Description
DuraPost PRIMA is a premium tongue-and-groove composite board with two distinct uses: it can be installed as a single gravel board beneath a fence, or stacked to create a complete solid composite fence. That makes it one of the most flexible products in the DuraPost range.
Who is PRIMA for?
PRIMA suits homeowners and garden designers looking for a clean, solid boundary with a restrained contemporary finish, as well as installers who want a durable composite gravel board beneath timber or other compatible fencing.
What is a PRIMA board?
PRIMA is an embossed, tongue-and-groove board manufactured from UV-stabilised extruded PVC with a recycled-PVC core. The tongue-and-groove edges allow individual boards to stack neatly into a solid panel.
This listing includes approximately 1.83m and 2.4m lengths so the board can be matched to the bay width and post arrangement.
Use PRIMA in two ways
1. As a gravel board
Use a single PRIMA board at the base of a fence to create a low-maintenance barrier between the fence above and the ground. This works particularly well with DuraPost steel posts, but Birkdale also allows PRIMA to be used with suitable timber or concrete post systems.
If the board is retaining earth, Birkdale specifies one reinforcement rod inside every PRIMA board. The reinforced 1.8m board is rated by Birkdale to a load of 1.5kN in this application.
2. As a full composite fence
Stack PRIMA boards between DuraPost Classic posts to create a solid composite fence. Install the boards with the tongue facing downward and the groove facing upward, then continue stacking to the required height.
When PRIMA is stacked as fencing, use a reinforcement rod in every third board. Birkdale's installation guidance describes reinforcing the first, middle and top boards in a typical full-height panel.
What do I need for a complete stacked PRIMA fence?
- DuraPost PRIMA boards to reach the required finished height
- PRIMA reinforcement rods — one in every third board
- DuraPost Classic posts or another compatible post system
- a compatible DuraPost capping rail for a finished top edge
- capping-rail fixings and PRIMA rail packers where required by the chosen capping arrangement
- post caps and cover strips where wanted to complete the finish
How does a stacked PRIMA fence go together?
- Install and align the posts for the complete run.
- Insert a reinforcement rod into the first PRIMA board and place the board between the posts.
- Stack the next boards with the tongue down and groove up.
- Add another reinforcement rod at every third board as the panel rises.
- Reinforce the upper board in the finished stack in accordance with the DuraPost installation detail.
- Fit the chosen capping rail and finishing components.
Do I need to screw every board?
Birkdale's stacked-panel guidance states that the first board can be fixed with a single screw at either side. The remaining boards may also be fixed if desired, but the tongue-and-groove stack and reinforcement arrangement are the key parts of the specified system.
Which length should I choose?
Choose the board length to match the intended bay width and supporting post system. The reinforcement rod must correspond to the board length: use the 1825mm rod with the 1.83m board and the longer rod with the 2.4m board.
Why choose PRIMA?
- Can be used as either a gravel board or a complete stacked fence
- Solid, minimalist appearance
- Embossed surface rather than a plain flat plastic board
- Low routine maintenance
- Modular construction allows the finished height to be built board by board
- Available in coordinated DuraPost colours
Installation manual
Use the official DuraPost PRIMA technical sheet and installation guide for the manufacturer reinforcement and installation details.
Browse the full DuraPost system for posts, capping rails, caps, cover strips and accessories. To compare PRIMA with timber and concrete options, see the full Gravel Boards range.