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Important: Before proceeding with the installation of your composite project, it is advisable to confirm that the products received are in accordance with your order.
Installation Guide
Contents
Storage & Handling
Although composite boards are highly durable, please follow these important guidelines for storing, handling, and working with composite products to preserve their original appearance
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To safely unload composite materials, always have two people present and handle them with care to prevent injuries.
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Each board weighs approximately 4.5kg, so it's important to avoid carrying too many at once.
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When transporting boards by hand, tilt the slats for better support.
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Avoid sliding or dragging boards across each other to protect their texture.
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Always store boards flat, level, and off the ground.
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Utilize support battens at 500mm intervals to prevent sagging.
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Pallets should be stacked no higher than two units.
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To keep the composite clean from debris until installation, cover them with a tarpaulin or similar material.
Maintenance & Care
Composite products require minimal maintenance, but a bit of cleaning can prolong the beauty of your outdoor area.
Please note that while our products are relatively colour-stable, there might be some initial fading during the first 8-10 weeks after installation.
Cleaning Maintenance
Keeping your composite clean is a simple task that can be completed using a few easy techniques.
Employ a soft-bristled brush with a mild detergent or common household degreaser, such as washing up liquid.
Removing Stains
Act promptly to address any stains on your composite panels to prevent them from becoming permanent. A gentle soap or household washing-up liquid can effectively treat fresh stains. Thoroughly scrub the affected area and wipe it clean to eliminate the stain.
Avoid sanding the stained areas as it may harm the board's texture. If regular cleaning methods are unsuccessful, consider using a wire brush gently along the grain to remove the stain. Please be aware that this may cause a slight color difference until the scuffed area weathers and blends with the rest, which could take up to 3 months.
Baxter & Bloom advise against using strong cleaning solutions or excessive washing of your fence panels.
Tools
Protective Equipment (PPE)
Wear long sleeves and gloves when handling fencing panels.
Use a dust mask, ear defenders, and safety glasses when cutting.
Chopsaw or Handsaw
Composite fence panels and posts can be cut using a standard wood cutting tools. We recommend using a fine toothed blade to get the cleanest finish to your cut edge.
Measuring & Marking
You'll need tools for measuring and marking like a tape measure
spirit level, pencil and string.
Drill
A standard power drill can be utilized for installing composite fencing. For the bolt-down post a 10mm masonry drill bit is required for 80mm coach bolts, you will also require a 17mm spanner or socket.
Digging & Concrete Equipment
If you are installing new posts, you will need a shovel to dig the post holes, as well as a bucket, water, and postcrete to secure each post.
CALCULATING MATERIALS
The First step in calculating materials is to measure the area(s).
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For Existing Concrete Posts
Measure the height of the panels required from the top of the gravel boards.
Count the number of bays, concrete posts are typically set at 6ft (1.83m) intervals.
Dont forget you will need a U-Chanel each side of the fence.
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For New Composite or Aluminium Posts
Measure the height of the panels required from the ground level.
Measure the length of the area(s) you wish to install fencing.
Once you have your measurments, you can use our online calculator to calculate your materials,
or use the method below, alternavitly you can contact our technical experts on 01384 888338.
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Calculating the Number of boards
Each board will give a height of 150mm once lapped together.
The top and base rails give a combined heigth of 60mm.
Number of Panels | Height (Including Rails) | Imperial Size |
|---|---|---|
16 | 2460mm | 8ft |
14 | 2160mm | 7ft |
12 | 1860mm | 6ft |
11 | 1710mm | 5ft 6in |
10 | 1560mm | 5ft |
8 | 1260mm | 4ft |
6 | 960mm | 3ft |
​Calculating the Number Posts and Bays
For Composite Posts:
Composite posts should be installed at 1920mm centres to allow for a 10mm expansion gap.
Take the desired length and take off 85mm for the first post,
then divide the remainder by the 1920mm, for each subsiquent panel and post.
For Aluminium Posts:
Aluminium posts should be installed at 1885mm centres to allow for a 10mm expansion gap.
Take the desired length and take off 55mm for the first post,
then divide the remainder by the 1885mm, for each subsiquent panel and post.
Once you have calculated your fence panels, you can order online, by e-mail or
over the phone
Post Installation
Composite Posts
Concrete in method
Place the composite posts 1920mm apart from centre to centre.
Mark the post locations and, dig hole minimum 300mm diameter and 600mm deep.
Insert posts to stand 1920mm above ground.
Fill holes with concrete ensuring the posts are plumb, using a spirit level.
For a quick installation, opt for a fast-setting concrete specifically made for fence posts.
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Bolt down method
Place the composite posts 1920mm apart from centre to centre.
Drill 10mm holes, 80mm deep into the concrete.
Ensure to remove any dust or debris from the hole and insert the supplied anchor bolts.
Securely bolt down the base plates using a 17mm spanner or socket.
Once the mount is fixed, slide the post over the steel mount.
The posts are supplied in 2.4m (8ft) lengths to accommodate concreting.
These will require cutting down to size using a handsaw.
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Aluminium Posts
Concrete in method
Place the aluminium posts 1885mm apart from centre to centre.
Mark the post location, dig holes 500x500x600mm deep,
insert posts to stand 1920mm above ground.
Fill holes with concrete and ensure posts are level,
straight, and parallel using a spirit level.
For a quick installation, opt for a fast-setting concrete
specifically made for fence posts.
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Existing Concrete Posts
Each U Channel section is 1850mm long to suit a 6ft
high fence panel and can easily be cut down to size.
Simply screw these into your existing post using the fixings supplied.
Starter Details
Post Base
The base plates hide the composite posts' ground fixings and
can be easily installed by sliding them over the fixed posts.
Bottom Rail
Identify the bottom rail by its shape, ensuring the tongue fits onto the groove of the board.
Secure Rail
Slide the rail to the bottom of the post ensuring you leave approximately 25mm from the ground as clearance. Using the
L brackets provided, secure the base rail to your post.
Boards
​Line up the Composite Panel Place the board between the posts and push down until it is sat on the bottom rail, ensuring to leave and expansion gap either side of the board (10mm total). Repeat this step for the remaining boards.
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Top Rail
Once your boards are installed and level add the top rail, securing it into place using the L brackets provided.
The top rail brackets will cover the 10mm expansion gap
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Decorative Screen
If adding a decorative screen, insert into place, maintaining the 10mm expansion gap and secure with additional top rail
Post Cap
The final touch is the post cap, which is easily attached by pressing onto the top
Installation Method for Gates
Our composite boards are primarily designed for horizontal installation; however, we
understand they are also used in gate applications.
While we cannot offer specific fitting advice for gates, we recommend the following guidelines:
Ensure a 10mm expansion gap around the edges.
For vertical installations, gates over 1.4m in height must include a cross brace for added stability.
Please note, that Baxter & Bloom will not accept any responsibility for any warping or damage to the boards when used in gate installations.