Seclusions

Trex Seclusions Installation Guide

AI Reference Edition | Source PDF: Trex-Seclusions-Installation-Guide-Dist.120619 (1).pdf | Generated 2026-02-20

This Word document is designed for training and answering helpdesk questions. All page numbers below refer to the original PDF listed above.

How to answer with page references

When answering installation questions, give the steps first, then add a short reference line that points the customer to the exact page (and figure) in the original PDF.

Recommended reference line format:

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page X (Fig. Y) - short description of the drawing/diagram.

Example:

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 7 (Fig. 2) - post hole diameter and depth diagram.

Tip: If the customer mentions a measurement, always quote the number exactly as shown in the PDF and include the page (and figure) reference.

Quick index for common questions

Use this table to jump to the best page for the question you're answering.

Bot-ready answer library (Q&A with page references)

Use the Q&A blocks below as copy/paste answers. Each answer includes a clear page reference so the customer can open the PDF and see the exact drawing/diagram you used.

Standard answer format: steps first, then a one-line Reference, then a one-line visual callout.

If the customer did not specify the fence height or whether the yard is level or sloped, ask those first.

Q: How do I plan my fence run and estimate the number of sections?

Answer:

·        Measure each run in feet and convert to inches (ft x 12).

·        Divide the run length (in inches) by the section spacing used in the guide and round up any remainder.

·        Mark corner/end posts first, then work inward so sections land evenly.

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 2 - Planning notes and section spacing guidance (how to measure and plan runs).

Bot line: "In page 2 you can reference the drawing showing: Planning notes and section spacing guidance (how to measure and plan runs)."

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 6 (Fig.1) - Layout drawing showing string line and post locations; includes an example of dividing a run into sections.

Bot line: "In page 6 (Fig.1) you can reference the drawing showing: Layout drawing showing string line and post locations; includes an example of dividing a run into sections."

Q: Should I install Seclusions stepped or follow-grade on a slope?

Answer:

·        Use the stepped method when you want level fence sections with steps between panels.

·        Use follow-grade when you want the fence to track the slope (requires transition handling and bracket placement adjustments).

·        Pick one method for the run and keep it consistent through that run.

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 5 - Comparison drawings showing stepped method vs following the slope.

Bot line: "In page 5 you can reference the drawing showing: Comparison drawings showing stepped method vs following the slope."

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 7 (Fig.3-4) - Alignment string line drawing and transition-post drawing for grade changes.

Bot line: "In page 7 (Fig.3-4) you can reference the drawing showing: Alignment string line drawing and transition-post drawing for grade changes."

Q: How do I stake the fence line and mark post centers accurately?

Answer:

·        Set stakes at ends/corners and run a taut string line along the fence path.

·        Mark post centers along the string at the guide's spacing for full sections.

·        Confirm your last section before digging; adjust slightly so sections fit without forcing rails.

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 6 (Fig.1) - Layout drawing showing string line and post locations; includes an example of dividing a run into sections.

Bot line: "In page 6 (Fig.1) you can reference the drawing showing: Layout drawing showing string line and post locations; includes an example of dividing a run into sections."

Q: What size and depth should I dig post holes for Seclusions?

Answer:

·        Use the guide's hole diameter and depth example as a baseline.

·        Adjust based on local frost line, soil conditions, and code requirements.

·        Keep holes plumb and centered on your post marks.

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 7 (Fig.2) - Diagram showing hole diameter and depth, and a note about local frost/conditions.

Bot line: "In page 7 (Fig.2) you can reference the drawing showing: Diagram showing hole diameter and depth, and a note about local frost/conditions."

Q: How do I align posts and handle grade changes / transition posts?

Answer:

·        Use a string line to keep posts aligned while setting them plumb.

·        At grade changes, use transition post guidance so the rails land correctly from one section to the next.

·        Re-check plumb and height before concrete cures.

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 7 (Fig.3-4) - Alignment string line drawing and transition-post drawing for grade changes.

Bot line: "In page 7 (Fig.3-4) you can reference the drawing showing: Alignment string line drawing and transition-post drawing for grade changes."

Q: Where do bracket heights reference from, and when do I cut posts?

Answer:

·        Bracket placement is referenced to the finished ground/grade line shown in the guide.

·        Dry-fit or mark bracket locations before final cutting so your finished height lands correctly.

