How To Raise The Height Of A Vinyl Fence

When it comes to finding a way to extend your fence the height of a vinyl fence, you’re in luck. You can make a vinyl fence taller yourself and it’s not that hard. When it comes to high or heavy fences, you really shoud get the help of a friend to help manage the lifting. A vinyl fence can be raised much cheaper, easier, and faster than a fence that needs to be replaced.

Luckily, the process typically does not involve the demolition of your existing fence. Generally, vinyl fences are composed of sections, called panels, that attach to posts. By combining lattice panels or other similar materials with u-channels, you can raise the height of a vinyl fence. There are generally three different ways to do this, and what you need to do it can usually be found in most hardware stores, specialist fence suppliers, or online.

In most cases, raising the posts is the first step in raising a vinyl fence. A fence’s posts provide support for the panels and give it strength. This step should be taken slowly. If you don’t support your fence panel, your beautiful new fence will not last.

It is possible to install the new extended fence panel right on top of the current fence, which creates additional height. It is possible to create a great-looking fence this way because creativity is allowed in terms of what you choose for the extension. The original lower section will be made from factory-made vinyl fence panels which will be the base to put the extension on. However, you can choose whatever you want for this new upper extended area.

You can probably find a fence kit that fits your needs, whether you want to gain more privacy, keep your dog in the yard, or keep those pesky deer out.

To raise the height of a vinyl fence, we’ll go through a variety of methods and techniques so you can choose which one works best for you.

Fence Kit To Extend Your Vinyl Fence Height

Adding height to a vinyl fence is easy and affordable with fence kits. You only need a few basic power tools to use them. You will usually find everything except the tools in the fence kit.

Vinyl fences can be raised for a number of reasons. Ensure that the kit you purchase is designed for the purpose for which it is intended. Deer fence-raising kits, for example, are different from privacy fence-raising kits. A wrong kit can result in raising the fence without achieving your goals.

Read the instructions carefully once you’ve chosen the right vinyl fence-raising kit for your project. It is generally easy to install the kits, but certain kits may require special instructions.

Putting together fence extensions is generally as simple as assembling furniture. The higher the fence, the harder it is to work with them. You should follow ladder safety instructions if you are using one.

Color, material, and style should all be considered when choosing a fence kit. The goal when using a fence kit is to make sure it is both functional and aesthetic. When the fence gets higher, the top of the fence becomes more noticeable so you want it to look nice and blend in. Fences that look like they have an extender stuck on top should be avoided from an aesthetic perspective. The finished product will appear more natural if the color and style match your existing fence.

Home Depot has a large selection of vinyl fence products that are a great place to start if you’re looking for fence kits. You can order online if you want something special.

Post Extensions For Vinyl Fence Posts

Raising the height of a vinyl fence with post extensions is a great idea.

To raise the fence posts, fence post extensions are available individually or as kits. Make sure the extension you buy matches your existing posts in terms of size, style, and color. In general, vinyl fence posts are available in four different widths: 4 inches, 5 inches, and 6 inches. Additionally, you can purchase post extension kits in a variety of lengths. Vinyl fences may need a foot of raising in some areas but only six inches in others.

The height of fence post extension kits can generally be adjusted depending on your needs.

In addition to extending the fence post, fence post extension kits also extend the fence panel. Along the length of the fence, you will also need something like a lattice. Fence posts need to be raised and then filled into their new height.

Using post extensions, you can extend your vinyl fence as follows:

Determine how many post extensions are necessary to complete your project. Raising every post may not be necessary for every fence-raising project. Vinyl fences in suburban backyards can be higher than those in front yards, for example.
Post extensions must be extended to the desired height before they can be installed. The extensions come with instructions. Be sure to read them.
Over the existing fence panels, install vinyl lattice or another material using the rails of the post extensions.

U-Channel To Add Lattice To Existing Fence

The U-channel is a u-shaped piece of material that is typically used in a range of outdoor situations. Plastic, vinyl, or metal are usually used to make them – but mostly galvanized steel is used. It is recommended that you buy the type that corresponds to the material of your fence. You can use this approach as a cheap and easy way to extend the height you want on your existing vinyl fence.

Door frames, windows, and other places around the home can also be wrapped with U-channel. So if you’re shopping at Home Depot or Lowe’s, you might find it on the doors or siding aisles, not in the fence aisles.

If you’ve ever worked with siding then you’ll be familiar with how u-channel works. Similar to the J-channel you buy for windows and doors. The only difference is that lattice or some other fence material will be used instead of siding slipping into the channel.

