Directions to Building a Lattice Top Fence

Drive a stake at each desired corner post location along the fence line, and extend a length of wire between them. Measure along the line, and mark the ground every 8 feet for line posts.

Dig a 2- to 3-foot-deep hole at each marked spot using a posthole digger. Set the dirt in a mound nearby to add to the top of the hole later.

Stand a post in a corner hole, and attach a level to it. Adjust the post until the bubble in the level appears centered. Enlist a helper to hold the post upright while you pour concrete into the hole until it reaches 3 inches from the top. Level the concrete with a trowel, and hold the post level for 20 minutes before you move to the next hole. Continue installing fence posts in all the holes.

Install joist hangers along the middle of two adjacent posts. Use 1 5/8-inch deck screws to attach the joist hangers to the adjoining side of each post, where the lower horizontal rail of the fence panel will be installed.

Stand a 4- by 8-foot wooden fence panel against two posts, and slide the ends of the horizontal lower rails into the hangers. Repeat the process of sliding fence panels between two adjacent posts along the fence line.

Secure a length of one-by-two lumber behind the wooden fence panel using 1 1/4-inch screws. Ensure the wooden board rests flush along the top edge of the panel. Also secure a one-by-four board to the top of the fence, ensuring its corners fall flush with the posts. Cut two lengths of one-by-four boards to fit against the inner face of the fence post, 3/4 inch from the top.

Use deck screws to attach a length of one-by-two lumber along the front or face of the one-by-four board installed along the top of the fence. Measure and cut one-by-two boards to size so they fit along the front of the one-by-four boards attached to the posts.

Measure and cut a 22 1/2- by 94-inch vinyl lattice panel to fit behind the one-by-two boards you installed. Use deck screws to secure a one-by-four to the one-by-four board you already attached to the front of the posts. Use deck screws to join a length of one-by-two along the lower edge of the top one-by-four board, and along the four sides of the back of the lattice panels. Repeat the process of installing vinyl fence panels to the top of the fence until you reach the end of the fence line.