Things You'll Need:
- Stakes and string
- Post hole digger
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Post level
- Drill
- Circular saw
- Clamp
- Gravel
- Concrete
- PVC adhesive
- Fencing
- Gate
- Gate hardware (2 hinges, latch, hinge lag screws, latch screws)
- 2-by-4 inch pressure treated boards
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
-
Step 1
Before you begin, check the local building code office and see if you need a permit to install fencing. Check with the utility companies to see if there are any underground wire or gas lines buried in your yard. Check your survey to make sure you are planning your fence inside your property lines and are not closing off any easements or right of ways.
-
Step 2
Measure and stake off the fence area. Place your corner stakes a few inches beyond where you want the post. Then the string will intersect at the exact spot of the post. The string will give you a straight line to set your line posts. The line posts will go in at certain intervals depending on the type of fence you are installing. Most vinyl fencing is installed with panels. If this is the case, the stakes for your line posts will be set at the same measurement as the length of the panel. Ends and corners are called terminal posts. The posts between them are known as line posts. Make sure you measure and set for the gate or gates.
-
Step 3
Dig post holes. Dig the terminal posts first. The hole should be 10 inches in diameter and a third of the post's length, plus 4 inches deep. Fill the 4 inches in with gravel. Mark your posts with a crayon to the height where you want it to go in the ground. This is normally a third of the post's length, but it is best to measure with the panel and make sure to get it exact.
-
Step 4
Mix concrete and set the posts. Pour concrete into the hole, almost filling it. Put the post in the concrete. Vinyl posts are hollow and as you push the post down the hollow center fills with concrete. Push down until your crayon mark is at ground level. Level the post both at the top with a level and down the side with a post level. You will need to do this right away before the cement starts to set. Then add some concrete to overfill the hole and trowel it sloping down. This will keep the water from pooling around the post.
-
Step 5
Tie a string to the top of the terminal posts to give yourself a guide for the height and line of the line posts. Dig and set the line posts. Do it in the same manner as the terminal posts, measuring out for the panels.
-
Step 6
Attach the rail brackets. The rail brackets are attached with screws but are different depending on the type of fence you are installing. You will need to check the manufacturer's directions as to type of screws used. Attach the rail hangers in the same manner.
-
Step 7
Slide the panels into the brackets and use screws to attach the panels to the hangers.
-
Step 8
Glue tops to posts with vinyl adhesive by placing adhesive inside the top piece where it contacts the post. Hold in place for a few seconds while the adhesive sets.
-
Step 9
Install the gate. Line up the gate with the bottom of the fence. Place pressure treated 2-by-4 inch boards inside each gate post. Level the wood to the top of the post. Hinge and latch holes are pre-drilled for you, so you just need to use hinge lag screws to install the hinge to the gate back rail and latch screws to mount the latch to the post. Check the gate for level and make sure it opens and closes properly. If not, make adjustments at the hinges.
Comments
jessedh said
on 4/23/2009 Can you set the posts into a 5 gallon bucket, add concrete, let it set and then place it in the hole? It seems like it would be an easier way to plumb and level but I have not found anything similiar to this online. Thanks!