If you’re the type of person who likes to get their hands dirty and get a project done, then a DIY fence project may be the perfect outdoor project for you. ActiveYards fences are ideal for DIYers in the Somerset County, NJ, area because these fencing systems are fairly easy to install. Here is a quick guide to installing a DIY vinyl fence by ActiveYards.
1. Contact your local utility company to mark underground utilities.
It’s usually recommended that you make sure to contact your local utility company before you dig. This is important because you don’t want to unknowingly disturb a utility line, which could be dangerous at worst and inconvenient at best. They can visit your property and mark where your utilities are buried, so you know you’re in the clear for digging. Before beginning, you would also want to get in touch with local authorities to ensure you’re clear on building codes.
2. Run string lines.
String lines are used to find level across longer distances, such as across your front yard or backyard when you’re installing a fence. This will mark the perimeter where you are installing the fence and serve as a guide to ensure you are installing your fence level.
3. Dig the post hole.
Many DIYers use a clamshell digger or a post-hole digger to dig the holes for fence posts. It’s usually recommended to start at a corner.
4. Set the fence post to plumb level.
Insert the fence post into the hole and set it to plumb level. It’s important to keep this in check throughout the installation so that your fence installation goes smoothly and everything fits into place.
5. Pour dry or mixed wet concrete
Next, pour the dry or mixed wet concrete into the post hole to create a firm base.
6. Verify that the fence post is still plumb and level.
It’s worth checking again to make sure that the fence post is installed plumb and level before continuing on to the next step.
7. Insert the bottom rail.
Snap the bottom rail into place, so it is ready for connecting to the second fence post at a later step in the installation process.
8. Dig a hole for the next fence post.
Dig the second fence post hole, following the same process as the first post hole.
9. Set the fence post to plumb level with the bottom rail inserted.
This second post needs to be installed plumb and level also. Snap the other side of the rail into place on the second post.
10. Pour dry or mixed wet concrete and verify that the fence post is still plumb and level.
Pour dry or mixed wet concrete into the hole to secure the fence post and ensure it is still plumb level.
11. Insert the top rail and place the u-channel on the first GlideLock board.
Next, you’ll insert the top rail between the two fence posts. A U-channel will be included, which needs to be placed on the first GlideLock board.
12. Snap the panels together throughout the width of the fence.
Since ActiveYards makes the process simple, all you have to do is snap each fence panel together until the entire panel is complete from one fence post to the next.
13. Lock in the top rail and repeat until the entire fence is installed
After all of the fence panels are installed, lock the top rail into place, and that section of the fence is complete. You can repeat these steps until the entire fence is installed.
