Your new post tops have arrived, and a few minutes of painting and fitting is all that stands between you and a finished fence. This guide walks you through it, from choosing your paint to fitting each style of post top and keeping it looking its best for years.
The short version: paint your post tops before you install them, using a good quality exterior paint. No sanding or primer needed. Then fit them to your posts and wash them with warm soapy water whenever they need a refresh.
What you'll need
- Your Ledro House post tops
- A good quality exterior paint, such as Dulux Weathershield, in your fence colour
- A small brush or mini roller
- Something to stand each post top on while it dries (a jar or an offcut works well)
- For post tops that sit on top of the post: a drill and the lag bolt included with your order
Step 1: Paint before you install
Every Ledro House post top is made to be painted, and painting it is what gives it a long-lasting finish outdoors. Paint is also much easier to get into every curve and edge while the post top is off the post.
- No prep needed. There's no need to sand or prime. Your post tops are ready to paint straight out of the box.
- Use a good quality exterior paint. We recommend a quality exterior paint such as Dulux Weathershield. Matching it to your fence gives the cleanest, most finished look, or choose a contrast colour if you'd like your post tops to stand out.
- Apply even coats. Two coats give the most even, durable finish. Let each coat dry as directed on the paint tin before applying the next.
- Let it dry fully before you handle and install it.
Tip: stand each post top on a jar or offcut while you paint, so you can get right down to the bottom edge without touching wet paint.
Step 2: Check which type of post top you have
Ledro House post tops are fitted in one of two ways. The Post fixing row in the table on your post top's product page tells you which one you have.
- Fits over the post: styles like the Paris slide down over the top of your post.
- Sits on top of the post: styles like the Round Globe and Aztec sit on the flat top of your post and are held by an included lag bolt.
Step 3a: Installing a post top that fits over the post
These post tops have an internal opening 2mm larger than your post size. For example, a 90mm post top has a 92mm opening to fit a 90mm post. That's what lets it slide on neatly while still sitting snug.
- Check the top of your post is clean and dry.
- Line the post top up square with the post.
- Slide it down over the post until it sits evenly all the way around.
Step 3b: Installing a post top that sits on top of the post
These post tops screw onto a lag bolt that you fix into the top of your post.
- Mark the centre of the top of your post.
- Drill a pilot hole at the centre mark, slightly smaller than the lag bolt.
- Screw the included lag bolt into the post, leaving the threaded end standing up.
- Screw the post top onto the thread until it sits flat and firm on top of the post.
Full sizing and fixing details for each style are on its product page. If you're unsure, check there or get in touch and we'll help.
Looking after your post tops
Once painted and installed, your post tops need very little care.
- Cleaning: when they need a refresh, wash them with warm soapy water and a soft sponge, then rinse with clean water.
- Repainting: when you repaint your fence, give your post tops a fresh coat at the same time, so everything stays perfectly matched.
As a bonus, a post top that fits over the post also covers the end grain of a timber post, helping to keep water out of the top of it.
Quick answers
Do I need to sand or prime first?
No. Your post tops are ready to paint with a good quality exterior paint.
Should I paint before or after installing?
Before. It's easier to get a clean, even finish, and you won't get paint on your fence.
What paint should I use?
A good quality exterior paint, such as Dulux Weathershield, in the same colour as your fence.
How do I know which way my post top fits?
Check the Post fixing row in the table on your post top's product page. It will say it either fits over the post or sits on top.
We'd love to see your finished fence
Once your post tops are up, we'd love to see how they look. Send a photo to [email protected] or tag us on Instagram at @the_ledro_house.
Need more post tops, or another size? Browse the full range of Australian-made post tops at ledrohouse.com.au.