Easy Way To Install PVC Columns – PrestigeDiy

PVC Columns have become a major building material across several countries. The reason is its versatility and cost-efficiency that has enabled it to gain an edge over competitors. In this blog, we'll share some tips and practices for installing PVC columns easily:

Safety: 

This is NOT to be expected to be taken as protection advice, see mentioned safety precautions in the owner's manual of your power tools.

Handling: 

We recommend that you use gloves and excellent care in handling your PVC parts. Unlike wood, corners on PVC can be razor-sharp.

Load-Bearing Capacity: 

PVC columns wraps are merely decorative and have not been examined for load-bearing capacity.

Railings: 

If there are any fences to be installed, ensure the rails are bound to the architectural support. Use only code permitted methods for installation. We advise you to use a metal bracket or pressure-treated boards between the supporter post and the center of the PVC wrap. 

Cutting and Fastening: 

Cellular PVC can be cut, hammered, and secured with the same tools as used for wood, with a few exceptions. Avoid large potential framing nailers and pre-drill for several screws larger than 1/2'. Thick threaded screws are highly recommended.

Cold Temperatures: 

Cellular PVC becomes fragile the colder it gets. Keep columns inside prior to installation when working in cold temperatures. Avoid hitting the front-face of the column with a hammer.

Painting: 

As cellular PVC columns are used for decoration, you cannot aside from their wooden counterparts. Cellular PVC does not require a coating for protection. Paint lasts much longer when applied to PVC versus adhering to wood due to the loss of interior moisture.

Tapered PVC Wrap Installation Tips

Before fitting Tapered Columns, there are some major factors to take into consideration.

1. As an expert, we recommend not to cut the column shaft from the top. If you do so, the shaft diameter will get larger and the pre-cut capital will not set. Do cut from the bottom as required. The shaft diameter gets smaller when the bottom is cut down.

2. Measure the height of where the column is to be placed. Deduct this measurement by 1/2" and shape it to size. Seeing as how the facets of the shaft are sloped, you may need a plum line to decide where to cut the boards.

3. Before measuring for the fasteners tape three panels collectively to form a "U". Make sure that the lock mitre edges or '90s are squared and line up with each other.

4. Use the U-shaped shaft as a template to denote where the bottom wood support is to be fastened, indicating the inside measurements.

5. Install the cleats for the bottom of the Column, set using Tapcon Screws, pins, staples, and/or adhesive Pressure Treated Lumber cleats (not included), contact with cement is acceptable.

6. Once you’re done with fixing cleats for the bottom, move towards the top of the Column, staples, pins, fasten using screws, and/or adhesive PVC.

7. Install nail or screw this U section to the cleats. Others recommended that two "L" shaped pieces should be gathered but we find using the U method more lenient as trees or shrubs are less inclined to get in the way.

8. Now set the glue and tape in position the last panel,

9. Once the adhesive has set, remove the tape and pin the cover and base in place.

10. Fill any defects with exterior caulking or sparkling sand and you're ready to paint. Painting is not required but does enhance the appearance of the column wrap.

Prestige DIY PVC columns are very easy to install and are cost-effective, which is why it is high-in demand across the market.