LOWE'S Vinyl Fence - User Manual

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For more how-to videos visit Lowes.com/Videos

INSTALLING POSTS AND PANELS

Vinyl Fence Installation Tips:

When working with most pre-built panels, you will set a post, attach the panel to that

post, then attach the next post to that panel, and so on. This ensures your posts are in

the correct position.

01 Verify that all fence posts are of the proper length. If they are too tall, cut them

and put the cut end in the hole so all fence post tops will be uniform.

02 Install panel brackets on the vinyl fence posts following the manufacturer’s

instructions. Following are common instructions:

1. Measure down 2" from the top of the post (without the top) and make a mark

for the top bracket. This measurement will change as your panels “stair-step” up

or down grades. See Step 05.

2. Measure the distance from the top of the top rail to the top of the middle rail, and

transfer that measurement to the post.

3. Measure from the top of the middle rail to the top of the bottom rail, and transfer

that measurement to the post.

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TIP: The position of each post in the layout will determine which sides of the

post get brackets. End posts get brackets on one side, line posts get them on

opposite sides, and corner posts get them on two adjacent sides.

03 Your vinyl posts may require you to insert a 4" x 4" treated lumber post inside

for added strength. Always reinforce the gate posts with a treated lumber

post inside.

SETTING VINYL FENCE POSTS

IMPORTANT

Before you begin this project, call 811 to be connected

with your local utility companies. Make sure that the site

you have selected and where you will dig does not have

underground utility lines that can be damaged by digging

tools. If you have additional questions, discuss them with

a Lowe’s associate or call a professional for help.

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Vinyl Fence Posts

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Vinyl Fence Panel Mounting Brackets

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Vinyl Fence Panels

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Gravel



Concrete



Water



Saw



Drill with Bits

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Pencil



Tape Measure

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Carpenter’s Level or Post Level

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Work Gloves

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Ear Protection



Safety Glasses

MATERIALS

In this series, you’ll learn how to plan and

install a fence in your yard. In this set of

instructions and accompanying video,

you’ll learn how to install posts and

panels for a vinyl panel fence. Before you

start working, refer to the information in

this series on Choosing and Planning

Your Fence and Layout and Digging Post

Holes at Lowes.com/Videos. Different

fence systems require different assembly

procedures. Follow the instructions for

your fence.

Skill Level: INTERMEDIATE Give these projects a try if you're a confident DIYer with a good working knowledge of a variety of tools. They can take a day or more to complete.

If you can build a birdhouse or install a ceiling fan, your skill level is probably appropriate.

Need help?

Do you have a question about the LOWE'S Vinyl Fence and is the answer not in the manual?

Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications (Implied)
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

This document provides installation tips for vinyl fences, focusing on setting posts and panels. It's designed for DIYers with an intermediate skill level, suggesting that if you can build a birdhouse or install a ceiling fan, you're likely capable of these projects. The installation process is broken down into sequential steps, often accompanied by helpful tips and references to supplementary video content available on Lowes.com/Videos.

Function Description:

The primary function of this manual is to guide users through the process of installing vinyl fence posts and panels. It covers the initial setup, including verifying post lengths, installing panel brackets, and reinforcing posts, as well as the subsequent steps of setting posts, attaching panels, and securing the entire structure. The instructions are tailored for pre-built vinyl panels and emphasize ensuring correct post positioning and alignment. It also addresses specific scenarios like working on sloped ground (stair-stepping method) and preparing post holes with gravel and concrete. The ultimate goal is to enable users to construct a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing vinyl fence.

Important Technical Specifications (Implied):

While explicit technical specifications are not listed in a separate section, several are implied throughout the instructions:

Post Length: Posts should be of proper length, and if too tall, the cut end should be placed in the hole to ensure uniform post tops.
Panel Clearance: Panels should be at least 2 inches above the ground to allow for yard work, especially when using the stair-stepping method on hills.
Bracket Placement: The top bracket is typically measured 2 inches down from the top of the post (without the top). Other bracket placements are determined by the distance between the top, middle, and bottom rails of the panel.
Post Reinforcement: Vinyl posts may require a 4x4 inch treated lumber post inserted inside for added strength, particularly for gate posts.
Concrete Depth: Concrete should be worked to about 2 inches below the surface, leaving space for dirt, grass, mulch, or ornamental gravel.
Screw Usage: Screws are used to attach brackets and secure panels. A slow drill speed is recommended to prevent stripping screws.
Panel Cutting: Some panels can be cut at plank joints, while others may require disassembling the unit with a 5-in-1 tool and rubber mallet, removing pickets, and reassembling with vinyl cement.
Post Hole Preparation: Gravel is added to the bottom of post holes for drainage, with the amount potentially recommended by local building codes.

Usage Features:

Step-by-Step Guidance: The installation process is clearly outlined in numbered steps, making it easy to follow.
Visual Aids (Implied): Although this document is text-based, it frequently references accompanying videos on Lowes.com/Videos, suggesting a multimedia approach to instruction. The presence of images on the pages further enhances understanding.
Tips and Best Practices: Numerous "TIP" sections provide practical advice, such as using a slow drill speed, determining bracket positions for different post types (end, line, corner), and using a level to ensure posts are plumb.
Addressing Different Terrain: The manual specifically addresses how to handle installations on level ground versus hills, introducing the "stair-stepping" method for slopes.
Material List: A comprehensive list of required materials and tools is provided at the beginning, helping users prepare before starting the project.
Safety Precautions: The "IMPORTANT" section emphasizes calling 811 before digging to avoid underground utility lines and advises consulting a Lowe's associate or professional for help with additional questions. It also lists safety glasses, ear protection, and work gloves as necessary tools.
Modular Installation: The instructions suggest setting a few posts and panels at a time to allow concrete to set properly, promoting a manageable workflow.
References to External Resources: The document frequently directs users to Lowes.com/Videos for more detailed how-to videos and additional information on planning, layout, and digging post holes. It also mentions a separate resource for attaching gates.

Maintenance Features:

This document primarily focuses on installation and does not explicitly detail maintenance features for the vinyl fence itself. However, by guiding users through proper installation techniques, it implicitly contributes to the longevity and reduced maintenance needs of the fence. For instance:

Proper Post Reinforcement: Reinforcing gate posts with treated lumber (Step 03) ensures added strength and durability, potentially reducing future issues related to gate sag or post instability.
Correct Panel Clearance: Ensuring panels are at least 2 inches above the ground (Step 05) prevents direct contact with soil, which can lead to dirt accumulation, moisture retention, and potential staining or degradation over time. This also facilitates easier yard work around the fence.
Adequate Drainage: Adding gravel to post holes (Step 06) promotes proper drainage, preventing water from pooling around the base of the posts, which could otherwise lead to issues like frost heave or premature concrete degradation in colder climates.
Plumb and Level Installation: Emphasizing the use of levels to ensure posts are plumb (Steps 10, 17, 19) and panels are level (Step 05, 15) contributes to a structurally sound fence that is less prone to leaning or shifting, thereby reducing the need for future adjustments or repairs.
Secure Fastening: Instructions to secure panels with screws in each hole (Step 13) and attach posts to panels securely (Step 16) ensure the fence components are firmly connected, minimizing the risk of panels becoming loose or detached due to wind or other forces.

While not a maintenance guide, the thorough installation instructions are foundational to a durable and low-maintenance vinyl fence, as proper initial setup minimizes the likelihood of common problems that would require future upkeep or repairs.

LOWE'S Vinyl Fence Specifications

General

Brand	LOWE'S
Model	Vinyl Fence
Category	Fencing & Gates
Language	English