How to Put up a Vinyl Gate

Measure the distance between the two fence posts where the gate will be installed. Purchase a vinyl gate that is 1 1/4 inches less wide than the measured distance between the posts.

Hold the gate between the fence posts with the vertical palings on the same side as they are on the fence. Adjust the bottom edge of the gate so it runs even with the bottom of the fence, and position the gate between the posts with a five-eighths-inch gap on either side.

Make the gate level, and have someone hold it in place. Align each of the gate hinges over the top and bottom horizontal back rails of the gate. Position the longer, narrower side of the hinge over the railings, with the shorter, wider side against the fence posts.

Mark the position of the pre-drilled holes in the hinges on both gate back railings and on the fence posts. Remove the hinges, and position your gate latch on the opposite side of the gate at a convenient height. Mark the pre-drilled holes from the gate latch onto the gate and fence post where needed.

Lay the gate on a flat surface with the back railings facing up. Drill through the vinyl and into the wood inside the gate and fence posts at each marked point to create the holes needed to attach the hinges and gate latch.

Attach the hinges to the appropriate fence post, using wood screws. Attach the gate latch to the opposite fence post. Hold the gate to the opening in the fence and align the other half of each hinge with the holes in the back rails. Attach the hinges to the gate with screws at each drilled hole, then attach the gate latch on the other side.