PVC has become a popular fencing material thanks to its durability, visual appeal, and low maintenance qualities. Installing PVC fence panels is a straightforward DIY project for homeowners looking to add privacy, security, and curb appeal. This guide covers everything you need to know to properly install PVC fencing in your yard.
Learn about recommended PVC fence styles, sourcing components, building a framework, attaching panels, adding gates, and finishing steps to create a long-lasting fencing solution with hassle-free upkeep.
Benefits of Using PVC Fencing
Compared to wood, PVC fencing provides significant advantages:
- Never requires painting or staining
- Won’t rot, warp, or splinter
- Resists damage from termites and woodpeckers
- Cleans easily with just soap and water
- Withstands weather extremes without cracking or peeling
- UV-resistant coloring; retains original appearance
- Lower lifetime cost than repeated wood refinishing
- DIY friendly installation
While PVC fencing does carry a higher initial price tag than wood, it pays off over the decades by eliminating the endless maintenance wood fencing requires.
Popular Styles of PVC Fencing
Style your PVC fencing to match your home’s architecture and surroundings:
- Traditional privacy – Resembles wooden stockade fencing with vertical boards. Available in various heights and widths. Provides seclusion.
- Picket – Mimics classic white painted wooden pickets. Timeless appeal and visibility. Good for pets.
- Ranch rail – Horizontal rail fencing evokes a rustic, farmhouse vibe. Leave natural or stain colors.
- Gothic/iron infill – Decorative pointed picket tops combined with decorative metal infill. Upscale ornamental vibe.
- Post caps – Accentuate post tops with decorative caps in various architectural styles. Finished look.
Mix and match components like privacy panels, pickets, and post caps to create unique PVC fence designs to suit your property.
How to Source PVC Fencing Components
PVC fencing uses U-shaped posts, rails, pickets, post caps, brackets, finials, and gates which interconnect. Purchase all matching components from the same manufacturer to ensure proper fit and performance.
- Big box stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot sell many major brands. Convenient but limited selection.
- Specialty fencing suppliers have wider options from quality brands like ActiveYards, Certainteed, and SimTek. Can order custom components and colors.
- Check manufacturer websites for local distributors. Provides product expertise and ideal pricing.
For specialty components like stair railings, finials, or arbors, order directly from the manufacturer. Get everything needed before starting work.
Constructing a Post and Rail Framework
The framework supports the fence panels:
- Space U-channel posts 8 feet on-center max, less for very solid panels. Dig holes 30-36 inches deep; anchor in concrete.
- For even spacing use string lines. Ensure posts are plumb. Brace while concrete sets.
- Insert bottom rails into posts’ U-channels. Tap with rubber mallet if tight.
- Stack mid-rails and top rails, securing with brackets designed for your system.
A quality framework prevents sagging issues down the road. Take time to properly space and anchor posts and neatly attach rails.
Hanging the PVC Fence Panels
Once the framework is in place, adding panels is easy:
- Lift panel gently into position between posts. Have helpers share weight to avoid bending.
- Insert panel ends into posts’ U-channel. Tap gently with mallet. Attach retaining strips and screws.
- Position next panel overlapping/interlocking any weatherstripping with adjoining panel.
- Use silicone caulk between panel joints if the manufacturer recommends sealing gaps.
Double check each panel is properly seated into channels and retaining strips to avoid problems later when attempting to lock gates.
Incorporating Gates in PVC Fencing
Gates require extra planning for smooth operation:
- Match gate style to fence panels for continuity. Include needed hardware – hinges, latches, drop rods, self-closers.
- Set gate posts in extra-deep concrete footings able to withstand gate weight and use without sagging over time.
- Allow 1-2″ gap between bottom of gate and ground for ease of opening. Avoid dragging.
- Position gate hardware carefully to avoid interference between nearby fences or railings.
- Adjust until gate swings freely without rubbing or binding before locking down hardware.
Finishing Touches for a Professional Look
Finishing details take your PVC fencing to the next level:
- Add post caps to tops of posts for a polished, finished appearance.
- Insert decorative rosettes or finials at post intersections for ornamental flair.
- Paint or stain any exposed lumber framework to match PVC color using specially formulated bonding paint.
- Seal any concrete footings visible near ground level using coloring compounds. Avoid staining PVC boards.
- Plant climbing vines, shrubs, or hedges to soften fence appearance over time as desired.
Proper planning, measuring, leveling, and anchoring results in many years of quality performance from PVC privacy fencing. Maintain with an occasional soap and water cleaning to keep your PVC fence looking like new.
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