Cap, Base, and Standard Column Assembly

ABS Caps and Bases and PVC Pipe:

Trim the pipe length so it can be set into place vertically. Before setting the pipe in position, be sure to first slide on the cap at the top and the base on the bottom. (If you are not certain which is the cap and which is the base, view the illustration and check the cap and base side profiles.) Slide the cap and base toward the center and use masking tape to hold them in place. Take care that the cap and base are not upside-down when you slide them over the pipe.

Stand the column in place and level it. To secure the column, use 1-inch metal brackets, two at the top and two at the bottom, using screws.

For the ABS base, use the black plastic L-brackets that came in the kit. Set the base in position and mark the floor with a tape or pencil. Raise the base and attach the two L-brackets (pre-drilled holes down) with screws opposite each other and within the thickness of the base walls (see illustration for proper placement). Do a dry run to make sure the brackets contact the inside of the base. When you are satisfied with the fit, clean the areas to be attached with PVC cleaner, apply ABS adhesive, and quickly assemble the base over the bracket. Hold it in place until the adhesive sets.

Repeat this procedure for cap installation. Hold the cap firmly to the ceiling for about 1 minute while the ABS adhesive sets up. Once the adhesive has set, fill any gaps between the column and base and cap with a quality paintable-grade caulk. Be sure to let the caulk cure before painting. A large void may require a second application of caulk.

Use an alcohol-based cleanser to thoroughly clean all dust, dirt, oil, and grease off the column, cap, and base. Use a good-quality oil-base primer to paint the column, including the cap and base. After it has dried (24 hours), apply a good premium latex paint for a topcoat, preferably two coats with 24 hours between coats.

Urethane Caps and Bases and PVC Pipe:

Trim the pipe length so it can be set into place vertically. Before setting the pipe in position, be sure to first slide on the cap at the top and the base on the bottom. (If you are not certain which is the cap and which is the base, view the illustration and check the cap and base side profiles.) Slide the cap and base toward the center and use masking tape to hold them in place. Take care that the cap and base are not upside-down when you slide them over the pipe.

Stand the column in place and level it. To secure the column, use 1-inch metal brackets, two at the top and two at the bottom, using screws.

Spread polyfoam adhesive on the underside of the base and press it firmly into place. The cap can be held in place with two precut 2x2s placed under it (on opposite sides) while the adhesive cures (24 hours). Once the adhesive has set, fill any gaps between the column and base and cap with a quality paintable-grade caulk. Be sure to let the caulk cure before painting. A large void may require a second application of caulk.

Use an alcohol-based cleanser to thoroughly clean all dust, dirt, oil, and grease off the column, cap, and base. Use a good-quality oil-base primer to paint the column, including the cap and base. After it has dried (24 hours), apply a good premium latex paint for a topcoat, preferably two coats with 24 hours between coats.

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