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Adding a vinyl privacy fence can create a secure, secluded space that also boosts your home’s curb appeal. Durable and low-maintenance vinyl fencing is popular with homeowners who want a lasting solution without ongoing upkeep. In the video above, Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook installs a vinyl privacy fence and shares what you need to know to get a professional result. Let’s walk through the installation process step-by-step.
Getting Ready for Fence Installation
The prep work is just as important as the actual installation. Taking time to plan and organize now will help make sure the process goes smoothly.
Planning the Vinyl Privacy Fence Layout
Start by mapping out where you want your fence. Be mindful of property lines, local regulations, and any buried utilities. We recommend calling your utility companies to mark any underground lines before you start digging.
Use stakes and string to outline the fence path, making sure it aligns with your property lines and avoids any obstacles. If your area requires a permit for fences, get it sorted before you begin.
Gathering Fencing Materials and Tools
Besides the fence itself, here’s what you’ll need for this project:
High-quality vinyl panels and posts are a must if you want a fence that’ll last.
Site Preparation
Clear the fence line of any vegetation, rocks, or debris that might interfere with the installation. If your fence needs to cross a paved area, such as a driveway, you may need to cut through the pavement to set posts. In the video, Cook and a fencing contractor use an electric jackhammer to remove a section of the homeowner’s asphalt driveway for a gatepost.
Installing Fence Posts
Setting the posts correctly is key to a strong and lasting fence, so take your time.
Digging Post Holes
Use a post hole digger to excavate holes for your new posts. Each hole should be about one-third the post height, plus an extra 6 inches for gravel. For a 6-foot fence, you’ll dig holes about 30 inches deep, adjusting for the height of your fence. Space the holes based on the width of your fence panels—that’s typically between 6 and 8 feet apart.
Setting Posts in Concrete
Pour about 6 inches of gravel into each hole for drainage. Next, place the vinyl post into the hole, and make sure it’s plumb using a level. Mix the concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions and pour it around the post, filling the hole within 3 inches of the surface. In the video, Cook adds about two shovels of concrete to each hole, uses a level to check for plumb, then shovels more concrete around the post to within 3 inches of grade.
Use a steel bar to tamp the concrete to eliminate air pockets, then smooth the concrete with a trowel. Allow the concrete to cure for at least 24 hours before you move on to the next step.
Adding Post Reinforcement
For added strength—especially for gate posts—add aluminum I-beams inside the hollow vinyl posts. In the video, Cook secures the I-beams to the posts using 3/4-inch self-tapping screws.
Reinforcing the posts this way helps prevent sagging and keeps the gate sturdy. It’s also a good idea to reinforce your corner posts to handle the extra pull from different sections of the fence.
Installing Fence Panels
With the posts in place, you’re ready to attach the panels and start bringing the fence to life.
Attaching Rails to Posts
Most vinyl fence systems use a rail-and-panel design. Start by inserting the bottom rail into the lowest mortise on the post. Next, slide the fence panel into place, followed by the top rail. Check that everything is level and aligned before securing it with screws or brackets, depending on the design.
Securing Panels
Fasten the rails to the posts using screws designed for vinyl fencing. Cook uses 2 1/2-inch deck screws. Drive the screws through the post and into the rails at an angle for a secure hold. Cover the screw heads with snap-on caps to keep them hidden and protected from the elements. For additional stability, you can use brackets or clips.
Accommodating Grade Changes
If your yard slopes or changes grade, you’ll need to adjust the fence installation accordingly. You can either step the fence panels down the slope or rack them to follow the contour of the ground. The method you choose will depend on the degree of slope and your personal preferences. Racking is usually better for steeper slopes, as it creates a smoother and more continuous look.
Preparing Gate Posts
Gate posts require extra reinforcement to support the gate’s weight. For added stability, use larger posts and pour more concrete around them. Install aluminum I-beams inside the posts to provide a solid mounting surface for hinges.
Double-check that the gate posts are perfectly aligned and leave enough space for the gate to swing freely.
Hanging the Gate
Attach the hinges to the gate post so they’re level and properly aligned. Hang the gate on the hinges, making sure it clears the ground and opens freely. Install the latch mechanism according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Adding Final Touches
Adding a few details will make your fence look great and help it last longer. Here are some ideas:
- Diagonal bracing on the gate: Adding a brace can help prevent sagging over time.
- Post caps or finials: These decorative caps complete the look and keep water out of the posts.
- Decorative elements: You might add lattice or a trellis on top of the fence panels for visual interest.
- UV protection: Some vinyl products are UV-resistant, but you can also apply a UV-protective coating to prevent fading or discoloration.
- Wind braces: If you live in an area prone to high winds, adding wind braces provides extra stability to help prevent damage or toppling.
- Anti-algae treatments: This treatment helps prevent the growth of algae, mold, and mildew. It’s a great option for humid or damp climates.