This project can take a whole weekend because concrete takes time to cure.
Cost
$1,000+
You’ll spend a lot on supplies, but you may still save money by DIYing.
Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
What you'll need:
TOOLS
Landscape stakes
Tape measure
Hammer
Concrete mixer
Level
Shovel
Post hole digger
2-by-4 board
Trowel
Power screwdriver
SUPPLIES
Vinyl fence set
Concrete mix
Gravel
String
Screws
When you think of the American dream, a white picket fence comes to mind. While wood is the traditional option, vinyl fence installation just might be the better choice.
This is because wooden fences are susceptible to rot, fading, and weather-related wear—but you don’t need to settle for less. Enter: DIY vinyl fencing. This low-maintenance alternative is more durable, and if you have some experience, you can install it completely on your own. This guide will show you how to install a vinyl fence in 12 simple steps.
Prepping for Vinyl Fence Installation
Photo: ghornephoto / iStock / Getty Images Plus
There are a few different types of fences, each with its own pros and cons, but all require similar prep work. Before you learn how to install a vinyl fence, talk to your neighbors as a courtesy.
This project has a tendency to tow the edge of property lines—and you don’t want to cross any lines, literally or figuratively. Beyond that, there is some legal red tape. Here’s what you need to sort out before you begin your vinyl fence installation project.
Check In With Your Neighbors
If you’re considering a fence at the edge of your property, you should consult with your neighbors before the installation. You want to make sure the fence will stay within your property lines and discuss plans with your neighbors as a courtesy to them. Plus, you want to avoid accidentally removing a shared fence you may not own.
Check Your Deed and Local Zoning Regulations
Before you can plan your vinyl fence installation project, you’ll need to check your deed for easements. These are areas on your land that another party (whether it’s a utility company or the city) can use—and they’ll limit where you can put your fence.
Local zoning laws will also limit the size and placement of your fence. This is particularly true if you live in a historic area or an area with a homeowner’s association. Check the zoning before you build.
Call an Inspector and Your Utility Company
Before you begin any excavation, you’ll need to call 811 to check for underground utilities. You don’t want to accidentally burst a pipe. The utility company will come and mark the lines. In addition, you should call a local building inspector. They’ll have information about building codes. Sometimes, there are specific regulations about the shape of fences.
Get a Permit
When you’re building a fence, you’ll likely need a building permit for this home project. This ensures that the project meets all zoning regulations and building codes. Be prepared to submit your plans to a planning committee in order to receive a permit.
Choose the Style of Your Vinyl Fence
Vinyl fences are typically sold in pre-assembled panels. There are three main styles that you can purchase at most big box home improvement stores:
Picket: These fences are typically 4 feet or less in height and don’t block your surrounding view. They’re ideal for defining boundaries or corralling children and pets.
Privacy: Privacy fences are typically between 4–6 feet tall. It’s often used around pools and between property lines to increase privacy. You can also use it to block out unsightly areas and major roadways.
Shadowbox: This style has the look of a privacy fence, but uses alternating panels to have the same look on the front and back of the fence. Shadow box fences are ideal for property lines because both sides are aesthetically pleasing, and it won’t block the breeze.
Measure out your desired fence line, so you know how much fence to buy.
Stake and Mark Your Fence Line
Before you can start your vinyl fence installation project, you’ll need to mark out the fence line. The simplest way is to use string. Start by staking the corners of the fence’s perimeter—including bays and gates. After that, tie a taut string between each post. This is your fence line.
Mark Each Post Location
Use stakes to mark the location of your DIY vinyl fence posts. With your tape measure, measure each panel’s width and use this to figure out the right spacing along the fence line. Accuracy is vital because you can’t cut the panels. Make sure the stakes are flush with the string.
Consider Slopes
Installing a fence over a slope requires a little extra care. You’ll need to install each panel as steps, meaning each panel should be level even though the ground is sloped. To get the right measurements, don’t measure your stakes with the tape parallel to the ground.
Instead, pull your tape measure in a straight, horizontal line from the previous stake. You can use a two-by-four to find the exact post location. Simply extend a two-by-four vertically from the end of your tape measure to the ground. The two-by-four should form a right angle with your measuring tape. Place a stake where it touches the ground.
Dig Holes for Your Vinyl Fence Posts
Photo: ftwitty / Getty Images
To start installing your fence posts, you’ll need to use a post hole digger or rent a power auger to dig a hole for each post. Make sure your hole is 10 inches in diameter. Your fence post depth varies depending on the size of your DIY vinyl fence and soil condition.
Generally, you’ll want 1/3 of the post in the ground, but your local building authority will likely have specific regulations. Whatever the number, dig your hole 6 inches deeper than required to accommodate for gravel backfill.
Dig Holes for Your Gate Posts
Follow the same hole-digging process for your gate posts—but add 6 extra inches of depth. Gate posts are generally set 6 inches deeper than fence posts because you’re constantly pushing and pulling on a gate. It needs an extra hold.
Backfill the Holes With Gravel
Fill all the post holes with 6 inches of gravel. This helps with drainage.
Fill Holes With Concrete
Mix your concrete and prepare to fill your post holes. Remember: Concrete sets, and you’ll need to install your posts before they completely solidify. Quick-setting concrete can speed up the process, so you may want to focus on installing each post one at a time. Start with the end and corner posts, before moving on to the rest.
