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Once the holes are dug, the easiest way to set
posts in a straight line is by using a string line
stretched from one end of the fence to the other.
To do this, move the stakes you previously used
to mark the hole locations over 2” if installing a
4” post, 2.5” if installing a 5” post. The reason
you are moving the stakes over is because they
were used to mark the center of the holes and
now we need to move them over so the string
line is positioned where the outside of the post
should be. See Figure 1.1 and 1.5.
To set the post in a straight line you want to
level the post and then place the post just off the
string line (you do not want the post touching the
string line).
Fill the hole around the post with concrete up to
2” – 3” from top of the hole while keeping the
post level and just off of the string.
Note: If the top of hole is not perfectly formed,
do not pour concrete above the point where the
holes become deformed. Frost will grab the
concrete and heave the post up in the winter. If
hole is deformed more than 12” from the
surface, then sonotube (available at any lumber
yard), must be used to contain concrete for top
portion of hole that is deformed.
Plum, square and level the post into position.
You will typically set the post height so the
bottom rail has two inches of clearance from the
ground. This bottom gap can be adjusted to fit
your project’s needs.
Continue setting the next post, making sure that
distance between the posts matches the
measurement of the specification sheet for the
style you purchased. Spacing varies depending
on type of fence you purchased. Please see
specification sheet of your style of fence
purchased. You can get these spec sheets by
contacting us.
Note: At the end of the runs, sections may need
to be shortened to maintain desired layout.
Help Tip: It is important to look often down the
line of your fence to make sure that the fence is
straight and level and plum. If something looks a
little off, go back and adjust as needed. Once
you complete a section of fence it is very easy to
push a fence post one way or another and tamp
at the base of the post to ensure that the top of
the fence is straight and level plumb. See Figure
1.6
Getting the Height of the Post Right:
A method commonly used when setting posts is
to set the posts close to the right height but
primarily focusing on getting the posts straight in
a line (post is level and just off the string). Once
this has been completed and prior to the
concrete setting up, the installer, with the
assistance of another will look down the line and
pull the post up a little or knock it down by
tapping on the top of the post with a block of
wood and hammer. The block of wood will help
to prevent damage to the vinyl post.
String lines can also be used to help keep the
post level but remember that string lines
sometimes sag in the middle so it is important to
visually look down the top of the fence to make
sure the fence is straight. See Figure 1.7.
FIGURE 1.5
