How to Install a Vinyl Fence in 15 Steps

Before you begin any excavation, you’ll need to call 811 to check for underground utilities. You don’t want to accidentally burst a pipe. The utility company will come and mark the lines. In addition, you should call a local building inspector. They’ll have information about building codes. Sometimes, there are specific regulations about the shape of fences.

When you’re building a fence, you’ll likely need a building permit for this home project. This ensures that the project meets all zoning regulations and building codes. Be prepared to submit your plans to a planning committee in order to receive a permit.

Vinyl fences are typically sold in pre-assembled panels. There are three main styles that you can purchase at most big box home improvement stores:

• Picket: These fences are typically 4 feet or less in height and don’t block your surrounding view. They’re ideal for defining boundaries or corralling children and pets.

• Privacy: Privacy fences are typically between 4–6 feet tall. It’s often used around pools and between property lines to increase privacy. You can also use it to block out unsightly areas and major roadways.

• Shadowbox: This style has the look of a privacy fence, but uses alternating panels to have the same look on the front and back of the fence. Shadow box fences are ideal for property lines because both sides are aesthetically pleasing, and it won’t block the breeze.

Measure out your desired fence line, so you know how much fence to buy.

Before you can start your vinyl fence installation project, you’ll need to mark out the fence line. The simplest way is to use string. Start by staking the corners of the fence’s perimeter—including bays and gates. After that, tie a taut string between each post. This is your fence line.

Use stakes to mark the location of your DIY vinyl fence posts. With your tape measure, measure each panel’s width and use this to figure out the right spacing along the fence line. Accuracy is vital because you can’t cut the panels. Make sure the stakes are flush with the string.

Installing a fence over a slope requires a little extra care. You’ll need to install each panel as steps, meaning each panel should be level even though the ground is sloped. To get the right measurements, don’t measure your stakes with the tape parallel to the ground. Instead, pull your tape measure in a straight, horizontal line from the previous stake. You can use a two-by-four to find the exact post location. Simply extend a two-by-four vertically from the end of your tape measure to the ground. The two-by-four should form a right angle with your measuring tape. Place a stake where it touches the ground.

To start installing your fence posts, you’ll need to use a post hole digger or rent a power auger to dig a hole for each post. Make sure your hole is 10 inches in diameter. Your fence post depth varies depending on the size of your DIY vinyl fence and soil condition.

Generally, you’ll want 1/3 of the post in the ground, but your local building authority will likely have specific regulations. Whatever the number, dig your hole 6 inches deeper than required to accommodate for gravel backfill.

Follow the same hole-digging process for your gate posts—but add 6 extra inches of depth. Gate posts are generally set 6 inches deeper than fence posts because you’re constantly pushing and pulling on a gate. It needs an extra hold.

Fill all the post holes with 6 inches of gravel. This helps with drainage.

Mix your concrete and prepare to fill your post holes. Remember: Concrete sets, and you’ll need to install your posts before they completely solidify. Quick-setting concrete can speed up the process, so you may want to focus on installing each post one at a time. Start with the end and corner posts, before moving on to the rest.

Start with your corner posts. Tap each post into a concrete-filled hole until it hits the gravel. The hollow center should fill up with concrete—which is what makes your fence extra sturdy. Level and plumb your posts, then use a clamp to hold them in place until the concrete sets.

Once the corner posts are in place, stretch a string between posts. This will serve as a new guide for your fence line. Install the rest of your posts, ensuring they’re in line with the string. Make sure the posts are level and plumb.

As you’re working on your vinyl fence installation, make sure you overfill the post holes with concrete. Use a trowel to create a slope away from the post. This prevents rainwater from pooling around your post. Allow the concrete to completely set before moving to the next step.

Each fence set has different instructions, but most panels snap into place. Typically, you’ll have to first install rail brackets along your fence posts, then slide the panels onto the brackets and screw them in place. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

Your DIY vinyl fence set should come with decorative post tops. Snap these in place on top of your fence posts. Since each set is slightly different, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

The gate is the last step. Go to your gate posts, and screw in the hardware. Typically, you'll need to install hinges and the lock panel. Attach the door using the manufacturer’s instructions. Once you select your gate latch and install it, your fence is ready to go.