How to Install Vinyl Fencing Yourself

Low maintenance, privacy and high durability make vinyl fencing worth every penny...and then some. By creating an effective windbreak, it could even lower your household fuel bills. Priced in a higher bracket than its wooden alternatives, many homeowners turn to fencing contractors for installation. But, with a bit of time and care and the help of a good friend or two (this is a two-man job), you can install vinyl fencing yourself - and save money in the process.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Friend(s)
• Pothole digger
• Spirit level
• Hammer
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• Tape measure
• Mallet
• Trowel
• Vinyl adhesive
• String and stakes
• Fence panels, posts, rail brackets and post tops
• 3/4 inch screws
• Four-foot lengths of 2x4
• Concrete
• Gravel
• 2x4s (for outdoor use)

1. Do your homework. Speak to your area's building inspector for guidance on how deep fences need to be dug in as well as local zoning laws. If necessary, apply for the relevant building permits.

2. Before installing vinyl fencing yourself, check your deed for any easements held by neighbors or the utility firms.

3. Do unto neighbors as you'd have them do unto you. Speak to all neighbors whose property lines will border your new vinyl fencing know of your plans.

4. As this job involves digging, find out where utility lines lie on your property. A call to North America One Call Referral Service [phone] could help.

5. Before digging any holes though, take down the measurements for your vinyl fencing. Graph paper is ideal for tracking your plans and calculating materials. Using stakes and string, mark it out. Don't forget to make space for corners and any gates.

6. Using stakes and string, mark it out. Don't forget to make space for corners and any gates.

7. Now stake out your fence posts. Measure on center from corners. For 6' vinyl fencing panels, use 5"x5" posts placed 73 1/4" apart. For 8' panels, the post size is 4"x4" and they should be placed 96" apart.

8. Mark out your gates. Remember that the opening for a gate between two posts must take into account a measurement of 1.25". This will account for hardware, etc.

9. If you have slopes on your vinyl fencing line, you will need to plan for using a step method which means that each panel is level, rather than following the course of the ground. To do this you need to find a horizontal to work against. The easiest way to do this is to take a measurement while holding the tape horizontal to the previous stake, rather than the ground. Then, create a right angle from the end of the tape to the ground using a 2x4 and then stake in.

10. Take your measurements to your local fencing supplier. They'll be able to double check calculations and offer specialist guidance on installation as types of fencing do vary.

11. Digging post holes: Use your pothole digger to create 10" diam. holes. Depth, normally about a third of the post's height, is determined by your local building regulations. Your local building inspector will be able to advise on this. Once you dig to the recommended level, go at least 6" deeper so you can backfill with gravel for good drainage. For main and gate posts, make this 12" deeper as these need extra strength.

12. Before breaking out the concrete, take your fence posts for a test run. This might help avoid any costly and time-consuming problems in the next step.

13. Mix your concrete. Check out the manufacturers instructions and guidance for mixing and drying times.

14. Start with end and corner main postholes and fill with concrete mix. Tap the post into the concrete. It is hollow, so the concrete should fill its center. Use the mallet to tap it down to the gravel. Check that all are plumb and level before adding more concrete at the top of the hole. With a trowel, slope the concrete downward from the post. This will prevent water damage. Do this for every posthole apart from gate posts.

15. Check that all concrete has dried and fence posts have set before proceeding.

16. Now, using the instructions provided with your fencing panels, attach rail brackets to the fence posts using screws. Once all are attached, slide the panels into place and secure with screws. Note: screw types differ according to manufacturer.

17. Use your vinyl adhesive to attach post tops, wiping clean any excess.

18. You can now install your gate(s). Remember to allow 5/8" free on both sides for hardware. Line up the bottom of the gate with that of the fence.

19. Put two lengths of 2 x 4 lumber inside each 5" x 5" post before inserting in the hole which has been prepared with cement mix. Take .5" off the widest part of the 2 x 4 if your posts are 4" x 4". Make sure your wood is level. Gate backrails have wood inside placed 8" in.Pre-drill holes on the post and the gate for hardware. Hinge lag screws are used to mount a hinge to the back rail. Latch screws mount the latch to the post.

Tips & Warnings

• For stronger posts, you might wish to consider laying your posts with a steel truss kit.

Resources

• Bufftech
• Genova Products
• Kroy Building Products

[kellieann2000]

on 6/16/2009 Good detailed info on How to Install Vinyl Fencing Yourself.