Can I use a Trex post as a sleeve?
Unlike wood fence posts, Trex is hollow in the center and has a wide enough dimension to use the Trex post as a sleeve. The post is designed to be a self-supporting component so it wouldn't be necessary to reinforce them, except where applicable*, but the hollow post allows it to be used interchangeably as a sleeve.
A Trex post has an outer dimension of 5" x 5" with a 5/8" wall. The inner dimension is 3-3/4" x 3-3/4" which is wide enough to allow the Trex post to sleeve over most nominal 4" x 4" posts or a steel pole. This design gives a consumer a lot of options for installation. A Trex post can sleeve over a pressure treated wood post on a deck which would then allow a builder to cut the panel kit components to create a privacy railing or screen. Using our post donuts, a Trex post could be sleeved over galvanized steel posts embedded into a concrete wall or pad so the fence would be built on top without having to core out a hole for the post. A Trex post could be sleeved over a 4x4 structural support post for a deck before the deck is built to provide a much more attractive and thicker looking post than the wood inside.
NOTE: Trex Fencing posts are not the same as railing posts. The components are not compatible with each other. Search for article on railing sleeves.
Learn more about Trex Fencing posts.
* Trex posts used to mount hinges for a gate require a steel
post stiffener. Gates made from Trex composite components are heavy and because they move, there is significant torque on the posts used to attach hinges. Additionally, stiffeners are necessary for fences over 8' tall to extend the depth of the post hole sufficiently to support a tall fence.
