How to Install a Post & Rail Vinyl Fence
The most difficult step in installing a vinyl fence is setting the posts -- after that the rest is easy. Rails will slide easily into place and your fence will assemble in no time. There's no need to spend extra money on professional installation when you could easily install the fence yourself. If you can dig holes and perform moderate lifting, you can set vinyl posts and rails. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Fence sections and posts
- Post hole digger
- Bags of quick-set concrete
- Shovel
- Wheelbarrow
- Level
Instructions
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1
Dig a hole where you would your fence to begin. The hole should be about ten inches in diameter and two to three feet deep (depending on your style of fence). Place your post in the hole: about one third of your post should be under ground.
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2
Press a level against each side of your post to make sure it's standing up straight, and then kick some dirt into the hole to hold it in the place. Pour a 60 pound bag of quick-setting concrete into a wheelbarrow. Add water and mix the concrete with a shovel until it is at an even, clay-like consistency. Pour the concrete in the hole and around the post. Allow the concrete to dry and top the hole off with dirt.
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3
Take a section of your vinyl fence and slide the rails of the section into the post. Work the bottom rail in first, then slide in the top rail.
Some styles of fence will require brackets to attach the fence to the post (instead of sliding the fence into post). If your fence requires brackets, screw two brackets (top bracket and bottom bracket) into the post first. Measure the distance between the top and bottom rails of your fence to determine the needed distance between your brackets. Slide the rails into the brackets and screw the fence into place.
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4
With the section attached to your first post, you should be able to determine where you need to dig your next hole. Dig a hole at the end of your section and repeat steps one through three to continue installing your fence.
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Tips & Warnings
Most vinyl fences are sold with installation instructions. Refer to the specific instructions for your fence to determine the best method of installation.
Moderate lifting and physical work is involved. Do not attempt to install fence yourself unless you are in good physical condition.
