How to Install A Vinyl Fence Post

Vinyl is the new wood, one could say. The chemical plastic is growing in popularity and vinyl fencing is just one of the latest trends.

As compared to wood fence posts, a vinyl fence post is much more durable, long-lasting, and require virtually no maintenance. They are also much better looking than ugly chain-link fencing. So here’s how to install a vinyl fence.

Just as you would install any fence really, you’ll first space out the posts. Make careful measurements here, because you are building the foundation of your fence and any overlooked mistakes will have permanent consequences! Once you’ve set the corner post and aligned the stakes into the ground every 6’ or 8’ inches apart, you can then dig the holes that you will eventually place the posts in.

Put a large stone or a few shovels of gravel at the bottom of each hole, so most of the moisture is then absorbed in the rocks, rather than the soil. (This will make the soil stronger so the posts are better secured.)

Then dig each hole so that it is wider at the bottom than at the top. Do this to properly anchor your posts. Now it is time to place your vinyl fence posts into the holes. Dig a third of each post into the ground and use a level to make sure it is perfectly erect.  

Next you will brace each post with stakes. Wait several days before you continue construction – the posts need adequate time to settle in their positions. Because you’re using vinyl posts, you will not need to round out their heads, as they are already built to endure the elements.

After about a week, you can then attach bottom and top rails onto the posts and proceed to stylize your fence. Depending on your budget and uses for the fence, you will find you have a variety of options to choose from.