How to Attach a Vinyl Fence

Vinyl fence materials are readily available, and anyone with basic do-it-yourself skills can install them. In order for the fence to look good, however, the fence panels must attach to the fence post in such a way that you allow for seasonal expansion and contraction. It's important that the posts be set deep enough that they don't heave out of the ground in the spring and disrupt the line of the fence panels. Fence hangers that attach the vinyl panels to the posts should be either stainless steel or galvanized metal so they don't rust.

Carpenter's level
Hand tamper
Screwdriver
Panel hangers
Screws
Assistant

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the distance between the posts before you tamp dirt around them. Use a carpenter's level to make sure each post is plumb as well. This ensures that you have the proper distance needed for your vinyl fence panels. Place dirt around the posts when they are in the proper location. Use a hand tamper to pack the soil around each post.
- 2
  Hold a fence panel between two posts while an assistant uses the level to get the panel level. Mark the bottom of the panel on each post and set the panel aside.
- 3
  Place one of the bottom fence hangers against the post with the opening toward the top. Use the screws that came with the fence hanger to attach the hanger to the post. Repeat on the opposite post.
- 4
  Set the panel in the bottom hangers. Attach the panel to the hangers with the screws from the kit.
- 5
  Slide the top piece of one fence hanger over the top corner of the panel. Make sure the panel is plumb, using the carpenter's level. Attach the panel to the fence post with screws. Attach the fence hanger on the other upper corner. Use the screws from the kit to attach the upper hangers to the panels.
- 6
  Repeat Steps 1 through 5 for the remaining vinyl fence panels.

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