Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for mounting a rail (e.g., fence, stair or banister) to a support structure (e.g., a post, wall, etc.), wherein a rail mounting bracket is provided that allows the rail to be supported within an interior of the bracket in a desired position until the rail can be fixedly secured to the bracket in the desired position. The bracket provides various projections from its face that allows a rail to be supported and fixed to the bracket at an upwardly and/or downwardly inclined angle relative to the bracket face. The bracket is designed to withstand various loads specified by building standards for composition fences and banisters.

Abstract: A synthetic fence post assembly for realizing enhanced decorative capabilities of a synthetic fence. The assembly provides an apparatus for securely attaching accessories to the end of a synthetic fence post without structurally degrading the fence post. The apparatus comprises a connector member with a first and second interface surface one of which securely interfaces with the top of a synthetic post and the second of which is available to interface with various fencing accessories. In one embodiment, the connector member is substantially transparent, such that the connector forms a lens that is securely fastenable to a fence post and is capable of supporting a light mounted thereon.

Abstract: A post mounting system and method that includes individually adjustable angled gripping elements which contact the interior of a hollow post so as to hold the post firmly against a retaining wall of a base member surrounding the lower end of the post. One or more shim components having a surface area substantially the same as at least the surface area of the bottom of the base member is used to adjust the vertical angularity of a post secured to the base member. The shims may be circularly shaped with a slot extending to the center thereof for shim placement about a rod upon which the base member is mounted. There is a thicker portion of such a shim opposite the slot. Alternative embodiments include additional post reinforcing structures insertable into the interior of the hollow post to provide additional support for complying with building code requirements, such as second story dwelling uses, etc.