Attaching Trex Posts to Walls and Pillars

Fence posts mounted on top of wall and to side of wall

 

While most fence posts are set in the ground in concrete footings, sometimes posts need to be mounted on top of walls or attached to pillars. With Trex, it’s easy.

 

Trex Post Pipe Mount

Trex post mounted on wall with embedded pipe

Trex Post Tower Mount

Trex post mounted on wall with tower

Trex post attached to pillar

Attaching a Trex post to a brick pillar

Although a Trex post is strong enough to stand alone without internal supports, the fact that it is hollow allows it to act as a sleeve when the situation calls for it. This is a perfect solution when you want to put the fence on top of a concrete wall. Using a pipe embedded into the wall or a tower with a base that can be fastened to the wall, a Trex post can easy slide over the internal attachment to hide it and to secure the fence posts.

 

Instructions on how to attach the Trex posts with embedded pipe and towers are available in our technical center. Please note: there are multiple ways that posts can be mounted on top of walls. These are simply two of them. In all cases, you should evaluate whether your wall can support the weight of the fence and the lateral pressure from force such as wind. In the case of a wall that is too thin or too shallow, an embedded pipe could break out of the side of the wall if heavy winds push against the fence.

 

As we’ve pointed out in other posts, Trex is often used for perimeter fencing where the fence runs between brick pillars or other types masonry columns. If the desired effect is to attach the fencing directly to the pillars, one method is to rip a Trex post in half and use a 2×4 to mount it to the pillar. Here are instructions for this method. The same principle applies to an exterior wall where a post is to be attached to the side of a building or similar structure.

 

Using Trex Posts with Ornamental Fencing

Using Trex Posts with Ornamental Fencing

We spoke about the benefits of Trex®  fence posts in a previous entry. This time, we’re talking about using Trex posts creatively with other materials besides the Seclusions rails and pickets. Since Trex posts don’t need to be used explicitly with the rest of Trex fencing, there are several different ways they can be applied … alternatives to wood posts in combination with wood pickets and rails, colonnade beams, landscaping timbers, railing posts for decks and patios, etc. Our blog post today describes one of the most popular ideas.

Get creative with ornamental fencing!

Of course, the Trex post is the standard support for the Seclusions fence. However, because it isn’t routed or grooved it has become popular to use it in conjunction with other materials. The most common configuration is to use the Trex post for ornamental fences. It gives an ornamental design the striking appearance of a more stately fence. It is also particularly attractive when a portion of a fence line is created with a full Trex Seclusions fence and with the remainder in ornamental such as iron or aluminum, creating the statement that these two fences compliment each other. Attaching the metal panels is often as easy as placing flat-mount brackets against the face of the Trex post.

 

It isn’t just looks that makes a Trex post an excellent alternative. The beefy 5″ x 5″ composite post is stronger and longer-lasting than 2″ x 2″ or 2.5″ x 2.5″ metal posts used with ornamental panels. Trex won’t rot or rust, and does not need to be painted or stained.

 

Trex Fence posts used with ornamental iron panels

Here is an additional set of pictures that showcase the beautiful look of Trex posts combined with ornamental panels and gates.

 

 

 

The Trex Fence Post

The Trex Fence Post

The saying goes, “a fence is only as strong as the post that supports it.” A post that has rotted, has started leaning, or has warped  and twisted could mean hours of work and possibly hundreds of dollars to replace. Most posts are set in concrete making replacement much more difficult to swap out than rails and pickets.

 

Trex Fence Post Profile

The wall thickness of a Trex post is four times greater than vinyl.

Consumers are turning to wood-alternative post options that require less maintenance. Most commonly, galvanized steel, vinyl, and composite posts are used. From a durability and strength standpoint a steel or composite post  are the best options, but the composite post adds the virtue of a natural, sturdier appearance that is more compatible with the look of a wood fence. It is also an outstanding compliment to other materials, particularly ornamental fencing (see a write-up and pictures on this option).

 

Trex® leads composite manufacturer in fencing and offers the perfect post for any fence design.  Trex® manufactures a self-supporting 5″ x 5″ wood composite fence post. It’s offered in three color options and is produced in 8 ft., 9 ft., and 12 ft. lengths. The 8 and 9 ft. posts are most often used with a 6 ft. tall fence since that is the typical height nationally. The 12 ft. length provides the option of a taller fence or to help with steep transitions from an up-slope section to a lower section. From a cost savings standpoint, a 12 ft. post can be cut in half and used for two sections of fences under 48″. Three post cap options are available: flat top, pyramid, or crown.

 

Installing a Trex fence post and setting it in concrete

Setting a Trex fence post in concrete. The 8′, 9′, and 12′ lengths of the posts provide flexibility before being cut to the determined height.

Trex® fence post advantages:

  • Natural resemblance of stained wood
  • Resistance to insects, splintering, and decay
  • No painting or staining required
  • Manufacturer’s product warranty
  • No need for reinforcement in most applications

 

Property owners will love the Trex® 25-year residential and 10-year commercial product warranties. If installed properly, a customer can expect the post to last years without ever needing maintenance. Even if a customer prefers to stick with wood rails and pickets, the Trex® fence posts is an excellent wood-alternative choice for stockade (dog-ear) or custom wood fence designs since it is similar in shape and size.

 

If you are located in hot humid areas like Florida or Texas, in cold environments with deep frost lines like the Rocky Mountains or Canada, or even in the dry deserts of Arizona and California, Trex® fence composite posts are capable of handling any climate. Next time you need a fence post, think of using Trex® composite posts.

RESOURCES

PRODUCTS

MORE FROM TREX

ABOUT US

CONNECT