Projects

Installing a Vinyl Fence

Project Overview

Installing a vinyl fence is much like installing a prefab wood fence. You put a post in a posthole, attach a fence section, and attach the section to a second post. Don't fill in the holes until you've attached all the sections to all the posts to match the fence sections exactly. Vinyl fences look much like wood fences but require virtually no maintenance. They come in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles and, if necessary, can be cut just like wood to fit any size yard. Sections come 6 and 8 feet long and are generally available in 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-foot heights.

7 Steps

LAY OUT THE FENCE
ATTACH THE GATE HINGES
TEMPORARILY TAPE THE GATE ASSEMBLY TOGETHER
REINFORCE THE BOTTOM RAIL
PUT THE PANELS IN THE FIRST POST

WORK YOUR WAY DOWN THE FENCE ONE SECTION AT A TIME
SHOVEL CONCRETE IN THE HOLES

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Step 1

LAY OUT THE FENCE

Lay out the fence with mason's line and batterboards. Mark all the post positions on the lines with pieces of masking tape. Drop a plumb bob from the tape, and mark the ground with powdered chalk. With a posthole digger, dig holes 12 inches in diameter and 6 inches below the frost line or as directed by the manufacturer. Add another 6 inches of depth for a gravel bed to provide drainage. Pour in the gravel and tamp it with the end of a 2x4.

Step 2

ATTACH THE GATE HINGES

Installation begins with the gate. Work on a flat surface and place a spacer between each gatepost and the gate (sizes vary depending on the manufacturer). Insert a metal support, if provided, into the post for the hinges, and screw the hinges to the post and gate. If necessary, drill your own holes. Screw the latch assembly to the gate, then put the strike bar in the latch and screw it to the posts.

TEMPORARILY TAPE THE GATE ASSEMBLY TOGETHER

Step 3

TEMPORARILY TAPE THE GATE ASSEMBLY TOGETHER

Tape the two posts and gate together with strips of duct tape. Leave the tape in place until all of the posts have been set and the concrete around them has hardened. Place 4x4 blocks, bricks, or other spacers between the postholes. Pick up the gate with a helper, place the posts in the holes, and rest the gate on the blocks or bricks. The posts must be straight up and down in two directions: left to right and front to back. Put a post level on the post so you can check both directions at the same time. Have a helper put tapered shims (sold at hardware stores and home centers) between the gate and blocks until the gate is plumb in both directions. Fill the posthole with concrete and let it dry.

Step 4

REINFORCE THE BOTTOM RAIL

Many fences have a metal bar that slides inside the bottom rail to strengthen it. If yours does, slide the bar into each of the bottom rails. Rails longer than 8 feet will have metal inserts while rails shorter than 8 feet usually do not. Fence panels come either assembled or disassembled. To assemble, slide the fence boards or pickets into the bottom rails, then slide the pickets or boards into the top rail. Assemble all the panels you'll be using.

Step 5

PUT THE PANELS IN THE FIRST POST

This section has been cut to fit the yard, but you can install a full section in the same way. Fit the rails of the assembled panels into the holes of the first post, put the next post in place, and slip the rails into it too. Plumb the post and support the rails on blocks. Move to the next posthole. Put the next post in its hole and insert the fence rails into the post. Prop the rails on blocks and leave them until you fill the postholes with concrete.

WORK YOUR WAY DOWN THE FENCE ONE SECTION AT A TIME

Step 6

WORK YOUR WAY DOWN THE FENCE ONE SECTION AT A TIME

Put a fence section into the last post you installed and put a post in the neighboring hole. Slide the rails into the holes in the posts as you go. Plumb all the posts in both directions. If the post is out of alignment, correct the problem with wooden shims: Use the same technique you used for the gate.

Step 7

SHOVEL CONCRETE IN THE HOLES

Mix enough concrete to fill a posthole, leaving the mixture somewhat stiff so it will hold the posts in place as it dries. Verify that the post is plumb, pour the concrete into the hole, and let the concrete harden. Work your way along the fence, filling the postholes with concrete. Once the concrete has hardened, return to the gate. Close it and mark where the stop goes. Open the gates, put the stop in place, and mark where the holes for it go. Drill them and then screw the stop to the post with the screws provided. Put a post cap on the top of each post with the primer and cement recommended by the manufacturer. Once the concrete dries, remove the blocks that support the fence.

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Project Details

Skill Level: Intermediate

Time: 3 hours

Before you start, read this »

Due to differing conditions, tools, and individual skills, The Home Depot® assumes no responsibility for any damages, injuries suffered, or losses incurred as a result of attempting to replicate any of the home improvement ideas portrayed in this website Before beginning any home improvement project, review it thoroughly to ensure you or your contractor can finish the project and if any doubts or questions remain, consult local experts or authorities. Because codes and regulations vary greatly, you always should check with authorities to ensure that your project complies with all applicable local codes and regulations. Always read and observe all of the safety precautions provided by any tool or equipment manufacturer, and follow all accepted safety procedures.

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