LOWE'S Vinyl Fence Installation Tips

Skill Level: INTERMEDIATE Give these projects a try if you're a confident DIYer with a good working knowledge of a variety of tools. They can take a day or more to complete.
If you can build a birdhouse or install a ceiling fan, your skill level is probably appropriate.
MATERIALS
Vinyl Fence Posts
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Vinyl Fence Panel Mounting Brackets
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Vinyl Fence Panels
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Gravel
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Concrete
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Water
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Saw
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Drill with Bits
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Pencil
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Tape Measure
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Carpenter's Level or Post Level
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Work Gloves
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Ear Protection
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Safety Glasses
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IMPORTANT
Before you begin this project, call 811 to be connected
with your local utility companies. Make sure that the site
you have selected and where you will dig does not have
underground utility lines that can be damaged by digging
tools. If you have additional questions, discuss them with
a Lowe's associate or call a professional for help.
Vinyl Fence Installation Tips:
INSTALLING POSTS AND PANELS
In this series, you'll learn how to plan and
install a fence in your yard. In this set of
instructions and accompanying video,
you'll learn how to install posts and
panels for a vinyl panel fence. Before you
start working, refer to the information in
this series on Choosing and Planning
Your Fence and Layout and Digging Post
Holes at Lowes.com/Videos. Different
fence systems require different assembly
procedures. Follow the instructions for
your fence.
SETTING VINYL FENCE POSTS
When working with most pre-built panels, you will set a post, attach the panel to that
post, then attach the next post to that panel, and so on. This ensures your posts are in
the correct position.
01
Verify that all fence posts are of the proper length. If they are too tall, cut them
and put the cut end in the hole so all fence post tops will be uniform.
02
Install panel brackets on the vinyl fence posts following the manufacturer's
instructions. Following are common instructions:
1. Measure down 2" from the top of the post (without the top) and make a mark
for the top bracket. This measurement will change as your panels "stair-step" up
or down grades. See Step 05.
2. Measure the distance from the top of the top rail to the top of the middle rail, and
transfer that measurement to the post.
3. Measure from the top of the middle rail to the top of the bottom rail, and transfer
that measurement to the post.
TIP: The position of each post in the layout will determine which sides of the
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post get brackets. End posts get brackets on one side, line posts get them on
opposite sides, and corner posts get them on two adjacent sides.
03
Your vinyl posts may require you to insert a 4" x 4" treated lumber post inside
for added strength. Always reinforce the gate posts with a treated lumber
post inside.
For more how-to videos visit Lowes.com/Videos
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