trade tested 2023 PVC Privacy Fence Installation Guide
- June 17, 2024
- trade tested
Table of Contents
trade tested 2023 PVC Privacy Fence
PART LIST
EACH 1.8m PRIVACY PANEL INCLUDES:
- A. 5.08cm X 15.24cm Slotted Rails (2)
- B. 2.2cm X 28.7cm Tongue and Groove Pickets (8)
- C. 2.2cm U-Channels (2)
- D. Aluminum Insert (1)
PREPARE FENCE LAYOUT
Please and this rate sheet completely before starting work. Laying out the
NOTE : Privacy fences are designed for level terrain. For Significant
slopes in the terrain you will need to modify some of the posts and panel
parts. Filing out the routed holes in the posts and cutting the tongue and
groove pickets at the angle of slope will help with assembly on uneven
terrain.
STEP 1
Locate the boundary lines to your property.
STEP 2
Drive stakes into the ground along the property line and stetch a string
between each stake. We recommend that all posts be set approximately 10cm-
15cm inside of the property line to make sure that the concrete footings do
not go over your property line.
STEP 3
Mark the location of each post hole. A can of bright colored spray paint or
colored flags work well to mark out holes.
SETTING POSTS
STEP 1
Dig holes 20cm-25cm in diameter and anywhere from 60cm, 76cm or 91cm deep
depending on your local we ather and soil conditions.
STEP 2
Position the post in the hole. The post should be centered in the hole and
must be square with the fence line so that when the rails are inserted into
place they will parallel the string line. Check the post on two adjacent sides
with a carpenter’s level and adjust as necessary to make sure it is plumb. The
fence height above grade is also determined at this time. We recommend 5cm be
left from the bottom of the bottom rail to the ground.
STEP 3
Pour concrete around the posts and fill up to ground level. Wet or dry
concrete works fine. If using dry concrete water down around the posts when
you are ready for the concrete to start setting up. The concrete will be set
up in about 24 hours. Repeat this step until all post are set and ready for
panel assembly and gate install if needed.
PANEL ASSEMBLY
BOTTOM RAIL STEP 1
Slide bottom rails into cutouts in the post. The notches on the rails will
lock the rail into the post. Repeat this step until all bottom rails are
installed. If post spacing is less than 244cm on center, cut a piece of bottom
rail to achieve desired length. Any power saw works well to cut these rails.
You can purchase a notching tool to re-notch the rail or in most cases you can
put a screw into the cut rail to hold it in place.
T &G PANEL STEP 1 Starting on one end, insert the first picket into the bottom rail and the u-channel. Proceeding down the panel, insert the pickets into the bottom rails and interlock tongue and grooves as you go. If the posts are set at less than 244cm on center you will need to cut down a tongue and groove picket to a smaller width to fit your remaining opening. These can be cut down with a power saw also. The cut will be hidden and insert into the end u- channel.
TOP RAILS STEP 1
Place one end of the top rail into the posts and work your way down the panel,
inserting pickets into the top rail as you go. Once all of the pickets are
installed, slide the loose end of rail into the posts. If posts spacing is
less than 244cm on center cut a piece of top rail to achieve desired length.
You can purchase a notching tool to re-notch the rails or in most cases you
can put a screw into the cut rail to hold the rail in place. Repeat these
steps until all pickets and top rails have been assembled.
POST CAPS
Apply pvc glue to the inside of the cap and press completely onto the top of
the post. Press firmly to ensure that the cap is on as far as it will go.
Fence Gate Installation
- Make sure to install the aluminium insert into the post before installing the gate (note that the insert sits 30mm from both ends of the post). Then install the gate post. The gap size between the gate post and fence post should range from 20mm to 40mm.
- Attach the hinges onto the gate post at 250mm below the top of the gate post, and 250mm above the bottom of the gate panel.
- Connect the gate panel onto the hinges. Make sure that the top of the gate is on the same horizontal level as the fence. The gate should sit 50mm above the ground.
- Attach the latch below the top of the gate post.
- Fix a drop bolt onto the bottom of the gate if required.
Tip : For best installation results on uneven terrain, fill out the routed holes in the post and cut the tongue and groove pickets on the same angle as the slope.
Installation on a slope – Raking Method for Slopes 10° or less
If your property is on a sloped angle (at no more than 10°), you can use the
Raking method to install your fence panels. The Raking method is where the
horizontal fence panels follow the sloping terrain.
Install the fence to the pre-routed posts so that the top and bottom rails are
out of square, but the posts and panels are plumb. To achieve this, you may
need to customise the posts and panels:
- Make the post holes bigger to secure the top and bottom rails.
- Make the rail holes bigger in both top and bottom rails to secure the panel boards.
- Shorten the panel board/picket length.
Tip : Always cut from the bottom of the top rail hole and the top of the bottom rail hole to maintain proper fence height. Use a dremel tool to enlarge the holes and only cut out small sections at a time to ensure that the holes are customised correctly.
Installation on a slope – Stepping Method
The other method for installing your fence onto a sloped property is the
Stepping method. The Stepping method creates a stairs effect with your fence
panels up or down a slope.
Before you begin, plan the layout of the fence panels. You will need to use
end posts for each panel.
On the posts, cut the holes on the opposite side to allow for the elevation
change. Each hole on the posts may vary so you will need to cut the holes as
you install them.
Tip : Use a router timmer tool with an 8mm guide & 6.35mm drill bit (1 1/4 inch).