Determine position of plinth by dropping a plumb line from center of beam to deck. This will determine center point of plinth so that capital will align properly with beam.
Set non-corrosive dowels in deck at opposite corners of plinth to prevent movement of plinth.
Set plinth over dowels. Check level. If deck is pitched, level plinth with a fine toothed saw or rasp, and sand smooth.
Slide base/plinth onto column shaft from the top of shaft and into position at the bottom of shaft. If base and plinth will not slide easily into position at the bottom of the column, scribe inside edge.
Pre-fit capital on top of column shaft prior to installation by sliding the capital over the top of the column shaft. Capital should rest on shaft moulding (astragal) and top of shaft should stick up approximately 1/8″ above top of capital.
After pre-fitting capital and base/plinth, measure height at column location from beam to deck and trim column shaft to final length from bottom (end with largest diameter), as necessary. Use abrasive blade or fine toothed carbide blade power saw. Do not include capital in overall column height. For maximum load bearing performance, ensure that both ends of the column shaft are in full even contact with the load bearing surfaces. Be sure to include capital height in overall column height.
Apply marine polyester adhesive to the top of column shaft and secure capital in place. Wipe of excess immediately. Secure capital to shaft by pre-drilling and countersinking non-corrosive screws through the top of the shaft into the capital flange. Do not over tighten screws.
Mount metal angle brackets to the bottom of the column shaft as required for attachment of column to deck. Pre-drill holes for the angle brackets in the bottom of the column shaft and attach brackets with non-corrosive through bolts and nuts. Be sure angle brackets do not interfere with seating of base/plinth. (Note: Do not screw into column shaft use through bolts. (Use interior blocking at attachment points for attachment of handrails to column shaft.)
Raise beam and lift column assembly into position under the beam, and fasten angle brackets to deck.
Remove temporary load bearing support to allow weight to be slowly transferred to the column shaft. (Note: For maximum load bearing performance, ensure that both ends of the column are in full even contact with the load bearing surfaces.)
Pre-drill capital and attach capital to beam using non-corrosive fasteners and marine polyester adhesive. Flash top of capital as required.
Set base/plinth in pace and secure to deck using construction adhesive.
Insert polypropylene backer rope into joint between where the base/plinth meets the column shaft. Caulk joint where capital and base/plinth meet shaft with premium grade paintable caulk.
Clean column shaft thoroughly with a high quality solvent to remove and oil, grease, or dirt prior to painting.
Immediately after installation, apply high quality acrylic latex primer and a minimum of two coats of premium acrylic latex paint to all exterior surfaces.
Column Selection
Assistance
Building the perfect column for you
custom application has never been easier
