How to Install a Vinyl Privacy Fence

There are many advantages to installing a vinyl privacy fence on your property. Whether you have a large lawn or a small backyard, finding a way to enclose it is something to consider as a homeowner. Most backyards in the United States are allowed fencing based on zoning area requirements. So if you are thinking about installing a vinyl fence, we have put together a handy step-by-step guide to help you do-it-yourself.

Step-by-Step Instructions on Installing a Vinyl Privacy Fence

A vinyl fence is a low-maintenance option for adding more protection and curb appeal to your property. To install vinyl fencing, all you need to do is attach the pre-made fence sections to posts. The installation process is quite simple, but it is good to have a guide especially if you have never installed a fence on your own before.

1. Prepare the Area for your New Fence

The first thing you should do when installing a new vinyl privacy fence is preparing the ground. You will need to clear out and smooth the area where the fence will be installed. This will make the entire process much simpler. You should remove any plants, trees, bushes or any other stationary objects that are in the way. Be sure to call your local diggers hotline to ensure that all underground lines are clearly marked before you dig. In the U.S. or Canada, you can call 811 for more details or get in touch with your local utility company.

2. Measure the Area

Whether you want to fence in your entire property or just a small space in your backyard, it is important that you measure the area. You may decide to go along the property line to determine how much fencing material you need, or you may want to measure a different shape or configuration. The size of your fence is completely up to you and your budget. Once you have measured the area, take these measurements to your local home improvement store to purchase supplies. You can also place stakes at the corners of your new fence’s perimeter and use them to rope off the area before your project begins.

3. Purchase the Vinyl Fence Sections and Posts

You can find vinyl fencing materials in lengths ranging from 2 to 8 feet. You place these lengths in between the fence posts. If you are planning to fence in a large area, you will want to purchase larger fence sections so that you won’t need to buy as many posts.

If you measured everything correctly, you shouldn’t have any issues with buying the right amount of posts and sections.

You may need special tools to install your new fence all on your own. While you can purchase these tools from your local hardware store, you may not want to pay a lot of money for something you will only use once. If you need a post hole digger or want to use a hydraulic post driver, you can rent these items from many major home improvement stores.

4. Mark Each Post Location

Once you have purchased all your supplies and have the tools you need, you will need to mark the post positions and the lengths between the desired posts to make sure your fence sections will fit correctly. You can’t trim vinyl fence sections, so therefore you will need to be precise with your measurements.

5. Lay Out Your Fencing Sections

Next, you will need to lay out the fencing sections. In between each area where you plan to dig a hole for the posts, you should lay everything out exactly how you want it. This will make the installation process much easier. Also, make sure that the posts are in the right location before you start digging your holes.

6. Dig the Holes for your Fence Posts

Using a power auger or a post-hole digger, you can now start to dig your holes. The post holes should be around 10” in diameter. And they should be deep enough to hold 1/3 the length of the post, plus six more inches for a gravel base. If you don’t already own a power auger or post hole digger, you can rent this equipment from your local home improvement store. Or you can also use a shovel, but it will take much longer.

7. Place the Fence Posts in One at a Time

After digging the holes for the posts, you will need to install each post securely before connecting them with the vinyl fence sections. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions when installing. Usually, it is recommended that you install posts by first securing them with either concrete or gravel.

Install the posts by inserting a 2 foot long, 4”x4” or 5”x5” post into the hole and adding a 1.5” screw on at least two sides to secure the post to the wood. Insert the post into the hole on the gravel base. Then pour in concrete to secure it. The concrete mix should be even around the entire post. Stop about six inches below ground level and add in the soil for grass once the concrete has cured.

Always check to be sure that the pole is plumb by using a level. Continue installing the posts then return where you started to be sure it is seated level.

8. Slope the Concrete

Using a trough, scrape any excess concrete away from the posts. This will cause the concrete to slope down away from the pole, and prevent water from pooling up around the pool. Always allow the concrete to completely dry.

9. Install the Vinyl Fence Sections Between Each Post

Most vinyl fence sections snap into place. You will need to follow the specific directions from the manufacturer regarding your fence sections. Attach the rails to the ends of each section using screws. Pre-drilling a pilot hole before you install rail screws can be useful and help save time.

10. Attach the Vinyl Post Tops Using Included Hardware

Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions when attaching the vinyl post tops. In most cases, vinyl fence kits will include decorative toppers for the posts that you can easily snap on.

Why You Should Install a Vinyl Privacy Fence

There are several reasons why you should consider installing a vinyl fence on your property. Here are a few advantages to installing a vinyl privacy fence.

Safety and Shelter

The outdoor elements can be devastating at times to your lawn and home. A strong and durable outdoor privacy fence can offer protection to your yard and your structures. It can provide protection from the wind while also offering shade from the sun, depending on where your fence and home are positioned.

Protection

The unwanted damage from outdoor elements can pose severe damage to your property, but privacy fences can also protect against unwanted guests on your property. When you have an outdoor privacy fence installed, you will protect your home from humans and animals who may attempt to enter your property without permission.

Curb Appeal

A beautiful new vinyl fence will instantly add more charm and beauty to your property. Vinyl fences are available in a broad range of colors and textures to coordinate with the look and style of your home’s exterior. A fence will not only make your home look better but it will also add more curb appeal, which is great news if you ever plan to resell in the future.

Noise Reduction

If you live in a noisy neighborhood, you can definitely benefit from adding a vinyl privacy fence to your property. Your new fence will work as a sound barrier to keep unwanted noise out of your lawn and decrease the number of disturbances you and your family have to endure.

Maintenance

You already have plenty of tasks to take care of as a homeowner, but if you have a vinyl privacy fence, you won’t have to worry about any repairs or maintenance over the years. The PVC material used to make vinyl fencing will not rot or degrade over time like a wooden fence. And even though vinyl fencing can cost more upfront, you will save money over time on repairs.

Why You Should Use Vinyl Fencing Material Instead of Cedar Wood

Vinyl fencing material is a great choice for your DIY privacy fence project. While cedar may be the traditional choice for many homeowners when it comes to installing a new residential fence, vinyl has proven to offer longer lasting results that require less maintenance and fewer repairs over time.  A vinyl fence may cost you more upfront, however, a wooden fence will end up costing more over time due to ongoing maintenance and repairs.

Vinyl fencing material can maintain it’s a like-new appearance for many years to come. It’s available in a broad range of colors and can even be purchased to resemble the wooden fence’s texture. If you are interested in learning more about vinyl fencing products or would like to get an estimate on a new fence installation, you can get in touch with your local fencing experts in Minnesota today.