How to Install an Aluminum Fence Like a Pro

Before you start digging holes, take some time to mark off your fence layout by driving stakes into the ground where you plan to install the corner posts, end posts, and gate posts. This will ensure you install each fence post exactly where you want it. A tape measure comes in handy here. Start by driving stakes into the ground where you plan to install the corners of your fence, then drive stakes where you want the end posts and gate posts to sit. 

End posts only have punched holes on one side since they're designed to sit at the end of a fence, usually against a house or another structure. Gate posts have special holes designed to attach to the gate hinges. Make sure to account for your gate's exact measurements when driving the stakes for it. It's also easiest to install a gate on flat ground, so keep that in mind when marking off where you want to put it.

Once you've driven stakes into key anchor points for your fence, grab a long string and tautly run it around the corner fence stakes to help define the fence line. Then use a tape measure and your fence manufacturer's measurements to drive a stake through each area where you plan to install line posts, aka the fence posts that sit in between the corner, end, and gate posts. Make sure each line post stake sits directly against the string so your fence will be straight. If the fence line you created won't neatly accommodate all of the panels, which are usually around 6 feet, you can use a hacksaw to cut one or more of the panels so that they'll fit tightly within your fence line.

If the plot where you plan to install the fence is relatively flat, you can skip this step. However, if you have a slope, it's best to plan for it accordingly. 

If your slope is less than 12 inches across a 6-foot fence panel, you can rake the fence to meet the slope. This essentially means you can install the fence at an angle without any special posts or instructions. Just take care that when you install the posts, the fence panels create an even line along the ground. This is especially important if you have pets or kids that you're worried about crawling under the fence.

If your slope is greater than 12 inches across a 6-foot panel, it's best to stair-step the fence. Stair-stepping involves installing each fence panel a little higher than the last along the slope, creating a fence line that looks a bit like ascending stairs. For the stair-stepped portion, you'll want to use end posts instead of line posts. The predrilled holes can work on one side of the fence connection, but you'll need to drill additional holes to connect the other side since the fence panels will be at different levels.

Now it's time to start digging the holes where each fence post will go. For this step, it's best to use a power auger or fence post-hole digger. Use either one to dig holes wherever you drove in stakes during steps one and two. Make sure to check the fence manufacturer's instructions for how deep and wide the hole should be, but a good rule of thumb is at least one-third of the post length deep and three times the post width wide. The hole should also be slightly larger at the bottom than at the top to help create stability. 

Once you dig your holes, it's a good idea to add about six inches of gravel to the bottom of each hole. This will help drain water away from the post, preventing water damage and helping your fence last longer.

After you dig all of your fence post holes, fill them with the appropriate posts. Make sure that corner posts go into corner holes, line posts go into line holes, and end and gate posts go into their respective holes. Don't worry too much about making sure they're plumb and level until you start pouring concrete.

Next, mix up your concrete and pour it into each hole until it reaches the surface. It's helpful to have a friend use a level and hold the post for you to ensure it's plumb and level when you pour. Let the concrete completely dry before moving to the next step. If you opted for fast-setting concrete, which is recommended, it should dry in about 20 to 40 minutes (hello, lunch break!), but it's best to wait at least an hour before moving to the next step.

You can also use a mix of gravel and soil for this step, but concrete provides more durability and stability.

Once your posts are all installed and the concrete is dry, it's time to connect all of your fence panels. This process will look a bit different depending on the exact fencing system you buy. However, it typically involves using a power drill or screwdriver to attach the panels to the corresponding posts using hardware, like screws and hinges, provided by the fence manufacturer.

Finally, if you're adding a gate to your fence, now is the time to install it. Find your designated gate posts, also called hinge posts, and attach the gate using the hinges and screws or bolts that came with it. Double-check that the gate is level and the hinges are at the right height. If you're using a gate stop, install it on the opposite side of the hinges using the screws that came with it.