How To Install Vinyl Picket Fence

ZHUOXIN FENCE 

PICKET FENCE

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. PREPARE FENCE LAYOUT

STEP 1

Locate the boundary lines to your property.

STEP 2

Drive stakes into the ground along the property line and stretch a string between each stake. Be sure to extend the string about 24” beyond the property line (Fig.1). It is recommended that all posts be set approximately 6” inside of the property line so that concrete footings do not encroach onto the adjoining property.

STEP 3 

Make the location of each terminal post with a stake (corner, end and gate posts are called terminal posts.) When determining the position of the gate posts, refer to Privacy Gate section for actual gate opening.

2. SETTING TERMINAL POSTS

Although post depth and hole diameter will be determined by local weather and soil conditions, holes for terminal posts and line posts are typically dug 10” diameter and 30” deep with sloped sides (Fig.2). Post holes should be min. 10" in diameter for standard 4" x 4" posts and 12" in diameter for 5" x 5" posts. Set posts in concrete to a min. depth of 24". 

STEP 1

Dig all terminal post holes.

SET ALL TERMINAL POSTS IN CONCRETE.

STEP 2

Position the post in the hole. The posts should be centered in the hole and must be square with the fence line so that when the rails are inserted into the posts they will parallel the string line. Check the post on two adjacent sides with a carpenter’s level and adjust as necessary to make sure it is plumb. The fence height above grade is determined at this time as well. We recommend 2” be left from the bottom of the bottom rail to the ground.

STEP 3

Pour concrete around post; fill to 2” below ground level. Once the concrete is completely dry, fill the balance of the hole with dirt.

3. LOCATING AND SETTING LINE POSTS

STEP 1

After the terminal post footings have hardened enough for the posts to remain stable, stake and stretch a string line taut across the tops of the posts to mark the desired height of the line posts (Fig.3).

STEP 2

Working along the string line, stake out the position of all line posts.

STEP 3

Dig all line post holes.

4. SETTING LINE POSTS AND RAILS

STEP 1

If post spacing is less than 8’ on center, you may need to cut some from each end of rail to ensure that the distance from the post to the first picket remains equal on each end (Fig.4).

The length of the top and bottom rails should be 1/2” less than the center-to-center measurement of the posts.

STEP 2

If the rail is going into a post that will be filled with concrete, seal the end of the rail with duct tape to prevent concrete from flowing into it (Fig.5).

STEP 3

Starting at the terminal post, slide the bottom rail into the bottom hole in the post. Proceeding down the fence line, place the next post into the next hole and insert the loose end of the bottom rail into the post (Fig.6).

STEP 4

Fill the post hole with concrete.

Check to make sure that the post is set at the correct height, is plumb and level and square to the fence line. Block and support as necessary to keep the posts stable as installation continues.

Repeat these steps until all posts are set with the bottom rails and inserts installed.

5. INSTALLING PICKETS

STEP 3

Insert the top rail into the post (Fig.7)

Install pickets with caps into the rail holes processed in the factory one by one.

Repeat these steps until all pickets have been assembled.

6. REINFORCE GATE POSTS

Gate posts should be filled to within 2” of the top of the post with concrete and re-bar. Corner posts and end posts should be filled half-way with concrete only. Line posts do not need to be filled. Make sure the gate hardware is installed before filling gate posts with concrete.

STEP 1

NOTE: If re-bar is not being used, processed to step 2.

For each end and gate post cut two pieces of #4 re-bar 4” shorter than the post length. Drop two pieces into each post at opposing corners (Fig.8)

STEP 2

Using a large funnel, fill the posts with concrete (Fig.9). Tap lightly on the sides of the post to help void air pockets in the concrete.

STEP 3

Clean up excess concrete with water before it dries.

7. ATTACH THE POST CAPS

Glue caps onto the posts with a UV-rated, “hot glue” classified PVC adhesive.

8. CLEAN UP

Clean PVC material as necessary with a non-abrasive (or slightly abrasive) mild biodegradable soap and soft plastic scouring pad. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove dirt and soap.