Solitudes

Trex Solitudes Installation Guide

AI Reference Edition | Source PDF: Trex-Solitudes-Fence-Installation-Guide-110624.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 Solitudes Installation Guide - page X (Fig. Y) - short description of the drawing/diagram.

Example:

Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 6 (Fig. 2) - 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 run and calculate sections for Solitudes?

Answer:

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

·        Divide by the Solitudes spacing used in the guide and round up any remainder.

·        Place corner/end posts first, then mark intermediate posts.

Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 2 - Planning notes; includes post spacing and run layout guidance.

Bot line: "In page 2 you can reference the drawing showing: Planning notes; includes post spacing and run layout guidance."

Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 6 (Fig.1-1A) - Layout drawings showing string line, post marks, and an example run divided into sections.

Bot line: "In page 6 (Fig.1-1A) you can reference the drawing showing: Layout drawings showing string line, post marks, and an example run divided into sections."

Q: What opening size should I leave for a Solitudes gate?

Answer:

·        Use the recommended gate opening sizes listed in the tools/materials and gate openings page.

·        Measure opening width at both top and bottom before setting posts.

·        Set gate posts plumb and square before concrete cures.

Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 3 - Materials list; shows recommended gate openings for available gates.

Bot line: "In page 3 you can reference the drawing showing: Materials list; shows recommended gate openings for available gates."

Q: What are the parts called (component overview) so I know what I’m looking at?

Answer:

·        Use the component overview to match part names to the drawings.

·        Confirm which side is bracket/rail side before fastening.

·        If a step calls out a part name, match it to the labeled diagram first.

Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 4 - Labeled drawing of parts/components and their placement.

Bot line: "In page 4 you can reference the drawing showing: Labeled drawing of parts/components and their placement."

Q: Stepped vs follow-grade: which method should I use on a slope?

Answer:

·        Stepped: sections remain level and step down the slope.

·        Follow-grade: fence follows the slope; you must use the downhill bracket placement guidance.

·        Use the guide drawings to choose what matches your yard and desired look.

Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 5 - Drawings comparing stepped method and slope-following method.

Bot line: "In page 5 you can reference the drawing showing: Drawings comparing stepped method and slope-following method."

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

Answer:

·        Stake ends/corners and run a taut string line.

·        Mark post centers at the spacing shown for Solitudes.

·        Confirm your last bay before digging so rails fit correctly.

Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 6 (Fig.1-1A) - Layout drawings showing string line, post marks, and an example run divided into sections.

Bot line: "In page 6 (Fig.1-1A) you can reference the drawing showing: Layout drawings showing string line, post marks, and an example run divided into sections."

Q: How deep/wide should post holes be (typical example) for Solitudes?

Answer:

·        Use the hole diameter/depth example shown as your baseline.

·        Adjust for frost line, soil, and local code requirements.

·        Keep holes centered on your marks and posts plumb.

Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 6 (Fig.2) - Diagram showing hole diameter/depth and notes for local conditions.

Bot line: "In page 6 (Fig.2) you can reference the drawing showing: Diagram showing hole diameter/depth and notes for local conditions."

Q: How do I attach brackets correctly?

Answer:

·        Place brackets using the method and fastener locations shown in the bracket diagram.

·        Ensure both posts in a section use the same bracket heights before rail install.

·        Reconfirm bracket alignment before proceeding.

Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 7 (Fig.3) - Drawing showing bracket placement method and fasteners.

Bot line: "In page 7 (Fig.3) you can reference the drawing showing: Drawing showing bracket placement method and fasteners."

Q: How do I set posts on level ground?

Answer:

·        Set posts plumb and to the height reference shown in the level-ground drawing.

·        Keep posts aligned to the string line while concrete sets.

·        Re-check plumb before the mix cures.

Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 8 (Fig.4) - Drawing showing how to set posts plumb and at correct height on level ground.

Bot line: "In page 8 (Fig.4) you can reference the drawing showing: Drawing showing how to set posts plumb and at correct height on level ground."

Q: How do I set posts on slopes and handle transition posts?

Answer:

·        Use the slope/transition drawings to set the correct post heights.

·        Place transition posts at grade changes so rails land cleanly.

·        Confirm plumb and height before concrete cures.

Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 9 (Fig.5-6) - Drawings showing transition posts and setting posts on slopes.

Bot line: "In page 9 (Fig.5-6) you can reference the drawing showing: Drawings showing transition posts and setting posts on slopes."

Q: How do I place downhill brackets on a slope (follow-grade)?

Answer:

·        Use the downhill bracket placement drawing for follow-grade runs.

·        Mark bracket locations before cutting any rails.

·        Dry-fit rails before final fastening.

Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 10 (Fig.7) - Drawing showing bracket placement when following grade.

Bot line: "In page 10 (Fig.7) you can reference the drawing showing: Drawing showing bracket placement when following grade."

Q: How do I cut rails for Solitudes?

Answer:

·        Measure the post-to-post opening and mark rails as shown.

·        Cut rails to fit with the clearance shown in the diagram.

·        Dry-fit before final fastening.

Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 11 (Fig.8) - Rail cutting drawing, including fit and clearance.

Bot line: "In page 11 (Fig.8) you can reference the drawing showing: Rail cutting drawing, including fit and clearance."

Q: What’s the rail installation sequence?

Answer:

·        Install rails in the sequence shown (ensure they are fully seated).

·        Confirm the section is square before final fastening.

·        Repeat for each section.

Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 12 (Fig.9-10) - Drawings showing rail install sequence and fit.

Bot line: "In page 12 (Fig.9-10) you can reference the drawing showing: Drawings showing rail install sequence and fit."

Q: How do I install pickets (order + fastening)?

Answer:

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

·        Fasten where shown to secure pickets properly.

·        Keep pickets fully seated before moving on.

Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 13 (Fig.11-12) - Drawings showing picket installation order and fastening.

Bot line: "In page 13 (Fig.11-12) you can reference the drawing showing: Drawings showing picket installation order and fastening."

Q: What are L-channels and when do I install them?

Answer:

·        Install remaining pickets, then install L-channels in the locations shown.

·        Ensure channels are aligned and fully seated before fastening.

·        Re-check picket alignment after channel installation.

Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 14 (Fig.13-14) - Drawings showing remaining pickets and L-channel placement.

Bot line: "In page 14 (Fig.13-14) you can reference the drawing showing: Drawings showing remaining pickets and L-channel placement."

Q: How do I install post caps and finish the fence?

Answer:

·        Install caps as shown and ensure they are fully seated.

·        Follow any finishing notes on the cap/finish page.

·        Do a final check for plumb, alignment, and secure fasteners.

Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 15 (Fig.15) - Cap installation drawing and finishing notes.

Bot line: "In page 15 (Fig.15) you can reference the drawing showing: Cap installation drawing and finishing notes."

Q: Do I need the optional mid rail, and where does it go?

Answer:

·        If your fence height/configuration calls for a mid rail, use the optional mid rail drawing.

·        Install it at the placement shown so pickets are supported correctly.

·        Do not guess mid-rail height; follow the diagram.

Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 16 (Fig.16) - Drawing showing optional mid rail placement.

Bot line: "In page 16 (Fig.16) you can reference the drawing showing: Drawing showing optional mid rail placement."

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 drawing (helps identify rails, brackets, 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.

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

·        Fig. 2 - hole diameter and depth diagram.

Page 7

·        Fig. 3 - attaching brackets.

Page 8

·        Fig. 4 - setting posts on level ground.

Page 9

·        Fig. 5 - transition posts for slopes.

·        Fig. 6 - setting posts on slopes (follow grade).

Page 10

·        Fig. 7 - downhill bracket placement reference.

Page 11

·        Fig. 8 - cutting rails to length / fit.

Page 12

·        Fig. 9 - rail installation step.

·        Fig. 10 - rail fit/detail view.

Page 13

·        Fig. 11 - start picket installation.

·        Fig. 12 - picket fastening/detail.

Page 14

·        Fig. 13 - remaining pickets.

·        Fig. 14 - L-channel placement.

Page 15

·        Fig. 15 - cap installation / finishing.

Page 16

·        Fig. 16 - optional mid rail placement.

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: Solitudes - p.2]

·        Post hole diameter/depth diagram and any notes for local conditions.  [Reference: Solitudes - p.6 (Fig.2)]

·        Stepped vs follow-grade method drawings for installs on slopes.  [Reference: Solitudes - p.5]

·        Downhill bracket placement guidance for follow-grade installs.  [Reference: Solitudes - p.10 (Fig.7)]

·        Optional mid rail placement.  [Reference: Solitudes - p.16 (Fig.16)]

·        Gate openings (recommended sizes).  [Reference: Solitudes - p.3]

Step-by-step outline

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

Plan the run and post spacing (p.2)

·        Use when customers ask about layout or spacing.

Confirm tools/materials and gate openings (p.3)

·        Best page for 'what do I need?' questions.

Identify parts and orientation (p.4)

·        Use when a customer is unsure what a component is called.

Choose install method (level, slope, or stepped) (p.5)

·        Reference drawings for installing on grades.

Stake and string + mark post centers (p.6 (Fig.1-1A))

·        Shows layout and the example of dividing into sections.

Dig post holes (p.6 (Fig.2))

·        Use for hole size/depth questions.

Attach brackets (p.7 (Fig.3))

·        Bracket placement method and fasteners.

Set posts (level ground) (p.8 (Fig.4))

·        Plumb posts and set correct heights.

Set posts (slopes and transitions) (p.9 (Fig.5-6))

·        Transition posts and slope alignment.

Downhill bracket placement (p.10 (Fig.7))

·        Key page for follow-grade installs.

Cut rails and install rails (p.11-12 (Fig.8-10))

·        Rail cutting and installation sequence.

Install pickets (p.13-14 (Fig.11-14))

·        Picket order, fastening, and L-channel placement.

Install caps and finish (p.15 (Fig.15))

·        Cap placement and finishing notes.

Optional mid rail (p.16 (Fig.16))

·        Use for reinforcement.

Bot-ready phrasing examples

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

1.      If installing on a slope, decide whether to use the stepped method or the follow-grade method before setting posts. Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 5 - stepped vs follow-grade drawings.

2.      Stake and string the fence line and mark post centers; use the example run if you need to divide a long run into sections. Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 6 (Fig. 1-1A) - layout drawings.

3.      Dig post holes to the diameter and depth shown in the diagram. Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 6 (Fig. 2) - hole size/depth diagram.

4.      For follow-grade installs, use the downhill bracket placement guidance shown. Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 10 (Fig. 7) - downhill bracket placement drawing.

5.      Install pickets and L-channels using the order and fastening shown. Reference: Trex Solitudes Installation Guide - page 14 (Fig. 13-14) - picket and L-channel drawings.