How to Install Plastic Coated Fencing

Fencing is an important aspect of every home. Not only does it afford you the privacy you may need, but it will also add to the appeal of your home. While many homes still opt for wooden fencing, hedges, metal railing or even brick walls, there’s a growing trend to install plastic coated fencing, among an equal number of home owners. If you wish to change your fencing or do not have one around your home, here’s a way to install plastic coated fencing.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic coated fence panels
• Fence railings
• Wood for posts (4x4s)
• Fence gate
• Gravel
• Cement
• Shovels
• Wooden mallet or hammer
• Rolls of string

1. Check for underground utilities. This is important before you start digging holes for the fence posts because power, fiber-optic or other cables may be present around the area of your fence.

2. Decide on the type of fence you wish to design and install. You may want a fence that offers privacy or others, such as shadow box fencing, or translucent materials.

3. Mark your fence line. First you must decide where you wish to erect the terminal posts and gate, the bay area (the spaces between the posts) and where you will install the plastic coated fence panels. To do this, run a roll of string along the imaginary perimeter of your fence, taking into account all fence corners.

4. Erect your wooden 4x4s as your basic posts. To do this, dig suitable holes for the fence posts that you marked earlier, then place your 4x4s into these holes firmly.

5. Review your marked fence line. Before proceeding, check the fence line that you marked with string earlier to ensure that you have included markings for the fence gate and all corners. Make the necessary adjustments where required. When planning all bay areas, you may decide whether to set up an infill for privacy, or a series of rails.

6. Mark the corner posts' locations. When you have reviewed your fence line and have made all necessary adjustments to your satisfaction, tie a string between the 4x4 corner post locations. Then finalize the measurements of your plastic coated fence panels accordingly.

7. Apply the measured panels. When you have measured the length of your panels, use a stake in the ground to apply them to the line posts' location. For example, for 6 foot panels set up 5 inch x 5 inch posts. Make sure the stakes are in physical contact with the layout string marker in order to keep the posts aligned. When doing so, keep in mind where the gates or other breaks in the fence are supposed to be.

8. Dig final holes for fence posts. Before you do so, you must decide what height you wish to have your fence and dig the holes to a suitable depth accordingly. A diameter of 10 inches is advised when digging your post holes. Now pour 6 inches of gravel into each hole.

9. Fill all post holes with concrete. Follow instructions regarding the drying process and use of the concrete, before you do this.

10. Insert posts into concrete. Use a mallet or hammer to tap the posts down into position and ensure they are aligned. Before the concrete dries, make any necessary adjustments.

11. Install plastic coated panels. Attach rail brackets to the fence posts, then, slot the panels into these brackets. Use bolts and screws to fasten the panels to the hangers.

12. Install the gate. When doing this, ensure that the gate and fence are aligned at the bottom. Leave about 5/8 inch space between the gate and the two posts on either side of it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have chosen pre-assembled, plastic coated fence panels, attach the rails near the top or middle.
• Do not dig fence holes before calling North America One Call Referral Service at 1-888-258-0808, to confirm if underground utility cables are present around the area of your intended fence.
• Wear eye protection glasses and safety gloves while working.