·        Cut posts only after confirming your finished grade reference and bracket marks.

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 8 (Fig.5) - Drawing showing how bracket height relates to finished ground level.

Bot line: "In page 8 (Fig.5) you can reference the drawing showing: Drawing showing how bracket height relates to finished ground level."

Q: What are the bracket measurement locations for rails (from the top of post)?

Answer:

·        Measure down from the top of the post to the bracket locations exactly as shown.

·        Mark both posts in a section the same way before fastening brackets.

·        Reconfirm the height matches your intended fence height before continuing.

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 9 (Fig.6) - Bracket placement drawing with measurements from post top.

Bot line: "In page 9 (Fig.6) you can reference the drawing showing: Bracket placement drawing with measurements from post top."

Q: How do I cut rails to length and orient the bottom rail correctly?

Answer:

·        Mark rails to match your post-to-post opening and cut as shown in the guide.

·        Confirm the bottom rail orientation: the deeper channel faces down (per the diagram).

·        Dry-fit rails before final fastening.

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 10 (Fig.7-8) - Rail-length marking/cutting drawing; bottom-rail orientation (deeper channel faces down).

Bot line: "In page 10 (Fig.7-8) you can reference the drawing showing: Rail-length marking/cutting drawing; bottom-rail orientation (deeper channel faces down)."

Q: What’s the easiest method to install pickets, especially the last picket?

Answer:

·        Install pickets in the sequence shown so interlocks engage cleanly.

·        Use the guide's 'last picket' technique (reinstalling the second-to-last picket) to make the final picket fit.

·        Keep pickets fully seated before moving to the next one.

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 11 (Fig.9-12) - Drawings showing picket insertion, interlock, and how to reinstall the second-to-last picket.

Bot line: "In page 11 (Fig.9-12) you can reference the drawing showing: Drawings showing picket insertion, interlock, and how to reinstall the second-to-last picket."

Q: How do I install the top rail and secure pickets at the end?

Answer:

·        Install the top rail as shown and ensure it is fully seated across the run.

·        Add fasteners in the locations shown to secure pickets and rails.

·        Confirm spacing at the end/last picket before final fastening.

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 12-13 (Fig.13-17) - Top-rail install and fastener placement drawings; last-picket spacing.

Bot line: "In page 12-13 (Fig.13-17) you can reference the drawing showing: Top-rail install and fastener placement drawings; last-picket spacing."

Q: What post length / hole depth / bracket placement changes by fence height (4-8 ft)?

Answer:

·        Use the fence height reference chart for the exact post length, hole depth, bracket placement, and picket length for your fence height.

·        Do not mix measurements from different heights.

·        If you are unsure of your height, confirm the finished height requirement first.

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 14 - Table of post length, hole depth, bracket placement, and picket length by fence height.

Bot line: "In page 14 you can reference the drawing showing: Table of post length, hole depth, bracket placement, and picket length by fence height."

Q: What opening do I need for a Seclusions single gate, and how do I set the gate posts?

Answer:

·        Use the required opening dimension shown in the single gate post-setting page.

·        Set gate posts plumb and square; re-check measurements before concrete cures.

·        Follow the cure-time note in the guide before hanging the gate.

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 16 - Drawing showing the correct opening width and post-setting notes (incl. curing time).

Bot line: "In page 16 you can reference the drawing showing: Drawing showing the correct opening width and post-setting notes (incl. curing time)."

Q: How do I place single gate hinges and confirm swing direction?

Answer:

·        Install hinges in the exact locations shown on the hinge placement drawing.

·        Confirm which side is the hinge side before drilling/fastening.

·        Check for level and consistent reveal before final tightening.

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 17 - Drawing showing hinge placement and swing direction.

Bot line: "In page 17 you can reference the drawing showing: Drawing showing hinge placement and swing direction."

Q: How do I install the single gate latch/handles and fix gate sag later?

Answer:

·        Install latch and handles per the hardware drawings.

·        If the gate sags, use the hinge adjustment method shown to re-square the gate.

·        Re-check striker alignment after adjustment.

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 18 - Latch/striker/handle drawings plus adjustment diagrams for sag/shift.

Bot line: "In page 18 you can reference the drawing showing: Latch/striker/handle drawings plus adjustment diagrams for sag/shift."

