Aluglobus Aluminum Systems Learning CenterALU20 Slat 6′ × 6′ Aluminum Fence Installation Guide A practical guide to planning, inventorying and assembling the black ALU20 horizontal fence kit with a 1/2″ gap, including post layout, footing decisions, slat spacing, slopes, troubleshooting and long-term care. 6′ wide × 6′ tall 1/2″ semi-privacy gap 6063-T6 aluminum AAMA 2604 powder coating Non-combustible aluminum View Current Product View Fence Projects Nominal bay 6′ × 6′ horizontal fence Slat profile ALU20 extruded aluminum Privacy level Semi-private, 1/2″ gap Critical control Plumb posts and repeatable spacing Jump to: Overview Specifications Components Planning Tools Installation Slopes Troubleshooting FAQsUnderstand the system firstThis is a slat-built fence bay, not a generic preassembled panel The ALU20 system creates a modern horizontal fence from individual extruded aluminum slats held at a consistent 1/2″ spacing between compatible posts. The finished 6′ × 6′ bay looks like one clean architectural panel, but the installation quality depends on how accurately the posts, bottom elevation, spacers and slats are laid out. The 1/2″ openings provide a balance of screening, airflow and light. They do not create a completely sight-proof wall. Because every horizontal line continues across the bay, small errors in post plumb or spacer placement become visible quickly. Most important correction to the old guide: do not plan to “mount a finished panel” unless your order was specifically supplied that way. Inventory the current kit and follow the Aluglobus drawing for the slat-and-spacer assembly sequence. ALU20 black horizontal fence configuration. Confirm current kit contents and dimensions before installation.Current product identityVerified specifications that should control the guide 016′ × 6′ nominal configurationThe live listing identifies a six-foot-wide by six-foot-tall horizontal fence bay. Use the current drawing, not the nominal name alone, to establish post centers and finished clearances. 021/2″ semi-privacy gapThe openings are intentional. Maintain one repeatable spacer standard throughout the run so the horizontal rhythm does not drift. 036063-T6 aluminumThe product page identifies USA-made 6063-T6 aluminum, a lightweight and corrosion-resistant extrusion alloy suited to exterior architectural systems. 04Architectural powder coatingThe current listing identifies an AAMA 2604 coating system using Cardinal Paint or TIGER powder options, with black as the standard configuration shown here. 05Non-combustible substrateAluminum does not provide combustible fuel like wood or vinyl. Complete-project compliance still depends on the assembly, adjacent materials and local rules. 06Low-maintenance exterior systemNo staining or routine repainting is required. Cleaning, fastener inspection and prompt removal of concrete dust or coastal residue protect the finish. ALU20 profile diagram. Do not scale field dimensions from a webpage image; use the current technical drawing.Inventory before cuttingWhat the 6′ × 6′ kit configuration is built from Current configuration information associated with this kit lists 29 ALU20 slats, repeatable 1/2″ spacers, a compatible 2.75″ two-way post, a post cap, bottom spacers and L-brackets. The exact packaging, post length, fasteners and shipping configuration can change. Open every bundle on a protected surface and compare it with the current packing list before setting the first post. Do not throw away labeled hardware, sleeves or small spacers until the installation has been completed and inspected.Primary visible componentsALU20 horizontal aluminum slats1/2″ spacers that establish the visual gapTwo-way post or approved side-channel conditionTop cap and exposed-edge finishing piecesInstallation componentsBottom spacers or starting supportsL-brackets and compatible fastenersPost, sleeve, base plate or footing components selected for the siteTouch-up material approved for the supplied finish Do not assume every order contains the same post package. Confirm whether your project uses an in-ground post, a sleeved shipping configuration, a base-plated post, a wall channel or another approved detail.Why the spacing mattersThe 1/2″ gap controls the entire appearance ALU20 uses narrow horizontal slats, so there are many repeated lines in a six-foot-high bay. A small spacing error at each course can accumulate into a noticeably incorrect top condition. Use one clean spacer standard, check the running height periodically and keep every slat fully seated. Never correct accumulated error by squeezing several gaps at the top. Planning math: a common 6′-high configuration uses 29 nominal 2″ slats and 28 nominal 1/2″ openings. That relationship explains why consistency matters, but the current drawing and bottom/top conditions remain the final authority. Plan the whole runMeasure the site before ordering panels and posts Fence layout is controlled by the actual property line, end conditions, gate openings, corners, grade changes and post attachment method. A run that is 30 feet long does not automatically accept five perfect six-foot bays once posts and finished clearances are included. Planning estimatorNominal 6-foot bay estimateUse this only for early budgeting. Final post centers must come from the current drawing and field dimensions. Straight fence run length in feet Estimate Nominal Bays Early planning estimate 5 baysApproximately 6 support lines for one straight standalone run. Corner posts, gates, wall returns, shared posts, custom cuts and exact post widths can change the count. AConfirm boundariesDo not treat an old fence, planter edge or visible concrete joint as a legal property line without verification. BLocate utilitiesComplete the applicable utility-marking process before excavation. Also identify private irrigation, lighting and drain lines. CMap every terminationRecord corners, wall returns, gates, height transitions, existing columns and locations where a post cannot be centered normally. DRead the gradeMeasure elevation changes across each bay. Decide where steps occur before