PVC Column Installation

How-to Install Endura-Craft Square Tapered PVC Column Wraps

Are you considering a home improvement project that can add a touch of elegance to your home’s exterior? If so, Endura-Craft Square Tapered PVC Column Wraps might be just what you’re looking for. Our tapered PVC column wraps are available in a variety of styles and sizes. As the name implies, they are a great addition to craftsman style homes; but Endura-Craft craftsman style column wraps can also be a great choice for bungalow, prairie, tudor revival, colonial revival, and many other styles of home.

Our Endura-Craft column wraps are made from expanded cellular PVC. This is a specific type of PVC that has a smooth, wood-like texture. It is simple to cut using any standard woodworking tools and our E-Z lock joint system makes installation a breeze. Whether you are installing a 4 foot or 12 foot wrap, this guide will provide you with a step-by-step process for installing our PVC column wraps.

Why Choose Endura-Craft Square Tapered PVC Column Wraps?

Tools You’ll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Saw for trimming the shaft pieces (Circular saw, hand saw, table saw, etc.)
  • Polyurethane adhesive (Gorilla Glue, Loctite PL Premium, Christy’s Clear PVC PIpe Cement, etc.)
  • Wood and/or Tapcon Screws
  • Pneumatic or electric pin-nailer
  • Personal protection equipment (gloves, dust mask, eye protection, etc.)

Remember, safety first! Always use the correct tools and wear personal protection equipment to ensure your safety during the installation process.

Installation Process

  1. Measure the Opening: Measure the overall opening from the floor to the beam or soffit. You must have a structural pressure-treated post or lally column for load support.
  2. Trim the Shaft Pieces: Trim the shaft pieces to 2¼” shorter than the opening—2″ for the cap/base, ¼” for expansion. Always trim from the bottom ONLY- the top is marked.
  3. Prepare the Base: Slide the ¾ cut base platform section around the post. Glue the base platform pieces using biscuits (supplied). Center and attach the base to the floor/pedestal with appropriate fasteners.
  4. Assemble the Panels: Lay 3 panels flat and apply adhesive along the joints. Assemble the three panels, using E-Z Lock joints. Finish nail the three panels together.
  5. Install the Column: Slide the assembled 3-sided column around the support (on top of the base platform).
  6. Prepare the Cap: Slide the ¾ cap platform section into place on top of the column panels. Raise the ¾ cap platform section to the beam/soffit, center, and attach. There should be ¼” space for expansion between the column and cap platform.
  7. Finalize the Assembly: Apply adhesive to the final panel and assemble it to the column using the E-Z Lock joint. Nail the panel to secure it in place. Apply glue to the final ¼ cap piece and biscuits and slide it into place. Pin nail the cap moldings to the top of the column.
  8. Prepare the Base Trim: Use the column shaft to check the length of the base trim molding. If the trim is too long, mark cut lines for miters. Moldings should be about 1/8” longer than the width of the column. If base trim moldings are too long, use a miter saw to cut base trim pieces to fit around the bottom of the column.
  9. Attach the Base Trim: Center the trim moldings around the shaft. Apply adhesive to base trim moldings and pin-nail into the base platform. (Do not attach to the shaft.) There should be about a 1/16” gap around the shaft.
  10. Finish the Installation: Caulk using latex caulking compound to fill any gaps and nail or screw holes. Clean the surface of the column with a cleaner recommended by the paint manufacturer. Paint with 2 coats of acrylic latex paint.

Need More Help?

Installing Endura-Craft Square Tapered PVC Column Wraps is a relatively simple project that can significantly enhance the look of your home. With the right tools, you can do it yourself in an afternoon and enjoy the satisfaction of improving your home’s curb appeal for a lifetime. Happy installing!

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