OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS Somerset 6X6 Privacy Fence Panel Instruction Manual
- October 30, 2023
- Outdoor Essentials
Table of Contents
OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS Somerset 6X6 Privacy Fence Panel
Kit contents
- 2 – Vinyl rails
- 9 – Vinyl pickets
Items recommended
- Soapy water
- Wooden wedge
- Non-marring rubber mallet
- Drill with a square bit
SOMERSET 6X6 PRIVACY FENCE PANEL
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
- ACTUAL SIZE: 68.5 in. H x 66.875 in. W
Note: PicketLock™ is a patented technology that provides a glue- and fastener-free connection between the pickets and rails. You may spray soapy water onto components to help them slide more easily into their corresponding channels. A non-marring rubber mallet may also be used to gently tap components more firmly into place.
Assembling the panel
- Take the bottom rail and align one of the pickets with the channel in the bottom rail. Slide the picket into the channel (fig. 1).
- Begin to insert the remaining pickets into the channel of the bottom rail (fig. 2). Because the pickets have a tongue-and-groove design, be sure to insert each in the same direction. Tightly align the tongue of each picket into the groove of the next one as they slide into the channel. Continue to slide the pickets to the opposite side of the bottom rail until all are inserted into the channel.
- At the top of the panel assembly, slide the second rail over the top of the pickets (fig. 3).
- The panel assembly is now complete.
SOMERSET 6X6 PRIVACY FENCE PANEL
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Preparation
Check local ordinances and regulations before building your fence. Before construction, contact your local utility companies to mark any underground cables and pipelines. In addition, it is a good idea to discuss plans with any neighbors along your proposed fence line.
Design and layout
- Determine the number of posts, panels, and gates needed to complete the job based on the total linear footage. Take into consideration post, panel, and gate widths when determining the total number of each.
- Adjust the layout to accommodate as many full panels as possible. If you must use a partial panel, place it in the farthest rear corner of the property.
- Locate property boundaries and drive stakes into the ground at corners and ends of fence lines, based on local municipality regulations.
- Stretch twine or heavy string between stakes and pull tight to mark the layout of the fence line.
- Be sure to measure your fence panels and gates prior to determining the location of the postholes. Place posts in the following order along the string line:
- End/corner posts
- Gate posts
- Line posts
Installing fences on sloped landscapes
Most yards are relatively level and will allow for a fairly simple installation. If your yard is steeply pitched or 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 (fig. 1).
Digging postholes
Post-hole spacing is 72 in. post-center to post-center (fig. 2). Mark post- hole locations along string lines. Double-check all measurements. Check local regulations for any special requirements for post hole depth. The fence will be stronger if the end, corner and gate posts are set at least 6″ deeper than the line posts. Using a posthole digger or power auger, dig the holes 10-12″ wide and 6″ deeper than needed. Backfill the holes with 6″ of gravel to drain water away from the bottom of the posts (fig. 3). Keep the height of your fence panels in mind when digging your postholes.
Items needed
- 5×5 Fence posts*
- 4 PicketLock Brackets per panel**
- Posthole digger
- Measuring tape
- Clear PVC cement
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Level
- Chop saw
- String line
- Concrete
- Gravel
- Shims
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
One per panel and one to complete the fence run.
Installing brackets to posts
- Prepare the pre-assembled fence panels by sliding the mounting brackets onto the rails with the open space at the top. Slide the bracket fully onto the rail.
- While holding the bracket in place, attach one screw to one of the slotted holes. Place the screw at the end of the slot closest to the mounting face of the bracket (fig. 4).
- This will temporarily hold the bracket to the panel while you place the complete panel between the posts. Do this for all brackets on each fence panel prior to installation. 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.
NOTE: Drive screws until snug, do not over-drive. Overdriving the screws will strip the vinyl and compromise the strength of the connection.
Setting and installing posts and panels
- Starting at 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 (fig. 5). The spacing allows the cap to be installed on top of the post without interference with the top rail.
- 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 panels, as you may need to leave more posts above the ground to accommodate its mounting height (especially if you are installing the fence on an uneven landscape).
- Slide the panel between posts and position it 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 to the posts. Be sure to center the fence brackets on the post. Do not over-drive screws.
- 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 (per the time frame established in the manufacturer’s instructions). 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. Do not over-drive screws.
- Install a post cap on each post using clear PVC cement or an exterior adhesive.
THE DIAGRAMS AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS BROCHURE 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.
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