calculating post lengths or ordering custom slats. ESelect the post methodIn-ground, sleeved, base-plated and wall-mounted details use different post lengths, anchors and structural assumptions. FCheck local rulesVerify height, setbacks, pool-barrier conditions, corner visibility, HOA requirements and permitting before fabrication or digging.Foundation decisionThe post installation matters more than the slats Straight aluminum slats cannot hide a post that moves, twists or leans. Footing size, embedment, anchor selection and reinforcement must respond to soil, wind exposure, fence height, local frost conditions and the actual support surface.In-ground postConfirm the supplied post lengthUse locally appropriate footing depth and diameterBrace the post plumb during concrete placementKeep the post opening free of concrete contaminationAllow the footing to cure before loading the baySurface or wall mountVerify concrete thickness and edge distanceSelect an approved base or channel profileUse anchors specified for the substrate and loadsIsolate incompatible metals where requiredDo not anchor only into veneer, pavers or weak toppingPreparation checklistTools and materials to stage before installationLayout and verificationLong tape measure and story poleString line, laser or builder’s levelLong spirit level and squareGrade stakes and non-staining markersCurrent Aluglobus drawing and packing listCutting and assemblyNon-ferrous metal cutting blade where field cuts are approvedDrill/driver, bits and sockets matched to the hardwareClamps, protected work table and soft padsDeburring tool or fine fileRepeatable 1/2″ spacer gaugePosts and finish protectionExcavation or approved anchor toolsConcrete and bracing for in-ground postsCorrect anchors for surface mountingClean water, mild soap and soft clothsApproved touch-up coating for cut edges Wear appropriate eye, hearing, hand and respiratory protection. Aluminum chips are sharp. Remove all drilling and cutting debris from the powder-coated surfaces immediately.Recommended workflowALU20 installation sequence, step by step The exact fastener locations and post details must follow the drawing supplied with the order. The sequence below explains the control logic that prevents the most common layout failures. 01Inventory and dry-layout the kitCount slats, spacers, posts, caps, brackets and fasteners. Separate end, line, corner and gate-adjacent conditions before installation begins. 02Establish the fence line and finished gradeSet a string or laser reference for the post faces. Mark the desired bottom clearance and every planned step before excavation. 03Confirm actual post centersUse the system drawing and actual slat engagement depth. Do not place posts at a nominal six-foot spacing without accounting for the post profile and required insertion. 04Set the first post perfectly plumbBrace it in both directions. The first post becomes the visual and dimensional reference for every horizontal course that follows. 05Prepare the next support conditionSet or temporarily position the next post according to the approved installation method. Keep enough control to verify slat engagement and bay width before final lock-in. 06Install the starting supportPlace the specified bottom spacer, bracket or starter component at the designed elevation. Verify drainage and ground clearance before the first slat is loaded. 07Insert the first ALU20 slatSeat both ends to the required depth without scratching the finish. Confirm the slat is level before establishing the remaining courses. 08Alternate slats and 1/2″ spacersUse the supplied spacers or one verified gauge. Check the running height every few courses so small variations cannot accumulate at the top. 09Lock the bay and verify the postComplete the specified fastening or cover sequence, then recheck both posts for plumb, the slats for level and the entire bay for consistent engagement. 10Install caps and clean the systemRemove metal filings, concrete dust, adhesive and fingerprints. Install the caps and trims only after the bay has passed the final alignment inspection. Field-cutting rule: measure the clear engagement dimension at the actual bay. Use a non-ferrous blade, support the extrusion, deburr the cut and protect the exposed edge with the approved finish method. Never copy the cut length from the previous bay without rechecking.Uneven groundStep the fence unless an approved diagonal detail is provided Horizontal slats naturally emphasize grade changes. For a standard ALU20 run, divide the slope into controlled stepped bays and keep each individual bay level. Plan the step locations, post lengths and bottom clearances before ordering. Do not “rack” the bay by forcing one post higher while keeping standard horizontal cuts. A true diagonal installation requires angle-specific slat cuts and an approved channel or post detail. For that special condition, review the uphill aluminum fence installation guide and request the applicable Aluglobus engineering detail.Stepped runEach bay remains levelPost tops or finished heights can stepGround openings must be checked individuallyWorks with standard square-cut slat endsDiagonal runRequires measured angle cutsTypically uses a C-channel-style detailRear fastening and finishing access must be plannedShould follow an approved project detail Project imagery is design inspiration. Field dimensions and slope details must be verified for the actual site.Installation diagnosticsCommon ALU20 fence problems and what they usually meanObserved problemLikely causeCorrective directionGaps grow smaller toward the topSpacers were omitted, compressed or replaced with inconsistent field blocks.Stop assembly, measure the running height and rebuild the affected courses with one verified spacer standard.Slats appear to slopeOne post is out of plumb, the starting support is not level or the slat is not fully seated.Check post plumb and first-course elevation before altering individual slats.One end will not enter the postPost spacing is too tight, the cut is long, the post is twisted or debris blocks the channel.Do not