How to Install a Vinyl Fence

Fences provide you and your family with a sense of security and privacy, plus they are strong design elements that define a home's outward appearance. But fences can be difficult to build and maintain. Wood fences are attractive but high-maintenance. Some untreated wood like cedar can be left on its own to turn silver-gray and streaky—a look that some homeowners do not like. Painted fences give your home a neat, trim look yet become difficult to paint as they age out.

That's where vinyl fences come in. Vinyl fences are highly durable, low-maintenance, and attractive. Vinyl fences are untreated and unpainted because their color is infused in the vinyl. They manage to keep their color from season to season, year to year.

Basics of Building a Vinyl Fence

Vinyl fences rely on an interlocking component system. Upon purchase, you must make sure that you have all of the necessary components to form a complete kit. Otherwise, you will not be able to build the fence as vinyl fences do not allow for improvisation.

Vinyl Picket Fences

Vinyl picket fences begin with anchor pipes driven into the ground by a sledgehammer. Hollow posts slide over the anchor pipes like sleeves. Two anchor pipes form a section in which one fence panel can be built: one rail at the bottom, one rail at the top, and multiple pickets that run through the two rails.

Vinyl Privacy Fences

Taller, six-foot vinyl privacy fences' posts must be anchored into the ground with concrete, like conventional four-by-four fence posts. These posts do not slide over an anchor pipe; they are sunk directly into the concrete. A fence panel is pre-built—a single piece, not separate pieces that must be assembled.

Codes and Regulations

You may need to obtain a permit before building your fence. If so, when the work is complete, an inspector must visit the site and close out the permit. All work must be built according to local building codes and regulations. Look at legal issues such as easements and zoning. Your local permitting department can advise you on local zoning and setback regulations that affect fence construction.

When to Build Your Vinyl Fence

If the ground is frozen, it will be difficult for you to drive the anchor pipes for a picket fence or dig the holes for a privacy fence. Wait until the ground has thawed before starting construction.

Fence-Building Safety

Whenever you dig on your property, you must call your local utility locator to visit and identify the location of any underground services such as gas, water, and electrical lines. These services will be marked with color-coded spray paint that eventually wears off on its own.