Set Your Posts in Concrete
Photo: Patcharamai Vutipapornkul / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Start with your corner posts. Tap each post into a concrete-filled hole until it hits the gravel. The hollow center should fill up with concrete—which is what makes your fence extra sturdy. Level and plumb your posts, then use a clamp to hold them in place until the concrete sets.
Once the corner posts are in place, stretch a string between posts. This will serve as a new guide for your fence line. Install the rest of your posts, ensuring they’re in line with the string. Make sure the posts are level and plumb.
Overfill the Holes With Concrete
As you’re working on your vinyl fence installation, make sure you overfill the post holes with concrete. Use a trowel to create a slope away from the post. This prevents rainwater from pooling around your post. Allow the concrete to completely set before moving to the next step.
Attach Fence Panels
Each fence set has different instructions, but most panels snap into place. Typically, you’ll have to first install rail brackets along your fence posts, then slide the panels onto the brackets and screw them in place. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.
Attach the Post Tops
Your DIY vinyl fence set should come with decorative post tops. Snap these in place on top of your fence posts. Since each set is slightly different, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Install the Gate
Photo: G / Adobe Stock
The gate is the last step. Go to your gate posts, and screw in the hardware. Typically, you'll need to install hinges and the lock panel. Attach the door using the manufacturer’s instructions. Once you select your gate latch and install it, your fence is ready to go.
Tips for Installing a Vinyl Fence
While installing a fence does take some prior DIY skills to get it right, there are some tips and tricks for achieving a sturdy, seamless fence on the first try. It all comes down to spacing, recruiting a friend or two to help out, and keeping your trusty level tool by your side.
Properly Space the Posts
Fence posts that are too far apart can leave the fence without enough support. However, spacing posts too close together can leave the vinyl panels rigid, making them vulnerable to damage in high winds. Ideally, you’ll want the posts to be about 6 to 8 feet apart for a vinyl fence.
Install Corner Fence Posts First
Installing posts is one of the most complicated parts of a fence installation, and it can be even more difficult if you start adding consecutive fence posts. Instead, start by adding the corner fence posts first. Then, you can evenly space the remaining posts between each set of corner posts.
Mix Post Setting Material at the Last Minute
While most people typically use concrete, especially quick-set concrete, you may also choose to use another fast-drying material, like expandable foam, to set your posts. Either way, quick-drying post-setting materials do just that—they may dry so quickly that you don’t have time to pour them into the post holes.
The solution? Wait to mix your quick-set concrete or expandable foam until the post hole is ready and filled with gravel, with the post steady, centered, and level.
Use a Level
Nothing could be worse than finishing your fence installation only to realize one entire section is leaning. Keep a level by your side, especially as you install posts. Make sure posts are level before setting them in concrete, and check that the vinyl fence panels are level before securing them to the posts.
Ask for Help
From pouring gravel or concrete into the fence posts while holding the posts steady to handling large vinyl panels, at least one extra set of hands is crucial when it comes to installing a vinyl fence. Ask a friend or family member to help you out if you’re DIYing.
DIY vs. Hire a Pro
The cost of a vinyl fence is typically between $2,230 to $5,400—and you could save $5 to $10 per linear foot if you do the job yourself. This is a relatively straightforward DIY for homeowners with concrete and construction experience. The panels should already fit together and snap into place. You won’t have to cut materials. The hardest part is ensuring everything is properly spaced, level, and plumb.
That said, vinyl fence installation involves a lot of municipal red tape—the kind of stuff an experienced contractor knows how to handle. Even if you’re an experienced DIYer, you still might want to hire a local fencing contractor to ensure a job well done.
That way, you can ensure your fence is up to code, and your homeowner’s association never comes knocking. Remember, you won’t really save money on a DIY job unless it’s done right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vinyl fence installation takes a lot of elbow grease—but it’s relatively simple if you have experience using concrete. Installing the panels, which snap into place, is the easy part. Setting the posts in concrete takes a bit more time and care. The installation will go much easier if you have a helper or two on hand.
Concrete is an essential part of vinyl fence installation and a post-setting material. It acts as an anchor, holding your posts in place. Your posts are what support the fence panels. If a post is wobbly, your fence could collapse. You may be able to use a different setting material, like expandable foam or sand and gravel, depending on your soil.
Your fence posts should be as deep as one-third of the post height, so it varies from fence to fence. In other words, aim to put at least one-third of your fence post underground. When you dig your hole, make sure you add an extra 6 inches to backfill with gravel. If you’re installing gate posts, add an extra 6 inches on top of that.
Vinyl fence posts do not need wood inserts. You can put the posts directly in the ground and secure them using concrete. Vinyl is an extremely durable material, and it won’t rot like wood. Additionally, placing a wood insert inside the vinyl post and in the concrete could cause new issues if you don’t have good drainage.
When installing a fence, you’ll need to know how far apart to space fence posts. Most fence posts need to be about 6 to 8 feet apart, but the distance can vary depending on the material. Likewise, vinyl usually requires a spacing of 6 to 8 feet apart, or you can put posts closer together for a sturdier fence. Don’t put them too close together, or the fence could be too rigid, causing the vinyl to crack under high heat or wind conditions.
Paige Bennett is a professional editor and writer with experience covering design, DIY projects, food, health, and travel, and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Ohio University.
Paige Bennett is a professional editor and writer with experience covering design, DIY projects, food, health, and travel, and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Ohio University.
The homeowners guide to Fencing
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
