How to Install a Vinyl Lattice Fence

Tie string between the proposed ends of your fence from start to finish. Measure the entire length of the area you plan to cover with your fence, including corners, using your tape measure. Calculate the amount of fence you will require to fit the overall length and use the appropriate panel sizes to accommodate these measurements.

Use wooden stakes to mark the location of each fence post. Start at one corner of the fence line and place the first stake. Measure out from the center point of your first post location to where the end of your first fence panel will fall. If you are using 6-foot panels, measure out 73 1/4 inches; if you are using 8-foot panels, measure out 96 inches. Drive in a stake to mark the location and continue for the entire length of the fence.

Dig spaces for your fence posts to sit with your post hole digger. A proper hole should measure about 10 inches square and should allow 6 inches of gravel plus about 30 to 35 percent of the average post to sit below ground. For corner posts and those framing gates and doorways, increase the depth of the post by an additional 6 inches or so.

Place 6 inches of gravel into each post hole. Follow the gravel with cement, which should fill the hole. Slide the post into the wet cement until it hits the gravel at the bottom. Use your trowel to remove any excess cement and add additional cement if the foundation is not flush with the surrounding ground level. Use your level to check that each post is perfectly square as you set it. Press down into the gravel to create a better platform if your posts exhibit slight imperfections in balance. Allow the cement to dry and set completely before moving on. Set the corner posts first and run a piece of string between them as a visual guide. The string will help you to keep the posts in line and straight.

Hang your vinyl lattice or lattice trim fence panels between the posts with your screw gun and the specific hardware provided or indicated by your fence manufacturer. Each fence is different, so make sure to follow instructions. The general process should involve brackets, which attach to the posts first. The panels then typically slide into the brackets and are screwed into place.

Glue the post caps onto each post using your vinyl adhesive. Apply adhesive to the inside portion of the post cap and press it down into place atop the post. Hold the cap in place for a few seconds then wipe away any excess glue and move to the next one.