Models covered: FM6x5 | FM6x6 | FMG6x5 | FM-5c | FM-5e | FM-6c | FM-6e | FMG-5c | FMG-5e | FW6K | CWSec-Oak | CWSec-Teak | CWSec-Chestnut | CWSec-Burbon
3–6 ft post spacing 1/4" gap per section 5 year warrantyBefore You Begin: A fence carries wind load and, on a slope, its own geometry. Adhere to your local and statewide building code for height and setback, and hire a licensed and bonded contractor if you are unsure. You and your installer make the final determination of the means and methods appropriate for your site.
How to set out and build a CR fence: metal fence kits and gate kits, post kits, fence channels, and horizontal wood or composite planks — including fencing on a slope and cutting to height.
Read every message in this section before you touch any component. They apply to every model this guide covers and to every installation surface.
Please make sure the hardware and tools we provided will be right for your install (read the means & methods disclaimer). IT IS POSSIBLE YOU NEED DIFFERENT HARDWARE & METHODS.
Please take your time to do your installation. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with the installation, we highly recommend hiring a licensed and bonded contractor.
The strength of the anchor is dependent on the hole size & concrete integrity. A hole that’s too big, or concrete that’s not up to standard grade, can make the anchor wiggle or possibly come out. This is what can cause a rail to fail & fall over.
Please adhere to local & statewide building code. The recommended distance from the edge is based on standard-grade concrete (2500 psi). If your concrete is ‘high-strength’ concrete, the edge distance can be reduced. See ICC Chapter 19, Table 1908.2.
The CR fence channel is ONLY compatible with a CR post. Fitting it to another manufacturer’s post is outside what this hardware was designed and tested for.
In no event shall CR Fence & Rail Inc have any responsibility, control over, charge of, responsibility, or liability for the means, methods, techniques, sequences, or procedures, or for safety precautions in connection with the installation of the railing, since these are solely CM/GC’s, Subcontractor’s, and Owner’s responsibilities.
Each installation site differs widely ranging from the construction & condition of attachment points, local building & safety code, local construction code, and local means & methods.
CR Fence & Rail Inc’s installation guide (whether it be in text, illustration, video or in support discussion) constitute for ideal installation condition. There is no ideal installation in real life. There is no substitution for consulting a local licensed contractor, architect, engineer, nor code inspector.
CR Fence & Rail Inc’s installation hardware and tools are provided as building material and does NOT constitute as the specific nor final installation hardware. Once again, you and your installer must make the final on-site determination to the specific means and methods of installation appropriate for your installation.
Following CR Fence & Rail Inc’s instruction does NOT constitute as proper installation as you and your installer must make the final means & method determination. Improper installation can lead to failure of rail system which can cause serious injury or death.
If your printed booklet names a different company in this clause, this page is the current one: CR Fence & Rail Inc is the registered entity. Earlier printings carry an out-of-date name.
Time required
Tools required
Anchor Bolt
5/16" (8mm)Masonry Drill Bit — *SDS+ available upon request
—Diamond Core Drill Bit — for hard stone, *available upon request
This will be a tight fit. In fact, the specification calls for the drill bit and anchors to be the same size. Some installers use a 3/8" drill bit to make the installation easier, and other installers wiggle the drill bit to bore the top of the hole slightly bigger. We are aware of the tight fit and we only recommend using our masonry drill bit without wiggling.
Measure the run and divide it by your section width. For a low divider fence without full privacy, use shorter heights (38") or cut a taller post kit down to size. For full privacy, use the full-height posts.
We can help: send us the run and we will provide a site drawing with all the spacing and distances calculated. Otherwise, lay all the boards and posts out on the ground first so you can see how it fits together.
2Use a string line to mark where the posts will go along the run.
3Using a measuring tape, or the actual board, space out the posts — adding a 1/4" gap on ONE side.
If the distance between posts is more than 6 feet, add a piece of 2x4 timber along the centre of the fence to stop the planks bulging over time.
Follow the post kit guide that matches your mount — top mount for a post that stands on the surface, side mount for one that bolts to the side. Corner and end post kits (FM-5c / FM-5e / FM-6c / FM-6e, and the gate equivalents FMG-5c / FMG-5e) mount the same way; what differs is which faces carry channels.
5Insert a plastic guide at the TOP of the post and a second at the BOTTOM. These keep the fence channel centre-aligned with the post while you fix it.
6Screw through the holes on the fence channel to secure it to the post. The plastic guides can be removed once the channel is secured.
Insert the wood or composite planks into the fence channel. If wooden planks are used, leave a 1/2" gap or more from the bottom up, to reduce rotting.
Optional: planks can be spaced out using additional fence channel kit screws (not included).
8The fencing post and the fencing channel can be cut to the appropriate height with any abrasive saw. The CR cap will cover any rough edges on top.
Determine the angle to cut the planks, and measure the distance ALONG the slope for the spacing between posts. Drawback: where there are several different slope angles this can look untidy.
BAlternatively, install the fence sections at staggered heights. On a run with more than one slope angle this is usually both easier and better looking.
We sell additional fence channel that can be attached to all types of surfaces, so a run can terminate into a wall, a building or an existing structure rather than into a post.
Register your product within 30 days to activate the warranty.
To view our full warranty policy, visit www.fencerail.com/warranty.
We are here to help you get it right. Text us a photo of the problem — it is the fastest way for us to see what you are looking at.
Call or text with photos: (800) 420-0432
WhatsApp: (775) 324-8877
Missing parts? We will replace them free — www.fencerail.com/parts
We can help with
Source of this guide: Authored from the CR fence-channel procedure in the shipped Top Mount Post Kit guide (pages 30–35) and the existing fencerail.com page "Installation Guide for Horizontal Wood Fence". NOTE: THERE IS NO SHIPPED PDF FOR THE METAL FENCE KITS — until this page, the metal fence family shipped with no written instructions at all.