How to Install Prefab Fence Panels

Using Prefab Fence Panels Saves Time

Privacy fencing provides security, contains pets and makes an excellent backdrop for plants and other landscape features. Prefab fence sections can give you the look and feel you want with a fraction of the work involved in traditional fence construction. Proper post installation is key to successful fence building. Once your posts are in place installing prefab fence panels is a simple procedure. Prefab fence panels and wood or metal posts are available at lumber yards and home improvement centers.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden stakes
• Mason's twine
• Tape measure
• Tape
• Wood or metal fence posts
• Post hole digger
• Circular saw
• Concrete
• Garden hose
• Fence panels
• 1-by-4 lumber
• Treated deck screws
• Drill or impact driver
• Fence brackets and bolts
• Wrench

Instructions

Installing Posts

1. Drive wooden stakes in the ground wherever you want to place a corner post. Run mason's twine, available from hardware and home improvement stores, between stakes and tie off snugly.

2. Measure from the first corner along your mason's line a distance equal to the width of your fence panels. Mark the spot with a piece of tape around the mason's line. Mark the string in intervals equal to the width of your fence panels. These are your post positions.

3. Dig post holes equal to one-third of your post's height above ground. For a six-foot post, set an 8-foot post in a 2-foot hole. Make each hole 10 to 12 inches across, setting the dirt aside for back fill.

4. Cut your posts to the correct height for your fence panels using a circular saw. Typically, posts are cut an inch taller than the top of the top-most runner on the fence panel, plus the depth of the post hole.

5. Set one post in each hole. Fill each hole with 1/2 of an 80-pound bag of concrete. Add water in the hole with a garden hose and mix using a wooden stake.

6. Check posts with a level. Be sure to check for level front to back and side to side. Make adjustments as needed . Pack dirt into the remaining portion of the post holes and pack snugly to keep posts upright.

1. Position panels in place against posts starting at one corner. Panels should run from center to center of the posts with one panel butting up to the next. Attach each panel as you go. Slight adjustments in post position can be made to line up your panels perfectly.

2. Set a piece of 1-by-4 lumber underneath the bottom edge of the panel to space it slightly off the ground to prevent moisture wicking up into the panel.

3. Attach wood and composite wood panels with treated deck screws through the fence panel into the post. Use at least 2 screws in each runner. Drive them in using a drill or impact driver.

4. Attach vinyl, aluminum or PVC fence using the provided brackets. Typically, these fences are hung on metal posts using "U" brackets that wrap around the post and bolt into the panel on either side. Consult manufacturer's instructions for specific details.

5. Adjust panels for installation on steep slopes by loosening nails or screws in the pickets to allow the panel to "rack" diagonally. Attach the runners to the post on the uphill side of the panel and let the weight of the panel pull the bottom edge down, parallel with the slope. Attach the downhill side. Once the panel is attached, re-tighten the fasteners.

References

• Home Depot:Installing Prefab Fence Panels