Prior to beginning construction, you may want to consider all the tools you will need to complete your project: Post Hole Digger, Drill, Screwdriver, Level, Chop Saw, Measuring Tape, String Line, Concrete, Gravel, Clear PVC Cement, Shims, and a Pencil.
- Careful planning and measuring of your fence project is essential, as moving posts after the concrete sets is extremely difficult. Most yards are relatively level and will allow for a fairly simple installation. If your yard is steeply pitched or is very uneven, be sure to allow for the required mounting height of the adjacent panel when setting your posts. You may need to “stair step” the panels in extreme cases. See Figure 1.
Digging Post Holes
- Dig post holes 10” to 12” in diameter and 36” to 42” deep (depending on local ordinance or expected frost depth in winter).
- Check measurement of fence. Actual size of the panel varies by description and model number. See Figure 2 for specific panel dimensions. Use a string line to insure all post holes are in line and verify spacing between holes. Double check all measurements!
Installing Brackets to Posts
- Prepare the pre-assembled fence panels by sliding the mounting brackets onto the rails with the open space to the top. Slide the bracket fully onto the rail. While holding the bracket in place, install one attaching screw into one of the slotted holes. Place the screw at the end of the slot closest to the mounting face of the bracket, as shown in Figure 3. This will temporarily hold the bracket to the panel when you place the complete panel between the posts. Do this for all brackets on each fence panel prior to installation. Later, you will be able to slide the bracket outward to get a perfect fit if your post opening is slightly wider than the suggested dimension.
Setting and Installing Posts and Panels
- Starting with a corner, mix concrete in the first hole per the instructions on the bag. Mix thoroughly and install the post into the hole and tap the post to the proper depth. Measure to be sure you can install the finished panel to the post with approximately a 2” gap from the ground to the bottom of the panel. You may also need to leave a space from the highest point of the panel to the top of the post. See Figure 2. The spacing allows the cap to be installed to the top of the post without interference with the top rail. On all 3x8 and 4x8 panels,the location of the post caps in relation to the top of the panel is based on personal preference.
- Install the next post as described above, paying careful attention to the spacing between posts. It is important to determine the height requirement for mounting the next panel, as you may need to leave more post above the ground to accommodate its mounting height (true if you are installing the fence on an uneven landscape). Slide the panel with the brackets installed between posts and position the panel to the desired height. Use wooden blocks or shims to obtain the proper spacing from the ground. Using the supplied screws (four per bracket); attach the panel bracket to the posts. Be sure to center the fence brackets on the post.
- Use a level to ensure the fence is plumb and the posts are square with the ground. Brace the panel and post to hold the position as the concrete sets (at least overnight). Continue setting posts and installing panels to complete the project. Once posts are set, finish panel installation by using the provided screws to secure the fence bracket to the panel.
- Install a post cap on each post using a clear PVC cement or an exterior adhesive.
Installation Tips - Shadowbox Fence Style
Planning
- Prior to construction, check with your local regulatory agency for special code requirements in your area.
- Contact your utility supplier to locate and mark underground lines.
- Sketch out the layout of your fence and calculate the number of panels, gates, posts, brackets and caps needed for your project.
- Careful planning and measuring of your fence project is essential, as moving posts after the concrete sets is extremely difficult. Most yards are relatively level and will allow for a fairly simple installation. If your yard is steeply pitched or is very uneven, be sure to allow for the required mounting height of the adjacent panel when setting your posts. You may need to "stair step" the panels in extreme cases. See fig. 1.
Digging Post Holes
- Dig post holes 10" to 12" in diameter and 36" to 42" deep (depending on local ordinance or expected frost depth in winter). See fig. 2.
- Check measurement of fence. Actual size of the Shadowbox panel is 68-1/2" tall x 66-7/8" wide. The panel is designed to be mounted between posts that are 72" center-to-center spacing (67" between posts). Use a string line to ensure all post holes are in line and verify spacing between holes. Double-check all measurements!
Installing Brackets to Posts
- Prepare the pre-assembled fence panels by sliding the mounting brackets into the rails
with the open space facing out toward the picket. See fig. 3. Slide the bracket fully in the rail. Later, you will be able to slide the bracket outward to get a perfect fit if your post opening is slightly wider than the suggested dimension of 67".
Setting and Installing Posts and Panels
- Starting with a corner, mix concrete in the first hole per the instructions on the bag. Mix thoroughly and install the post into the hole and tap the post to the proper depth. Measure to be sure you can install the finished panel to the post with an approximately 2" gap from the ground to the bottom of the panel. You also need to leave a 1-1/2" space from the top of the panel to the top of the post. The 1-1/2" spacing allows the cap to be installed to the top of the post without interference with the top rail. See fig. 2.
- Install the next post as described above, paying careful attention to the 67" spacing between posts. It is important to determine the height requirement for mounting the next panel, as you may need to leave more post above the ground to accommodate its mounting height (true if you are installing the fence on an uneven landscape). Slide the panel with the brackets installed between posts and position the panel to the desired height. Use wooden blocks or shims to obtain the proper spacing from the ground. Using the supplied screws (four per bracket), attach the panel bracket to the posts. Be sure to center the fence brackets on the post Once the panel is in place, use a drill to make a pilot hole through the rail into the bracket with a 1/8” drill bit. Place screw through the rail into the bracket to hold it in place.
- Use a level to ensure the fence is plumb and the posts are square with the ground. Brace the panel and post to hold the position as the concrete sets (at least overnight). Continue setting posts and installing panels to complete the project. Once posts are set, finish panel installation by using the provided screws to secure the fence bracket to the panel (one screw on each side).
- Install a post cap on each post using a clear PVC cement or an exterior adhesive.
The diagrams and instructions shown are for illustration purposes only and are not meant to replace a licensed professional. Any construction or use of the product must be in accordance with all local zoning and/or building codes. The consumer assumes all risks and liability associated with the construction or use of this product. The consumer or contractor should take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the project, including, but not limited to, wearing the appropriate safety equipment. EXCEPT AS CONTAINED In THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTY, THE WARRANTOR DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.