Tools and Materials
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
Vinyl Fence Installation Considerations
Before planning and purchasing your fence materials, ask yourself these questions:
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What will the function of the vinyl fence and gates be?
- What style will best accomplish this function?
- What style and material will blend with my landscaping and the architecture of my home?
Vinyl fence paneling is a relatively new, maintenance-free type of fencing. It’s available in forms similar to both wood panel fencing and rail fencing. Vinyl fencing isn’t subject to rot, fading, or other effects of weather and time as wood fencing can be. Vinyl is a good choice for an attractive, easily maintained fence system.
Preliminary Steps Before Installing Your Vinyl Fence
Before proceeding, a few preliminary steps are in order regarding the fencing and installation.
Instructions
Vinyl Fencing Styles & Colors
Vinyl fencing comes in three basic styles of preassembled panels. Gates are available to match each type of fence. Post and rail fencing is also available in vinyl, although the installation of that type of fence is different.
Privacy
Privacy fencing provides the most solid barrier. It’s commonly used around swimming pools and between property lines. It may also be used to conceal unsightly areas or to hide a major roadway from view. These fences are generally 4 feet to 6 feet tall, and they may include decorative latticework on the top.
Picket
Picket fencing is ideal for keeping children or pets in the yard and defining boundaries while achieving a distinctive look and an aesthetic appeal. These fences are generally shorter, 4 feet tall or less, and don’t completely block the surrounding view.
Shadowbox
This style uses alternating panels across the back and front to give the fence the same look on both sides. This is an ideal neighborly fence style since neither person gets the bad view. These fences are generally taller, usually around 6 feet. They have the look of a privacy fence but also allow more air circulation.
Colors
Match your vinyl fence to the rest of your exterior. Choose from the traditional white vinyl fence to more modern black vinyl fences. They also come in brown, gray, off-white and even fences that can mimic a woodgrain finish.
Vinyl Fencing Terminology
- Vinyl fence posts are 4-by-4s that are set firmly into the ground and provide stability for the fence.
- Main posts or terminal posts are found at the corners of the fence and on either side of all gates. They’re usually set deep into the ground for support.
- Line posts are any posts between the main posts. They provide stability and attachment points for fence panels.
- Rails are the horizontal supports running between posts. On preassembled fence panels, the rails are attached near the top and bottom (and sometimes across the middle).
- The bay is the space between the posts. In simple styles, such as split-rail fences, there are only rails in each bay. Other types of fences have a solid infill (like privacy fences) or more loosely spaced infill (like picket fences).
- The gate is the door that provides entry into and out of a fenced area. All containment fences should have gates. They can be mounted to swing both in and out, or they can open in one direction only.
Laying Out the Site for Your Fence
Take time to lay out the fence carefully. An incorrect measurement now could result in problems later. Use graph paper to make the drawing easier. Make provisions for the widths of the fence panels and gates so you don’t end up with odd-sized bays that can complicate installation.
Instructions
Dealing With Slopes
Installing a vinyl fence on a slope requires the use of the step method: the fence gradually steps up the slope so that each bay section is the same length, and the rails are level instead of parallel to the slope.
When staking out line posts on a slope for a step method installation, you'll need a true horizontal measurement for post placement. Don't measure parallel to the ground slope. To obtain the proper layout:
- Measure from the previous stake while holding the tape horizontally.
- Use a 2-by-4 to extend from the proper tape measurement to the ground to locate the placement of the stake. Properly executed, the tape will form a right angle with the 2-by-4.
Continue this measuring method for the rest of the slope until the ground levels out.
Vinyl Fence Post Holes
Make sure you dig your post holes deep enough and wide enough when you install vinyl fence posts.
Instructions
Setting Your Vinyl Fence Posts
Make sure your posts are level and plumb.
Instructions
Attaching Vinyl Fence Panels
Attaching the hardware and panels is a simple step if your posts are installed properly.
Instructions
Installing Accessories and a Gate
Here’s how to install a vinyl fence gate and hardware.
Instructions
Let Lowe's Install It For You
Don’t have time to do this project yourself? Find out about vinyl fence install cost with our professional fencing installation service.