Description
The DuraPost U-Channel is the connection profile used where a fence needs a clean receiving channel rather than another intermediate Classic post. It is one of the most useful parts in the DuraPost system because it solves walls, gate posts, end posts and corners.
Where is a U-Channel used?
- Gate posts: fixed to the fencing side so the adjoining panel or rails can terminate against the gate post.
- Corner posts: fix channels to the required faces of the square post to create the change in direction.
- End posts: use a channel to receive the final fence bay.
- Walls: Birkdale allows the U-Channel to be used as a wall plate to start or finish a continuous fence run.
Who needs it?
Anyone planning a DuraPost run with a gate, wall connection, corner or square end post should check whether a U-Channel is required before setting out the posts. It is much easier to design the connection before installation than improvise a fixing once the run reaches the obstruction.
What fits into it?
The 52 × 30mm steel channel is designed to provide the receiving/fixing face for compatible timber and DuraPost composite fence systems. The exact fixing detail depends on the panel or rail system being installed.
How does it create a corner?
On a DuraPost Gate/End/Corner post, screw U-Channels onto two faces at 90° to one another. Each fence direction then has its own straight receiving channel.
How does it meet a gate?
Install the gate post first, hang the gate from the appropriate face, and fit the U-Channel on the side where the fence continues. The adjacent fence then connects to the channel rather than to the gate hardware face.
Using it against a wall
Fix the channel vertically to a suitable masonry or structural wall using fixings appropriate to the substrate. The channel then acts as the first or last post face for the fence bay.
Finishing the exposed face
Where the channel fixings remain visible, add a DuraPost U-Channel Cover Strip for a cleaner finish.
Choose the length to suit the finished fence height and connection detail, then cut where necessary before fitting the cover strip.
Why use a U-Channel instead of improvising the connection?
Because gates, walls and corners are where a clean fence can start to look improvised. The U-Channel gives the next bay a proper receiving face, keeps the geometry straight and lets the connection disappear into the same colour-matched system.