Considerations

• Because the initial investment in vinyl fencing is so high compared to a wooden fence, consider what function the fence will have. If it's going to be a privacy fence that follows your property line, then a vinyl fence is a logical choice since these boundaries are unlikely to ever change, and the installation will be a sound long-term investment. However, if the fence is to be used in a more decorative manner, say to frame planting beds or areas of lawn, then a wooden fence might be a practical alternative, especially if the borders of the lawn and the planting beds may change in the future.
  
  

Before You Begin

• Before beginning any fence work, consult your neighbors and tell them of your plans. You can save yourself a lot of anguish and money by discussing any property line questions and conflicts now, rather than after you've installed the fence.
  
  

Preparation

• Mark out the fence line with wooden stakes and string when you've decided upon the layout of your fence. You can do this by driving in stakes at the points where you want the first two corner fence posts to sit, and connecting them with a piece of tautly tied string or twine. Ensure that the string is running parallel to the property line, or the fence will appear crooked.
  
  Vinyl fence panels usually come pre-assembled in 6 and 8 foot lengths, depending upon the style. Picket fence panels are usually 8 feet sections while the taller privacy panels are shorter at 6 feet. If you're installing a privacy fence, measure 6 feet from the center of your first post and add a stake to mark the position of the next fence post. Repeat this procedure until all fence post positions are staked, making sure that all stakes are aligned with the string to ensure a nice straight fence.
  
  

Setting the Posts

• When setting a fence post, use a post hole digger to dig a hole deep enough to allow one third of the post to sit below ground level. Add about 6 inches of pea-sized gravel to the hole to aid in future drainage. Mix concrete per the instructions on the bag and add the concrete mix to fill the post hole. Place the post in the hole, tapping it down until it reaches the gravel layer. Vinyl fence posts are hollow, so the concrete will fill the inside of the post, giving it even greater stability when the concrete dries. Use a level on each side of the post to ensure that it is plumb, rechecking as the concrete dries, so that you can make any necessary adjustments before the post sets. Repeat this step for all remaining post positions.
  
  

Attaching the Fence Panels

• When all posts are solidly set, attach the fence panels. You will need someone to assist you in holding a panel up against the first two posts, adjusting it until it is at a pleasing height, while still providing the desired ground clearance. Use a marker to mark the spots where you will be attaching the brackets that will hold the fence panels in place. With the posts marked, you can then use a drill and a screwdriver to attach the brackets to the posts, rest the fence panel inside the brackets, and then secure them firmly with another screw. You will then repeat this until securely attaching all fence panels to the fence posts. As a nice finishing touch, you might want to use a PVC-formulated glue to attach decorative caps or finials to the tops of the fence posts.
  
  

Warning

• Contact your local utility companies to confirm the location of any underground pipes and electric wires on your property. Failure to do this before you start digging can be costly and dangerous.