Installing Windsor Slatestone Columns Tools and Supplies You'll Need 1. Exterior Grade Screws use screws that are long enough to go through the faux column and firmly attach to the post behind the column. We recommend a narrow head screw (such as a #1 Robertson head trim head screw) to make touch-up easier and less noticeable. 2. Construction Adhesive/Glue we recommend either PL Premium Construction Adhesive, PL Premium Advanced 8X Construction Adhesive (which has 8X faster bonding), or Great Stuff Pro. 3. A Saw for cutting posts a circular saw, jig saw, band saw, table saw, or hand saw, it is your preference. Any woodcutting blade used with these saws will work great and cut smooth and easy. 4. Tape Measure. 5. Level. 6. Caulking gun for applying the Adhesive/Glue and Caulk. 7. FauxPanels color coordinated textured caulk. 8. Lumber as needed. Slatestone Post Column 1.) Cut the Post to Correct Height - Post covers are 41 tall. Measure up 41 on the post and cut it to this height. (Fig. 1) Note: If using a 6 x 6 post, skip ahead to Step-7. 2.) When using a 4 x 4 post, either fir out the post to 5 ½ x 5 ½ or use the optional Converter Kit Rings. 4 pieces per kit. (Fig. 2) 3.) Place the bottom ring (marked B), flange down, onto the deck. Pre-drill the four sides and attach the ring to the post using 2 galvanized screws. Use shims to make the ring snug and centered on post. (Fig. 3) 4.) Measure up 13 and 26 from the deck. Use a Speed Square to mark a line around the post at these heights. Slide the 2 rings (marked M) to these heights, shim and screw in place as described above. (Fig. 4) If attaching railings, the following must be done PRIOR to the placement and attachment of the post. 5.) Measure up and mark on the post to the height of the bottom and top rail. Fir out the post on these faces at these heights an additional 1. These will act as the landings for the rail mounts. Use a 3" x 3" x 1" block. Center the block at the scribed line. (Fig. 5) Consult local codes for height requirements of rails. 6.) Place the Column Enclosure - Slide the post over the rings, and seat the bottom of the post into the bottom ring. Face screw the post to the rings using 2 galvanized screws. It is best to screw through the post in a grout line or at the base of a rock. This will make it easier to hide the screws. Measure up 13 and 26 and screw through the rings at this height. (Fig. 6)
7.) Place the top ring and set in the top of the post. Shim to make the post plumb. Screw through the indented areas into the post. (Fig. 7) If using a 6 x 6 post, simply cut the post to 41", slide the post cover over the post, and secure using 2 ½ galvanized screws as described in #6 above. Be sure and shim the top of the post to make it plumb before screwing the post cover to the post. 8.) Attaching the Cap - Apply adhesive around the top surface of the post. (Fig. 8) In addition, apply adhesive to the inside top of the cap along the inside ledge. 9.) Install Rail Mounts - After locating the desired height of the railing, measure up on the outside of the post cover, and select the spot to place the rail mount. Trace the area of the stone you d like to cut, where you ll be fitting Trex universal mounts. (Fig. 10-11) 10.) Using a carpenter knife or chisel, cut out the high points of the artificial stone to achieve a smooth, flat surface. When the mounting location is ready, dry fit the Trex mount to the fake stone surface. (Fig. 12-13) 11.) Using two 3" deck screws minimum, attach the mount to the post, screwing through the pillar into the landing attached in Step 5. (Fig. 14-15) 12.) Finish the job using Windsor Textured Caulk and Touch-up kit to cover any space around the mountings and to hide screw heads. (Textured Caulk and Touch-Up kits sold separately). (Fig. 16) Slatestone Split Post Columns 1.) Cut the Post to Correct Height - Post covers are 41 tall. Measure up 41 on the post and cut it to this height. (Fig. 1) Note: If using a 6 x 6 post, skip ahead to Step-7. 2.) When using a 4 x 4 post, either fir out the post to 5 ½ x 5 ½ or use the optional Converter Kit Rings. 4 pieces per kit. (Fig. 2) 3.) Place the bottom ring (marked B), flange down, onto the deck. Pre-drill the four sides and attach the ring to the post using 2 galvanized screws. Use shims to make the ring snug and centered on post. (Fig. 3)
