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Post & Rail
Crossbuck 2-Rail, 3-Rail and 4-Rail
1. Getting Started
• Be sure to call underground prior to digging
• Assemble gates (if necessary) and decide where they will
be located
• Stake out the fence line
• Space and mark post hole locations for gate and sections
(spacer bar/template may be useful)
• Start at gate end post and work outward to determine
proper fence height relative to ground
2. Dig Holes
• Dig holes 30" deep or to frost line
- hole size for 5 x 5 posts = 12"
• Clean holes and check for straight walls
3. Install First Post
• Insert post in hole
• Determine rough height
• Fill hole around post with concrete mix (sand, gravel and
cement) approximately 2" below grade
• Tamp concrete in hole to eliminate air pockets
• Level and square post
• Fence may be installed post and bottom rails first,
then upper rails
4. Install Rails
• Tape the ends of any rail going into a post that is to be
filled with concrete to prevent concrete seepage
• Standard rails are supplied in 16 foot lengths
• For rolling terrain, rails may need to be cut to 95-1/2"
• The starting point for rails should be staggered from post
to post for bottom/mid/toprail for maximum strength
• Insert lock ring into one end of rail by depressing tabs,
insert in rail end and release
• Depress lock ring tabs to insert bottom rail in first post
• Tabs will recoil to hold rail in post
• If bottom rail is 16' long, slide rail through second post
and then insert post in ground
• Insert lock ring in rail end, insert end into third post
• When installing rails leave a 1" gap between rail ends,
inside post to allow for expansion
5. Support and Secure
• Block up bottom rail to determine correct fence height
• Fill holes around posts with concrete mix
• Tamp, level, and square
• Fence assembly may be continued by installing all bottom
rails first or one section at a time
• To lower a post, place a wood block from corner to
corner of the post and carefully tap with a mallet
• Never strike the PVC post without a wood support
6. Crossbuck
• Insert lock rings in diagonal rails and insert into
each post
Note: Standard diagonal rails are cut to 97" to
compensate for angle of install
7. Hang Gate/Install Hardware
• For complete details, see gate installation instructions in
hardware box
• Position gate between posts
• Allow 1-1/2" gap on hinge side of the gate and 1-1/4" on
latch side to allow for the gate swing and hardware
• Block up gate to square with fence, rails should be level
• Gate hardware must be mounted to two sides of the post
8. Solidify Gate Posts
• It is critical that gate hinge and latch posts are solid to
ensure proper gate functionality. Two methods are available:
A. Aluminum gate post stiffener
- Slide aluminum gate stiffener inside hinge,
latch or end posts
- Drive a screw through the vinyl into the aluminum
stiffener at the bottom of the post
- Insert post into the ground
- Fill hole with concrete around outside of post
B. Concrete and rebar*
- Use two pieces of 1/2" rebar in each hinge, latch and
end post
- Rebar should extend from the bottom of the hole to
12" from the top of the post
- Hold rebar in opposite corners of post with rebar
separator clips
- Fill post with concrete mix to cover rebar and
hardware fasteners
- Tamp post with a rubber mallet to eliminate air pockets
- Leave gate on blocks for 72 hours to allow concrete
to set
9. Install Caps
• Install post caps by pressing in place inside post
* Caution – In climates that experience freeze-thaw cycles, this installation method could result in post cracking over time. This would not be covered by the warranty.
Summary of Contents for Bufftech
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