How to Install a Vinyl Picket Fence
A traditional white wood picket fence can add charm and curb appeal to your property. It also needs considerable maintenance to look its best. Choosing a vinyl picket fence can supply you with all the aesthetic charm of a picket fence but free you from having to paint it every few years. It will likely never need replacing, so although the original cost is greater, the long-term benefits of going vinyl are substantial. Here's how to install a vinyl picket fence of your own. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- String
- Posthole digger or power auger
- Level
- Marker pen
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Vinyl fence posts
- Vinyl fence sections
- Decorative fence post caps
- Stakes
- Gravel
- Concrete
- PVC glue
Instructions
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1
Decide upon the layout of your fence and hammer in a stake to mark the placement of the first corner post. Drive in a second stake at the desired position of your next corner post and connect them with string. Make sure that the string runs parallel to the edge of your lawn, driveway or curb.
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2
Measure 8 feet from the first stake and add your next stake, making sure that it sits against the string. This stake will mark the spot of the middle of your next fence post. Repeat this procedure until all fence post positions are marked with stakes. Check that all stakes are aligned with the string, to ensure a nice straight line for your fence.
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3
Using a posthole digger, did a hole deep enough to accommodate about 1/3 of the post. Then, add about 6 inches of gravel to the hole to assist with future drainage. Mix your concrete in accordance with the instructions on the bag, and then add to your posthole until it fills the hole.
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4
Set your fence post in the hole, working it down into the concrete mix so that it fills the inside of the hollow fence post. Use a level to make sure that the fence post is plumb, making sure that you re-check when the concrete is almost dry so that you're able to make any necessary final adjustments.
Repeat this step for all remaining post positions. -
5
Take a section of your picket fence and hold it up against your first two fence posts and adjust it up or down depending upon how much ground clearance you'd like to see at the bottom of your fence. When you decide upon the most pleasing look, use a marker pen to mark the posts so you'll know where to attach the fence brackets.
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6
Use a drill and a screwdriver to attach the fence brackets to the posts. You can now rest your picket fence section right inside these brackets, and then secure them with another screw. Repeat this until all sections have been securely attached to your fence posts. As a final touch, use PVC glue to attach decorative caps to the top of the fence posts.
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Tips & Warnings
Using a posthole digger is very labor-intensive, and it might be worth renting a power auger, especially if you have a lot of fencing to install. Check with your neighbors to verify any questionable property lines. It can save you a lot of trouble down the line should any objections be raised.
Before digging any postholes, make sure you check with your utilities companies to verify the location of any pipes or wires on your property.