4.) Measure up 13 ½ and 27 ½ from the deck. Use a Speed Square to mark a line around the post at these heights. Slide the 2 rings (marked M) to these heights, shim and screw in place as described above. Place the top ring (marked T) and seat in the top of the post. (Fig. 4) If attaching railings, the following must be done PRIOR to the placement and attachment of the post. 5.) Measure up and mark on the post to the height of the bottom and top rail. Fir out the post on these faces at these heights an additional 1. These will act as the landings for the rail mounts. Use a 3" x 3" x 1" block. Center the block at the scribed line. (Fig. 5) Consult local codes for height requirements of rails. 6.) Position Side 1, with the arrow facing up. Seat the bottom of the post into the bottom ring. Face screw the post to the rings using 2 1/2" galvanized screws. It is best to screw through the post in a grout line or at the base of a rock. This will make it easier to hide the screws. Measure up 14" and 28" and screw through into the rings at this height. The posts are designed with a grout line at these heights. (Fig. 6) 7.) Shim to make the post plumb. Screw through the indented areas into the post. (Fig. 7) 8.) After securing side 1 in place, move side 2 into place. Make sure the arrow is facing up. Dry fit the piece to make sure all interlocking sections line up and are tight. Secure side 2 at the ring heights described above. (Fig. 8) 9.) Attaching the Cap - Apply adhesive around the top surface of the post. (Fig. 9) In addition, apply adhesive to the inside top of the cap along the inside ledge. (Fig. 10) 10.) Install Rail Mounts - After locating the desired height of the railing, measure up on the outside of the post cover, and select the spot to place the rail mount. Trace the area of the stone you d like to cut, where you ll be fitting Trex universal mounts. (Fig. 11-12) 11.) Using a carpenter knife or chisel, cut out the high points of the artificial stone to achieve a smooth, flat surface. When the mounting location is ready, dry fit the Trex mount to the fake stone surface. (Fig. 13-14) 12.) Using two 3" deck screws minimum, attach the mount to the post, screwing through the pillar into the landing attached in Step 5. (Fig. 15-16)
13.) Finish the job using Windsor Textured Caulk and Touch-up kit to cover any space around the mountings and to hide screw heads. (Textured Caulk and Touch-Up kits sold separately). (Fig. 17) Slatestone Column Wraps 1.) Fir out the desired column to 14 ¼ x 14 ¼. Starter Strip - Determine the height above ground the bottom of the column should be. Measure up 2 ¾ from this point and strike a level line. Attach the top of the starter strip on this line. Level and attach starter strip on each face, stopping 2" from each corner. Optional: The panels can be face screwed at the bottom to eliminate the need for a starter strip. The screw heads will need to be caulked and painted for finished results. Paint Kit and caulk are sold separately. 2.) Each box contains 4 pieces, marked 1-4. Attach the male panel (number 1). Slide down and seat panel 1 onto the starter strip and attach on the screw hem guide points. 3.) Next, place the side pieces, (number 2 and 3) into the dovetail joints and check for tightness. From panel 1, panel 2 is on the right side, and panel 3 is on the left side. Make sure to place all panels with the top arrow pointing up. 4.) Attach panel number 4 at the base, then slide into panels 2 and 3. Make sure joints are tight, then screw at the top using the screw hem guide points. 5.) To make columns higher than 30, simply stack the next course using the tongue and groove attachment for the bottom, and the screw hem at the top. 6.) The 18" Post Cap is designed to fit the Slatestone Column with or without the screw hems. Screw Attachment: Drive one screw per side through the bottom lip of the cap all the way into the substrate. Be Careful to angle the Screws so they don t run through the top of the cap. Do not overdrive screws.
7.) Adhesive Attachments with Screw Hem: If the top course ends with the screw hem attached: Place adhesive in each corner of the cap and secure. 8.) Adhesive Attachments without Screw Hem: If the top course of corners has the screw hems cut off, face screw each piece 1 from the top so that the cap covers the screw heads. Place adhesive on inside cutouts as shown. Important Info... Be sure to follow and obey all safety rules and recommendations set forth by tool manufacturers. Always follow any, and all, local, state, and federal building codes. Always comply with any specified clearances set forth by the manufactures of stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, and any other heat sources, as well.