Can You Cut Vinyl Fence?

Precut Components

• Vinyl fences come in many styles, some with solid PVC panels that slide into grooves in the posts to provide a solid privacy effect. Others sell by the section and contain two posts, an upper and lower rail and pickets that fit in precut slots in the rails. In most cases, you’ll only have to cut the top or bottom rails.

Tight Spots

• If your vinyl fence comes in 8-foot sections but the last section next to your house is only 5 feet in length, or you want to install a gate in a specific spot, you’ll have to cut the rails. This won’t change the way you’re installing the fence. You’ll still need to set the end posts, but you’ll cut the top and bottom rails to match the shorter distance and you’ll use fewer pickets to assemble the section. Before cutting a rail, make sure the picket holes will be evenly spaced between posts.

Vinyl Fence Pickets

• You don’t have to settle for a uniform picket height. Some vinyl fence styles feature pickets that you can cut to achieve a scalloped look. This requires purchasing a fence with freestanding pickets, however. You can’t cut the pickets if both the bottom end and the top end fit within the upper and lower rails. The pickets must extend through slots in the top rail. Because this type of picket has a preformed top end, you’ll only cut the bottom to create a sloped or a scalloped look.

Safe Cutting Techniques

• Most vinyl fencing material can be cut with a circular saw or a chop saw fitted with a fine-tooth blade or a masonry blade. You may also cut the pieces by hand with a hacksaw. If you’re using a power saw, allow the saw motor to “wind up” before cutting. Don’t put the saw blade on the section to be cut and then turn on the saw, or the sudden jolt of the blade is likely to crack or throw the vinyl. Allow the blade to speed up and then slowly start the cut. Follow all the manufacturer’s safety measures when using power tools.