Made in the USA • Patented • Jobsite-Proven • Non-conductive • Non-corrosive
What Is the MAKO® Starter Kit Plus?
The MAKO® Starter Kit Plus is a complete starter package for adjustable screed support setup on vapor barriers, overlays, sand/rock subgrades, and elevated deck applications.
This kit includes 25 FinCap® screed chairs, 25 FinStand® adjustable supports, and 25 Base Plate 4.5®. Together, they create a stay-in-place, height-adjustable system for accurate grade control and consistent screed setup. Threaded Rod (all-thread), nuts and washers sol separately.
Designed For
- Vapor barrier slabs (membrane-safe base plate)
- Concrete overlays
- Slabs on sand or rock sub-grade
- Elevated decks (wood or metal)
- Sloped slabs and grade transitions
- Bridge decks, waterways, and power plant projects
- Super flat floors requiring FF/FL compliance
Ideal for use on super flat floors to stay compliant with ACI 302.1R-04, ACI 117, and ASTM E1155.
Key Specifications
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FinCap®: Supports 1-1/2″ pipe; designed as stay-in-place form; internal “fins” hug mounting structure to prevent bounce-off
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FinStand®: Stay-in-place adjustable support; 1.75″ vertical adjustment; secures to wood deck with nails or metal deck with #8 or #10 tek screws; made from impact-resistant medical grade polypropylene
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Base Plate 4.5®: 4.50″ diameter; textured underside grips adhesives; will not puncture vapor barrier or membrane; 8 preformed holes for fastening options
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Spacing Guideline: Place supports every 3–4 ft (1 m) depending on screed length and sub-grade conditions
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Load Capacity: Holds up to 1,000 lbs (system-dependent and per product ratings)
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Rod Guidance: Use steel threaded rod for slabs over 8″ (200 mm). Threaded rod sold separately.
How It Works
- Set your grade. Run a string line or laser at finished slab elevation.
- Establish your screed line. Snap a chalk line for a wood deck or follow deck flute on a metal deck. For use on vapor barrier use a rebar to setup and adhere with adhesive. Space supports every 3–4 feet.
- Install Base Plate + FinStand. Snap together and secure to deck or adhere to vapor barrier.
- Cut your threaded rod. Cut based on slab depth. (Use steel all-thread for slabs over 6".)
- Secure the FinStand + Base Plate Assembly. Fasten to deck - use screws on metal deck or nails on wood deck. Be sure the FinStand+ Base Plate sits flat and solid.
- Install threaded rod. Thread into FinStand (minimum 1/2" embedment).
- Install the FinCap. Place on threaded rod (minimum 1" embedment).
- Adjust to height. Use the MAKO Driver and adjust rod until marker hits string line.
- Repeat spacing. Install screed supports every 3–4 feet along the screed run.
- Set your screed rail. Place 1.5" ID/1.9” OD screed pipe on the FinCaps. The top of the rail is automatically at finished grade. (A 2” or 1-1/4” screed pipe works as well but the stringline needs to be adjusted.)
- Place and screed. Strike off concrete with hand or mechanical screed, slide screed rail along screed chairs, fill the void with mud, and bull float over.
- Leave in place. FinCap assembly stays embedded in the concrete—no removal, no disruption to the slab.
Why Contractors Choose It
- Fast path to a complete adjustable screed support system
- Works on vapor barriers and overlays without puncturing membranes
- Adjustable grade control up to 1-3/4″ (45 mm)
- Non-conductive and non-corrosive for extreme environments
- Engineered for consistent results on super flat floors
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this kit include threaded rod (all-thread), nuts, and washers?
No. Threaded rods (all-thread), hex nuts, and flat washers are sold separately.
What pipe size does the FinCap® support?
Designed for nominal 1-1/2″ (40 mm) galvanized pipe (1.5″ ID / 1.9″ OD), Schedule 40 or higher.
How far apart should supports be placed?
A typical guideline is every 3–4 feet depending on screed length, sub-grade conditions, and tolerance requirements.
Can the system be used on vapor barriers without puncturing the membrane?
Yes. Base Plate 4.5 is designed to sit on vapor barriers or membranes without puncturing them.
When should I use steel threaded rod?
For slabs thicker than 8″ (200 mm), steel threaded rod is recommended.
Downloads
FinCap® Product Data Sheet
FinStand® Product Data Sheet
Base Plate 4.5® Product Data Sheet
Recommended Add-Ons
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MAKO® Driver: Makes setup faster and more consistent by aligning to string line or laser finished elevation
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Nylon All-Thread (1/2″-13): Cut to length for slab depth
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Nylon Hex Nuts + Flat Washers: For fine-tune height adjustment