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Traditional Picket Fence – Cape Cod
1. Getting Started
• Be sure to call underground (811) prior to digging
• Assemble gates (if necessary) and decide where they will
be located
• Stake out the fence line
• Space and mark post hole locations for gate and sections
(spacer bar/template may be useful)
• Start at gate end post and work outward to determine
proper fence height relative to ground
2. Dig Holes
• Dig holes 30" deep or to frost line
- Hole size for 4 x 4 posts = approximately 10"
• Clean holes and check for straight walls
• Bell bottom of holes
3. Install First Post
• Insert post in hole
• Determine rough height
• Fill hole around post with concrete mix (sand, gravel
and cement) approximately 2" or 4" below grade
• Tamp concrete in hole to eliminate air pockets
• Level and square post
4. Install Bottom Rail
• Tape the ends of any rail being inserted into a post that is
to be filled with concrete to prevent concrete seepage
• Insert rail into post
NOTE: Pickets will attach to rail on the
side with the small (1/4") holes
• Insert lock ring in each end of rail
• Depress lock ring tabs and insert rail in post
• Tabs will recoil to hold rail in post
5. Install Second Post
• Insert second post in hole
• Insert bottom rail in post
• Insert block under bottom rail to position at correct
fence height
• Fill hole around second post with concrete mix
• Tamp, level and square fence
• Assembly may be continued by installing all bottom rails first,
or one section at a time
6. Support and Secure
• Level and square fence
• To lower a post, place a wood block from corner to corner on
the post and carefully tap with a mallet
• Never strike the PVC post without a wood support
7. Install Top Rail
• Insert lock ring in each end of rail
• Depress lock ring tabs, insert top rail in post
8. Install Pickets
• For field assembly, insert hex washer head screw through
large (3/4") pre-drilled hole in top rail
• Align pre-drilled hole in picket, tighten with 1/2" deep socket
wrench or nut driver with clutchdrill (do not overtighten)
• Repeat for bottom rail
• Insert (3/4") hole plug into hole in back side of rail
9. Secure Rails
• Square pickets and rails
• Check for even picket spacing on each end of rail
• Top rail may be secured inside post with a #8 x 3/4" screw
on each end
10. Hang Gate/Install Hardware
• For complete details, see gate installation instructions in
hardware box
• Position gate between posts
• Allow 1" gap for hinge and 3/4" for latch and gate swing
• Block up gate to square with fence; rails should be level
• Gate hardware must be secured to two sides of the post
11. Solidify Gate Posts
• It is critical that gate hinge and latch posts are solid to ensure
proper gate functionality. Two methods are available:
A. Aluminum gate post stiffener
- Slide aluminum gate stiffener inside hinge, latch
or end posts with open end facing routed hole
- Drive a screw through the vinyl into the aluminum
stiffener at the bottom of the post to hold in place
- Insert post into ground
- Fill hole with concrete around outside of post
B. Concrete and rebar*
- Use two pieces of 1/2" rebar in each hinge, latch and
end post
- Rebar should extend from the bottom of the hole to
approximately 12" from the top of the post
- Hold rebar in opposite corners of post with rebar
separator clips
- Fill post with concrete mix to cover rebar and
hardware fasteners
- Tamp post with a rubber mallet to eliminate air pockets
- Leave gate on blocks for 72 hours to allow concrete to set
12. Install Caps
• Install post caps
• Caps may be secured with glue, silicone adhesive or
#8 x 3/4" screws, caps and washers
* Caution – In climates that experience freeze-thaw cycles, this installation method could result in post cracking over time. This would not be covered by the warranty.
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