Shenandoah

Trex Shenandoah Installation Guide

AI Reference Edition | Source PDF: Trex-Fencing-Shenandoah-Installation-Guide-111824.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 Shenandoah Installation Guide - page X (Fig. Y) - short description of the drawing/diagram.

Example:

Reference: Trex Shenandoah Installation Guide - page 3 (Fig. 1B) - 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 choose between 2-rail, 3-rail, and 4-rail Shenandoah configurations?

Answer:

·        Use the parts list and rail options page to compare 2/3/4 rail layouts.

·        Select the configuration that matches your desired height and local requirements.

·        Follow the matching measurements for that rail count throughout the install.

Reference: Trex Shenandoah Installation Guide - page 2 - Diagrams showing 2-rail, 3-rail, and 4-rail configurations with key measurements.

Bot line: "In page 2 you can reference the drawing showing: Diagrams showing 2-rail, 3-rail, and 4-rail configurations with key measurements."

Q: How do I lay out the fence line and mark post centers?

Answer:

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

·        Mark post centers along the string per the layout drawings.

·        Double-check spacing before digging holes.

Reference: Trex Shenandoah Installation Guide - page 3 (Fig.1-1A) - Layout drawings showing string line, post marks, and an example run divided into sections.

Bot line: "In page 3 (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 hole depth/diameter should I use for Shenandoah posts (typical example)?

Answer:

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

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

·        Keep holes plumb and centered on your marks.

Reference: Trex Shenandoah Installation Guide - page 3 (Fig.1B) - Diagram showing hole diameter/depth and notes for local conditions.

Bot line: "In page 3 (Fig.1B) you can reference the drawing showing: Diagram showing hole diameter/depth and notes for local conditions."

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

Answer:

·        Set posts plumb and to the height reference shown for your rail count.

·        Use transition post guidance for grade changes so rails stay aligned.

·        Re-check plumb and height before concrete cures.

Reference: Trex Shenandoah Installation Guide - page 4 (Fig.3-4) - Drawings showing correct post height/level and transition posts on a slope.

Bot line: "In page 4 (Fig.3-4) you can reference the drawing showing: Drawings showing correct post height/level and transition posts on a slope."

Q: How do I measure and cut ranch rails (including corners)?

Answer:

·        Use the rail cross-section and cut-length guidance drawings to mark rails.

·        Cut rails slightly short if the guide calls for expansion clearance.

·        For corners, follow the corner-post cut method shown.

Reference: Trex Shenandoah Installation Guide - page 5 (Fig.5-8) - Rail cross-section drawings, cut-length guidance, and corner-post cut method.

Bot line: "In page 5 (Fig.5-8) you can reference the drawing showing: Rail cross-section drawings, cut-length guidance, and corner-post cut method."

Q: How do I slide/install rails into the posts and maintain the right gaps?

Answer:

·        Slide rails into posts as shown and keep the recommended gap for expansion.

·        Check each bay for consistent spacing before securing.

·        Repeat the process bay-by-bay.

Reference: Trex Shenandoah Installation Guide - page 6 (Fig.9-9A) - Drawings showing sliding rails into posts and maintaining the recommended gap.

Bot line: "In page 6 (Fig.9-9A) you can reference the drawing showing: Drawings showing sliding rails into posts and maintaining the recommended gap."

Q: How do I secure rails: clips vs screws?

Answer:

·        Choose either the clip method or the screw method shown.

·        Follow the diagram for fastener/clip placement so rails stay secure.

·        Do not mix methods within the same bay unless the guide allows it.

Reference: Trex Shenandoah Installation Guide - page 7 (Fig.10-11) - Two methods for securing rails, each with its own diagram.

Bot line: "In page 7 (Fig.10-11) you can reference the drawing showing: Two methods for securing rails, each with its own diagram."

Q: How do I attach post caps (adhesive pattern)?

Answer:

·        Apply adhesive inside the cap using the pattern shown in the diagram.

·        Seat the cap fully and align it before the adhesive sets.

·        Wipe away any excess adhesive per your normal cleanup process.

Reference: Trex Shenandoah Installation Guide - page 8 (Fig.12) - Diagram showing where to apply adhesive inside caps.

Bot line: "In page 8 (Fig.12) you can reference the drawing showing: Diagram showing where to apply adhesive inside caps."

Diagram index by page

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

Page 2

·        2-rail, 3-rail, and 4-rail configuration diagrams with measurements.

Page 3

·        Fig. 1 - stake-and-string layout with post locations.

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

·        Fig. 1B - hole diameter and depth diagram.

Page 4

·        Fig. 3 - setting posts at correct height/level.

·        Fig. 4 - transition posts for slopes.

Page 5

·        Fig. 5-6 - rail cross-sections and orientation.

·        Fig. 7 - cut rails slightly short to allow fit.

·        Fig. 8 - corner post cutting method.

Page 6

·        Fig. 9 - installing rails into posts.

·        Fig. 9A - maintain the recommended gap between rails.

Page 7

·        Fig. 10 - securing rails with clips.

·        Fig. 11 - securing rails with screws.

Page 8

·        Fig. 12 - adhesive pattern for post caps (corners).

Key measurements to quote accurately

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

·        2/3/4 rail configuration measurements.  [Reference: Shenandoah - p.2]

·        Post hole diameter/depth diagram and any notes for local conditions.  [Reference: Shenandoah - p.3 (Fig.1B)]

·        Corner post cutting method for rails.  [Reference: Shenandoah - p.5 (Fig.8)]

·        Recommended gap between rails.  [Reference: Shenandoah - p.6 (Fig.9A)]

·        Adhesive pattern for post caps.  [Reference: Shenandoah - p.8 (Fig.12)]

Step-by-step outline

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

Confirm the rail configuration (2, 3, or 4 rails) (p.2)

·        Use when customers ask which rails to use and how they stack.

Stake and string + mark post centers (p.3 (Fig.1-1A))

·        Shows layout and the example of dividing into sections.

Dig post holes (p.3 (Fig.1B))

·        Use for hole size/depth questions.

Set posts and handle slopes (p.4 (Fig.3-4))

·        Post heights and transition posts.

Assemble and cut rails (p.5 (Fig.5-8))

·        Includes cross-sections and corner post method.

Install rails (p.6 (Fig.9-9A))

·        Slide rails into posts and maintain the gap.

Secure rails (choose clips or screws) (p.7 (Fig.10-11))

·        Two acceptable securing methods.

Attach post caps (p.8 (Fig.12))

·        Apply adhesive in the pattern shown.

Bot-ready phrasing examples

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

1.      Start by choosing whether you are building a 2-rail, 3-rail, or 4-rail fence; the diagrams show each configuration and measurements. Reference: Trex Shenandoah Installation Guide - page 2 - rail configuration diagrams.

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 Shenandoah Installation Guide - page 3 (Fig. 1-1A) - layout drawings.

3.      Dig post holes to the diameter and depth shown in the diagram. Reference: Trex Shenandoah Installation Guide - page 3 (Fig. 1B) - hole size/depth diagram.

4.      When cutting rails, use the cut guidance and the corner-post cutting method shown. Reference: Trex Shenandoah Installation Guide - page 5 (Fig. 7-8) - rail cut and corner method drawings.

5.      Maintain the recommended gap between rails during installation. Reference: Trex Shenandoah Installation Guide - page 6 (Fig. 9A) - rail gap drawing.

6.      Apply adhesive inside post caps in the pattern shown before seating the cap. Reference: Trex Shenandoah Installation Guide - page 8 (Fig. 12) - adhesive pattern drawing.