U-channel is primarily used to build a frame around materials like lattice. Plastic sheets or Azek sheets also work well. U-channels are used to create a stronger frame around these flimsy materials.

To support each lattice section, you’ll need four pieces of u-channel cut to the correct size. A 6-inch raise of an 8-foot vinyl fence will require 4 pieces of u channel. There are two 8-foot pieces and two 6-inch pieces. The u-channel frame also needs a piece of lattice measuring 6 inches by 8 feet.

Some glue and screws should be used to secure the pieces of u-channel together. A very strong bond is formed when the glue dries.

When you have constructed your u-channel frame and attached your lattice or other material, you can secure it to your fence posts. An exterior grade screw or stainless steel screw is recommended. Rust-prone materials should not be used.

Here are some tips on extending a vinyl fence’s height with u-channel:

Measuring vinyl fences with u-channel is always the first step I take. Due to its flimsy nature, u-channels need to be measured.
The u-channel needs to be cut and secured with the appropriate tools. You will need different tools depending on what type of U-channel you are using.
The fence sheet can be framed with u-channel easily.
The panel should be placed between the rails and posts after the sheet is framed with u-channel.
Attach the panel to the railing and support post by screwing through the channel.
Stainless steel or exterior grade screws are recommended.
Measure and cut the u-channel carefully. All the weight of the lattice will be supported by the frame you build.

The U-channel approach is a great way to raise a vinyl fence, but the lattice is also required to fill in the area. The U-channel is used as the mechanism to hold the flimsy lattice firmly in place.

Vinyl Fence Boards

It is possible to secure vinyl boards to the top of a fence by cutting them to length. Due to the lack of large panels, this option requires a lot of work. Hand-cutting and hand-securing are the only ways to secure each piece. It allows you to get creative since it is a very customized option.

First, build a frame using fence boards as with u-channel. Using the example above, if you are raising a vinyl fence section 6 inches, then you should build a frame 6 inches x 8 feet first. The void can be filled with any design after the frame has been constructed. We need to be creative here.

In order to install the frame and panel section on top of your fence, you must build them on the ground first. You should always work on the ground as much as possible – it makes it much easier.

Azek is an excellent material for building the inside panels. As a panel material, it’s great because it’s easy to cut and shape, but not for frames because it is flimsy.

The frame can be made from vinyl boards. Panels can be supported by them because they are stronger.

Ensure the frame is securely attached to the fence and posts. Screws made of stainless steel or exterior grade should be used. You could lose your new fence panel if you don’t secure the connection to the original fence properly.

Raising your vinyl fence: More options

Vinyl fences can be raised in a variety of ways. Be creative and use your imagination. Many people do not find it the most practical solution to purchase a fence-raising kit and match the existing fence.

More unconventional ways to do it follow.

More Ideas:

Trellis. It is also possible to raise a fence using a trellis. Plants are supported by trellises, which are wooden frames with bars. Climbing plants look great on top of fences. This helps hide the appearance of a high vinyl fence and makes it blend in with the surrounding landscaping. A huge benefit of climbing plants is that they require little or no maintenance.
Trees or hedges. Adding trees or hedge plants will keep your vinyl fence from looking too high if you are planning to raise it for privacy reasons. The same effect as a high fence can be achieved by planting trees or a fast-growing hedge without raising the fence.

Summary

The good news is that you don’t have to worry about extending the height of your vinyl fence if you know what you’re doing. You can do it yourself, and it isn’t difficult at all. However, if your fence is high or heavy, it is best to do it with a friend. You can raise a vinyl fence much more easily, cheaply, and quickly than you can replace it. It usually doesn’t involve demolition. Posts are usually anchored into the ground to attach sections of vinyl fence, called panels. Adding post extensions or lattice or some other similar material to u-channels is one way to raise the height of a vinyl fence. It is usually possible to purchase all three methods at any hardware store, fence supply house, or online.

Vinyl fences are usually raised by raising the posts first. Supporting the panels and giving a fence its strength are fence posts. Taking your time is a good idea here. It’s possible to build an attractive fence panel, but if you don’t support it, it won’t last.

By installing the new fence panel over the old one, more height is created. Because it allows for creativity, it can produce a beautiful fence. Factory-made vinyl fence lower sections will be available as your existing base to work from. There is no restriction on what you can do with this new upper area – be creative and find material that works in your situation.

You can probably find a fence kit that fits your needs, whether you want to gain more privacy, keep your dog in the yard, or keep those pesky deer out. But you can also do more of it yourself using the U-channel approach for a more custom solution.