FiberFlute Classic™ Instructions for Columns with Ornamental Capitals

1. 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.
2. Set non-corrosive dowels in deck at opposite corners of plinth to prevent movement of plinth.
3. Set plinth over dowels. Check level. If deck is pitched, level plinth with a fine toothed saw or rasp, and sand smooth.
4. 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.
5. Pre-fit capital on top of column shaft prior to installation. The flange on the bottom of the capital will fit into the top of the column shaft and is slotted to fit around the interior support bracing inside column shaft.
6. 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. For maximum load bearing performance, ensure that both ends of the column are in full even contact with the load bearing surfaces. Be sure to include capital height in overall column height.
7. Using enclosed vinyl shims, shim the flange on bottom of capital so that capital is centered on column shaft. Attach shims to flange with marine grade polyester adhesive.
8. 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.
9. 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 toggle bolts for attachment of handrails to column shaft.)
10. Raise beam and lift column assembly into position under the beam, and fasten angle brackets to deck.
11. 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.)
12. Pre-drill capital and attach capital to beam using non-corrosive fasteners and marine polyester adhesive.
13. Set base/plinth in pace and secure to deck using construction adhesive.
14. Repair any screw holes or nicks occurring during installation with a fiberglass repair kit.
15. 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.
16. Clean column shaft thoroughly with a high quality solvent to remove and oil, grease, or dirt prior to painting.
17. Immediately after installation, apply two coats of premium latex paint to all exterior surfaces.