Column Wrap Installation

Step 1

Install Structural Post

Start with a secure 4x4 or 6x6 structural post that matches the height of the column.

Step 2

Stacking Columns (optional)

Measure the total height of the installation. If column sections need to be trimmed for height, plan the cuts so that the shiplap joint between the upper and lower column sections is maintained.

Step 3

Frame Out or Shim the Post

Tools:

• Exterior Grade Sheathing
• 2x4 Lumber
• Shims
• Tape Measure
• Circular Saw
• Exterior Screws
• Screw Gun / Drill Driver & Bits

For medium or wide columns construct and sheathe a sub-frame that is the same height and 1/4” smaller than the interior measurements of your column. Note: your structural post may be the same height as the sub-frame.

For narrow columns shim as necessary to fill gaps between the structural post and the inside of the column. If using a column wrap, ensure that the shims are added on a side where the seam will be located.

Step 4

Secure Column Sleeve

For Column Wraps skip to Step 5

Tools:

• Screw Gun / Drill Driver & Bits
• Exterior Screws

1. Slide the Column Sleeve Over the Post
2. Secure the sleeve with exterior screws. To make screws easier to conceal add them under rocks or in mortar joints. Slightly countersink screws but do not over-tighten.
3. Skip to Step 10

Step 5

Dry Fit the Panels

Ensure panels fit the sub-frame and interlock appropriately. Make any necessary adjustments.

Step 6

Prepare Area

Tools:

• Caulk Gun
• Color Complimenting Textured Caulk
• Loctite® PL®Premium® 3X Construction Adhesive
• Tack Cloth

1. Wipe the back of the columns and the face of the subframe with a tack cloth to remove debris.
2. Turn the column section over on a soft surface. Apply beads of Loctite PL 3X adhesive to the back in vertical lines spaced no more than 3” apart.
3. Add a dab of adhesive to the back of any projections.
4. Add a small amount of the color coordinating textured caulk to the edges of the fingers where they join with the next section of the column wrap.

Step 7

Adhere Column Wrap

1. Apply the column wrap to the structure.
2. Use a slight twisting/sliding motion to help insure good contact between the adhesive and the plywood.
3. Repeat for additional sections of the column wrap.

Step 8

Screw Wrap to the Sub-Frame

Tools:

• Laser/Level
• Exterior Screws
• Screw Gun/Drill Driver & Bits

Make sure that the column wrap is level and the fingers fit together.

Fasten the sections to the sub-frame by adding about (1) screw per square foot. Take care to add them along the perimeter and the center of the section. Screws should be slightly recessed.

DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN SCREWS

Step 9

Clean Excess Caulk

Tools:

• Clean Cloth

Use a clean cloth to remove any caulk that squeezed out from between panels.

Step 10

Install Next Level (optional)

Tools:

• Loctite® PL®Premium® 3X Construction Adhesive
• Caulk Gun
• Color Complimenting Textured Caulk

If installing a second level, add a bead of adhesive to the top lip of the bottom section then follow Step 5 through Step 9 for each level.

Step 11

Select Column Cap

If not using a column cap skip to Step 14.

1. There are two basic styles of column cap; split and solid.
2. Split caps are available to accommodate 4” or 6” square posts.
3. Solid caps can be used as the crowning touch of a stand-alone column, or can be altered to accommodate a post.

Step 12

Cut Column Cap (optional)

Tools:

• Screw Gun / Drill Driver & Bits
• Jig Saw

If installing a solid column cap around a post, cut the cap in half along the diagonal. Determine the size of opening needed to accommodate the post. Drill pilot holes in the cap then use the jig saw to create the opening.

Step 13

Dry Fit Column Cap

Tools:

• Utilty Knife

Set the cut cap on top of the column and assess the fit. Trim any protrusions on the column that impact the fit.

Step 14

Apply Adhesive and Mount Cap

Tools:

• Clean Cloth
• Caulk Gun
• Exterior Screws
• Loctite® PL®Premium® 3X Construction Adhesive
• Screw Gun / Drill Driver & Bits

1. Apply a bead of adhesive to the top of the column wraps, wood sub-structure and halves of the cap.
2. Firmly press the cap to the column the sides of the cap together (if necessary). Secure cap by toe screwing.
3. Wipe any excess adhesive with a clean cloth.

Step 15

Touch-up as Needed

Tools:

• Caulk Gun
• Caulk
• Clean Cloth
• Small Paint Brush
• Cotton Swabs
• Touchup Kit

1. Caulk - Add caulk to fill in voids, gaps and holds from screw heads. Carefully blend before it dries.
2. Base Coat - If your touch-up kit contains a base coat, use a cotton swab to apply a light layer of the base coat and allow it to dry completely (about 30 minutes).
3. Paint - Using a paint brush, apply the appropriate paint then dab with a soft cloth to blend and allow to dry completely (about 30 minutes).
4. Wash - If your touch-up kit contains a wash, apply the wash using a paint brush and dab with a soft cloth to blend.

Wash Concentrate - If the bottle is labeled “wash concentrate” add tap water to the neck of the bottle, screw on lid, and shake to mix before using.