Installing Vinyl or PVC Fence

There are many different types and designs of PVC or vinyl fencing, so installation may vary depending on your particular fence. Make sure to look up the specifics regarding your fence before you start installing it. The following guide, however, will give you a general picture of what installation should look like.

Materials

Fence Installation

Before you start digging any holes, check with the local building authority to find out if you need a permit to put up a fence. You'll also want to find out from your local utility companies if there are any wires or gas lines buried where you want to install your fence. If there are, you're going to have to work out a way around this, or possibly even abandon the project. If all the logistics work out, though, you can start installing fence posts.

Use stakes to mark off the fence area. Put one a few inches beyond each corner spot. Tie string between the stakes, giving you a guide along which to set your line posts (those in between the corner posts). Next, you should measure and mark the spot for each of the fence posts. The distance between posts will depend on what type of fencing you have (e.g., rails, panels, etc.). Don't forget to mark the location for the gate(s) as well.

Dig the holes for the corner posts first. All post holes should have a diameter of 10 inches. The depth should be a third of the post's length, plus four inches. Fill the bottom-four inches of the hole with gravel. Using a crayon, mark the fence posts at the spot where ground level should be. This will help you avoid setting posts too shallow or too deep. Next, pour concrete into the hole, almost to the top. Put the post in the hole and press it down until the crayon mark is even with the ground. Before the concrete starts to set, level the post with a regular level (at the top) and a post level (down the side).

When the terminal posts are set, tie another piece of string to the top of them to give yourself a guide for the height of the line posts. Then, repeat the process above for all the line posts. Attach the brackets for the panels or rails to the posts (following the manufacturer's guidelines), and then attach the panels or rails to the brackets. If your fence posts come with separate tops, glue them on using the vinyl or PVC adhesive. Hold each one in place for a few seconds until the adhesive sets.

The gates for your fence should come with instructions on how to set them up. Follow these carefully, making sure the gate doors swing open and closed smoothly and that the latches work properly. Also, make sure the gates are level. If not, you'll need to adjust the hinges.

The installation of a fence is definitely a time- and energy-consuming task, but it adds a great deal of functionality and value to your home. Even if you'd rather not install it yourself, having a fence put in is worth considering.