Q: What opening do I need for a Seclusions double gate, and how do I set the gate posts?

Answer:

·        Use the required opening dimension shown in the double gate post-setting drawing.

·        Set posts plumb and square to each other; measure both top and bottom of opening.

·        Follow the post-setting notes before hanging the gate leaves.

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 20 - Drawing showing double-gate opening width and post-setting notes.

Bot line: "In page 20 you can reference the drawing showing: Drawing showing double-gate opening width and post-setting notes."

Q: How do I install double gate hinges and latch hardware?

Answer:

·        Install hinges for each gate leaf as shown (hinge placement diagram).

·        Install latch/handle hardware and striker per the drawings.

·        Adjust hinges as needed to correct sag or alignment (use the adjustment diagram).

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 21 - Drawing showing hinge placement for each gate leaf.

Bot line: "In page 21 you can reference the drawing showing: Drawing showing hinge placement for each gate leaf."

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 22 - Latch/striker/handle drawings plus adjustment diagrams.

Bot line: "In page 22 you can reference the drawing showing: Latch/striker/handle drawings plus adjustment diagrams."

Q: How do I install the drop rod on a Seclusions double gate?

Answer:

·        Position the drop rod exactly as shown on the diagram.

·        Create the ground hole/location shown so the rod seats fully.

·        Verify the rod engages smoothly before final tightening.

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 23 - Drawing showing drop-rod placement and the ground hole.

Bot line: "In page 23 you can reference the drawing showing: Drawing showing drop-rod placement and the ground hole."

Q: How do I install the optional anti-sag cable kit?

Answer:

·        Use the cable layout diagram to place components in the correct locations.

·        Tension the cable gradually until sag is reduced (do not over-tighten).

·        Re-check gate swing and latch alignment after tensioning.

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 24 - Component diagram and cable layout drawing to reduce sag on large gates.

Bot line: "In page 24 you can reference the drawing showing: Component diagram and cable layout drawing to reduce sag on large gates."

Q: What’s the recommended care and maintenance?

Answer:

·        Follow the cleaning and maintenance guidance table.

·        Avoid harsh chemicals not recommended for composite materials.

·        Rinse debris and keep hardware clear to prevent binding.

Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 25 - Cleaning and maintenance table (no drawing).

Bot line: "In page 25 you can reference the drawing showing: Cleaning and maintenance table (no drawing)."

Diagram index by page

Use these to quickly reference where a drawing or diagram is shown.

Page 2

·        Sample fence sketch and measurements; section calculation example (divide total inches by 96 and round up).

Page 4

·        Labeled component/parts drawings (helps identify brackets, rails, caps, etc.).

Page 5

·        Stepped vs follow-grade drawings (choose method based on slope).

Page 6

·        Fig. 1 - stake-and-string layout with post locations (on-center layout).

·        Fig. 1A - example of dividing a run into equal sections.

Page 7

·        Fig. 2 - hole diameter and depth diagram.

·        Fig. 3 - string line alignment for intermediate posts.

·        Fig. 4 - transition posts for grade changes (slope).

Page 8

·        Fig. 5 - bracket placement relative to finished grade; notes on cutting posts.

Page 9

·        Fig. 6 - rail bracket placement measurements (measured from top of post).

Page 10

·        Fig. 7 - mark and cut rails to length using posts as reference.

·        Fig. 8 - bottom rail orientation (deeper channel down).

Page 11

·        Fig. 9 - picket insertion at top bracket.

·        Fig. 10 - fastener locations at post/picket.

·        Fig. 11 - interlocking pickets.

·        Fig. 12 - reinstalling the second-to-last picket.

Page 12

·        Fig. 13 - install the top rail.

·        Fig. 14 - pull pickets toward one post before fastening.

·        Fig. 15 - fastener placement on pickets.

Page 13

·        Fig. 16 - last picket spacing.

·        Fig. 17 - last picket fasteners.

·        Fig. 18 - post cap placement.

Page 14

·        Fence height reference table (post length, hole depth, bracket height, picket length by fence height).

Page 15

·        Single gate labeled diagram (parts A-G).

Page 16

·        Single gate opening and post-setting diagram (includes curing note).

Page 17

·        Single gate hinge placement diagram (distance from top/bottom).

Page 18

·        Single gate latch/striker/handles diagrams.