hammer the coated slat. Confirm the clear engagement dimension and clean the channel.Slat rattles or movesInsufficient engagement, missing spacer/cover, loose fastening or an incorrect post configuration.Compare the bay with the supplied detail and replace incompatible or missing components.Post moves after installationUndersized footing, weak concrete, poor anchor engagement or unsuitable substrate.Unload the bay and have the structural post condition corrected before continuing the run.White marks appear on black coatingConcrete residue, hard-water deposits, salt or abrasive cleaning.Rinse promptly and clean with mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid aggressive polishing.Finish is scratched at cut endsUnprotected work surface, incorrect blade, rough handling or no deburring.Deburr carefully and use the approved touch-up method before moisture and contaminants reach the exposed edge.Top condition does not match the drawingCumulative spacing error, wrong slat count, incorrect bottom spacer or incorrect finished bay height.Do not hide the error with an oversized trim. Recheck the full course count and starting elevation.Material and fire-zone planningAluminum changes the maintenance and combustibility conversation The ALU20 slats and aluminum post components do not rot, feed insects or produce the red-rust cycle associated with unprotected steel. The current product listing also identifies the aluminum as non-combustible.What aluminum helps withNon-combustible metal substrateNo wood staining or sealing cycleStrong corrosion resistanceConsistent architectural profileLow routine cleaning requirementWhat still needs verificationZone Zero and local defensible-space rulesAdjacent vegetation and combustible materialsFastener and anchor compatibilityPool and property-line requirementsEngineering for wind and support conditionsCare and inspectionMaintenance schedule for a clean black finishImmediately after installationRemove every metal filing and concrete splashRinse construction dust from the coatingConfirm caps, covers and fasteners are seatedPhotograph the completed run and retain order recordsTwice each yearWash with mild soap and clean waterInspect posts for plumb and movementCheck exposed fasteners and accessoriesTrim vegetation away from the finishAfter storms or impactCheck post bases and footing movementInspect slat engagement and spacingLook for bent channels or damaged coatingReplace deformed components instead of forcing them straight in place In coastal or high-pollution areas, rinse the fence more frequently. Salt and airborne contaminants can remain on top of any exterior coating even though the aluminum substrate does not develop red rust.Frequently asked questionsALU20 slat fence installation FAQs Is the ALU20 fence panel delivered fully assembled?Treat the 6′ × 6′ product as a kit-based slat bay, not as a welded panel that can simply be lifted between posts. The horizontal ALU20 slats, spacers, post components and attachment hardware must be inventoried and assembled according to the current product drawing. What does the 1/2-inch gap mean?It is the nominal open space between adjacent horizontal slats. The gap creates semi-privacy, allows light and airflow, and must remain consistent from the bottom of the bay to the top. How many ALU20 slats are used in a 6-foot-high bay?Current configuration information associated with this kit lists 29 ALU20 slats. Verify the packing list and current product drawing before installation because kit contents can change. Are posts included with every kit?The product is sold as a complete fence kit, but post length and mounting configuration can vary by order and shipping method. Confirm the exact post, cap, sleeve, bracket and fastener package on the live order before digging or drilling. Can I install ALU20 fencing on a slope?Yes, but a stepped layout is normally the safest planning assumption for a horizontal slat system. Do not rack or force the slats diagonally unless Aluglobus provides an approved C-channel or project-specific detail. Can the fence be surface mounted to concrete?A surface-mounted application may be possible with the correct post, base plate, anchors and concrete condition. The slab or wall must be suitable for the loads. Confirm the mounting detail rather than selecting anchors by appearance alone. Is the 1/2-inch-gap fence fully private?No. It is a semi-privacy design. The view through the fence changes with viewing distance and angle, but a 1/2-inch opening remains between the horizontal slats. Is ALU20 suitable near a pool?The material can be used around outdoor and pool areas, but the complete barrier must be checked against local rules for height, openings, climbability, gate operation and property-line requirements. The product name alone does not establish code compliance. Is the system non-combustible?The live product listing identifies the aluminum as non-combustible. For Zone Zero or defensible-space work, verify the complete assembly, adjacent materials, clearances and local requirements with the project authority. How should the powder-coated finish be cleaned?Rinse loose dirt first, then use clean water, mild soap and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasive pads, aggressive solvents and cleaners that can attack the coating. Remove concrete residue, metal filings and coastal salts promptly. Factory-direct project supportSend the full layout before ordering the fence Share the total run, corners, gate openings, grade changes, post mounting conditions and project photos with Aluglobus Aluminum Systems. The team can help identify the correct ALU20 package, post configuration and project-specific details. Request Project Support View Live Product Back to Learning Center This guide is educational and does not replace the current product drawing, packing list, engineering, permit requirements, utility-locating process or local building and pool-barrier rules. Product contents, post configurations, availability and specifications may change. Verify the exact order before digging, cutting or installation.