1. Measure the exact floor to ceiling height using a plumb to insure accuracy.
2. Cut the bottom of the column shaft as needed to achieve the measurement taken in step 1. Use an abrasive blade.
CAUTION: Because only the shaft is load bearing, its top and bottom edges must be level to achieve full, even
contact between load surfaces and shaft**. Use a rasp to level as required. NOTE: All height adujstments must be
made from the bottom of the shaft. For the cap to fit correctly, the top of the shaft must be trimmed only enough to
achieve level contact with load surfaces, or to achieve correct installation of decorative capitals.
3. Slip one-piece cap and base onto column shaft (see figure 1). The two-piece cap and base are attached after the
shaft is installed. If this column is installed where it could collect water or debris, the top of the column and
cap MUST be flashed (covered) to prevent such collection. Use lead, copper, aluminum, galvanized, etc.
flashing cut slightly larger than the cap, and fold the edges down over the cap after step 5. It is not
permissible at any time to fill the interior of the column shaft with sand, concrete or any other material.
4. If installation requires some method of securing the column in place before load is applied, use Poly-Classic Installation
Kit #71760 (see figure 2) NOTE: Always drill clearance holes in columns and secure with through-bolts - DO NOT USE
SCREWS - and do not over-tighten.
5. Apply standard construction adhesive to flashing (if used), top surface of cap and bottom surface of base; then tip
loosely assembled column shaft into position, align flashing (if used), and lower load onto shaft to hold it in position.
Align square part of cap with load surface (or flashing) above and push up against it to secure. Align square part of base
with load surface below cap and push down until it is secure.
6. Caulk gaps between shaft and cap and base as desired.
7. All round columns are factory sanded. All surfaces of cap and base, square columns, and the concave area at the
bottom of the flutes on fluted columns require preparation by sanding with 80 to 100 grit sandpaper. Sand to
remove all glossy areas. Always follow the instructions of the paint manufacturer.
A. To paint with oil base paint, remove all dust and dirt by thoroughly wiping column with cleaner compatible with
your chosen paint. Allow to dry completely. Use a high quality oil base paint. Primer is not needed if the oil base
paint is the desired color.
B. To paint with acrylic latex paint, we recommend using a high quality primer like Sherwin-Williams® PrepRite®
Anchor-Bond and a topcoat like Sherwin-Williams® SuperPaint®. Remove all dust and dirt before painting by
thoroughly cleaning with a cleaner like Simple Green® or isopropyl alcohol. Allow to dry completely before
priming.
8. Columns may be split to cover lally columns, posts, etc. using an abrasive Carborundum or carbide blade. We
recommend use of our Split Kit #72665 for reassembly - instructions are included with the kit. NOTE: Split
columns are not load bearing.
Instructions for Attaching
Handrails to Turncraft
Poly-Classic® Columns
Rail to Column Kit
1. Trace the curve of the column (a contour gauge is helpful) at the desired rail
height.
2. Copy the curve to the end of the rail which will be attached to the column.
3. Carefully cut the end of the rail to ensure an attractive, tight fit.
4. Attach metal Angle Bracket to the bottom of railing using rust proof wood
screws.
5. Mark desired spot on column shaft.
6. Drill pilot hole in wall of column, slightly larger than toggle bolt.
7. Attach angle bracket to column wall with toggle bolt. The toggle bolt will
spread any force applied over a wide area of the inside of the column. Do
Not Over-tighten!
(Note: the stabilizer screw is not included. It would be used to prevent
rotation of the rail. A hole the same size as your screw head is drilled
through the column. The screw is driven into the end of the rail. The screw
head slips into the hole in the column shaft, keeping the rail from turning.)
Installing Poly-Classic® Columns with
Fiberglass Ornamental Capitals
1. If desired, cut a centering block to fit inside
of capital top. Attach block to soffit.
2. Trim top of column shaft (see Figure 1)
Roman Corinthian and Temple of
Winds: trim above neck ring
All other capitals: trim below neck ring
(top of fillet)
3. Measure opening where the column is to be
installed. INCLUDE HEIGHT OF CAPITAL
WHEN CALCULATING COLUMN LENGTH.
Measure column shaft and trim the bottom of
the shaft to fit required opening.
4. Using vinyl shims, shim the capital flange so
that the capital is centered on the column.
Attach shims to the flange with construction
adhesive.
5. Apply construction adhesive to the top of the
column shaft. Set capital in place. Remove
excess adhesive immediately.
6. Pre-drill clearance holes through shaft larger
than screw diameter, then countersink.
Attach capital flange to column using
non-corrosive wood screws. Do not
overtighten screws! This process will also
help to center cap in uneven shafts.
7. Raise soffit and slide assembled column into
place. Flashing should be installed over
capital in exterior installations where water
collection would be a problem.
8. Attach column as required, and caulk all
seams and fill all screw holes.