·        Hinge adjustment diagrams (shift left/right, raise/lower latch side).

Page 19

·        Double gate labeled diagram (parts A-H).

Page 20

·        Double gate opening and post-setting diagram (includes curing note).

Page 21

·        Double gate hinge placement diagram for each gate leaf.

Page 22

·        Double gate latch/striker/handles diagrams.

·        Hinge adjustment diagrams (shift/raise/lower).

Page 23

·        Drop rod installation diagram (brackets + ground hole).

Page 24

·        Optional anti-sag cable kit component diagram and cable routing layout.

Page 25

·        Care and maintenance table (cleaning guidance).

Key measurements to quote accurately

If the customer asks for exact dimensions, quote from the PDF and include the page reference.

·        Section count example: divide total run length (inches) by 96 and round up.  [Reference: Seclusions - p.2]

·        Use the fence height reference chart for exact post length, hole depth, bracket placement height, and picket length (varies by 4-8 ft fences).  [Reference: Seclusions - p.14]

·        Post hole diameter/depth diagram for standard fence posts (and notes for local conditions).  [Reference: Seclusions - p.7 (Fig.2)]

·        Single gate required opening width and post-setting details.  [Reference: Seclusions - p.16]

·        Double gate required opening width and post-setting details.  [Reference: Seclusions - p.20]

·        Hinge placement guidance for gates (distance from top/bottom).  [Reference: Seclusions - p.17 (single) and p.21 (double)]

Step-by-step outline

This is a high-level outline. The full details and measurements are in the PDF pages referenced.

Plan your fence line and sections (p.2)

·        Use this page when a customer asks about planning a run or post spacing.

Choose install method: stepped or follow grade (p.5)

·        If a customer asks about installing on a slope, reference the drawings here.

Stake and string the layout (p.6 (Fig.1))

·        Shows how to mark post centers along the string line.

Dig post holes + align posts (p.7 (Fig.2-3))

·        Use for hole size/depth questions and alignment string line.

Handle slopes with transition posts (p.7 (Fig.4))

·        Use when grade changes require transition posts.

Bracket placement and post cut (p.8 (Fig.5))

·        Where to place brackets relative to ground level.

Attach rail brackets (p.9 (Fig.6))

·        Use for bracket height measurements and fastener placement.

Cut rails and install bottom rail (p.10 (Fig.7-8))

·        Includes rail cutting method and bottom rail orientation.

Install pickets (p.11 (Fig.9-12))

·        Includes the 'last picket' insertion technique.

Install top rail and secure pickets (p.12-13 (Fig.13-17))

·        Includes fastener placement and last picket spacing guidance.

Install post caps (p.13 (Fig.18))

·        Caps pressed onto posts; reference drawing.

Use the height reference chart (if not standard height) (p.14)

·        Best page when customer asks about 4-8 ft height differences.

Single gate install (posts, hinges, latch/handles, adjustments) (p.15-18)

·        Use these pages for opening width, hinge placement, and latch/handle install.

Double gate install (posts, hinges, latch/handles, drop rod) (p.19-23)

·        Use these pages for opening width and drop rod details.

Optional anti-sag cable kit (p.24)

·        Use for large gates or sag concerns.

Care and maintenance (p.25)

·        Cleaning and maintenance guidance to prevent issues.

Bot-ready phrasing examples

You can reuse these patterns so the answer always includes a helpful page reference.

1.      For a level run, stake the corners, run a string line, and mark post centers along the line. Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 6 (Fig. 1) - stake-and-string layout drawing.

2.      Dig post holes to the diameter and depth shown in the diagram, adjusting for local frost/soil conditions as needed. Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 7 (Fig. 2) - post hole diameter and depth diagram.

3.      Install rail brackets at the measured heights from the top of the post, then fasten using the specified screws. Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 9 (Fig. 6) - rail bracket placement measurements.

4.      Install pickets by sliding them into the bottom rail and under the top bracket; use the 'second-to-last picket' technique for the final fit. Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 11 (Fig. 9-12) - picket installation drawings.

5.      For a single gate, set posts to the required opening and allow concrete to cure before hanging the gate panel. Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 16 - gate opening and post-setting diagram.

6.      If a large gate sags, use the optional anti-sag cable kit components and routing shown. Reference: Trex Seclusions Installation Guide - page 24 - anti-sag cable kit layout.