1) Measure overall opening from
floor to beam or soffit (must have
structural pressure-treated post or
lally column for load support.)
2) Trim shaft pieces to 2¼" shorter
than opening - 2" for cap/base, ¼"
for expansion (¼" if not using cap
and base - each part is 1" thick.)
Always trim from bottom ONLY -
top is marked.
3) If you are going to use screws,
pre-drill/countersink all panels. See
joint diagram on next page to
determine which edge to pre-drill.
4) Lay 3 panels flat and apply
adhesive to center joints. (Polyurethane
glue is recommended.
Follow manufacturer's instructions.)
5) Assemble three panels, using E-Z
lock joints.
6) If you are not using screws, finish
nail three panels together.
7) If using screws, assemble three
panels together using coarse thread
galvanized screws (deck screws)
8) Slide ¾ base around post
9) Glue ¼ piece of base using
biscuits (supplied). Center and attach
to floor/pedestal with appropriate
fasteners.
10) Slide assembled 3-sided column
around support (on top of base)
11) Slide ¾ cap into place on top of
column panels.*
12) Raise cap to beam/soffit, center,
and attach. There should 1/4"
between column and cap platform.
13) Apply adhesive to final panel
14) Assemble final panel to column
using E-Z lock joint
15) Screw or nail final panel to
secure
16) Glue ¼ cap piece and slide into
place. Pin nail cap moulding to top
of column.*
17) Using miter saw, cut base trim
pieces to fit around bottom of
column
18) Use column shaft to mark cut
lines for miters (cut long and work
your way shorter for best results)
19) Apply adhesive to moulding and
pin-nail into place.
20) Caulk using latex caulking
compound to fill an gaps & nail or
screw holes.
21) Clean surface of column with
cleaner recommended by the paint
manufacturer. Paint with 2 coats of
acrylic latex paint.
Please note the correct assembly of the E-Z Lock joint
shown at the left. The screws or nails MUST be installed
only in the edges shown (3 and 4). Installing on the other
edges will result in open seams. (Pre-drill if using screws.)
1) Glue both joint edges; slide 1st joint together.
2) Push 2nd joint closed.
3) Nail or screw this joint first.
4) Nail or screw this joint second.
Notes:
Panels are marked "TOP" - trim from the bottom only.
Cap and base pieces are also marked as "CAP" or "BASE".
Only use non-corrosive fasteners - galvanized, stainless
steel, etc.
Always follow glue and paint manufacturer's instructions.
*Column must not be allowed to collect water, debris, etc. If
the top of the column extends beyond the soffit/beam, the
cap must be flashed with lead, copper, aluminum, etc. to
prevent accumulation.
