Do-It-Yourself Fence Installation

 Installing your own fence is more achievable than ever — and at Nature Coast Fence Supply, we make sure you’re set up for success from the very first step. We don’t just provide top‑quality materials and the right installation tools; we share the insider tips and proven techniques our DIY fence customers rely on to get professional‑grade results.

On this page, you’ll learn exactly where to start, how to plan each phase efficiently so nothing gets overlooked, and how to bring your fence project across the finish line with confidence. Building your own fence is easier than you think — and we’ll show you how to do it right.

Planning isn’t just a preliminary step — it’s the move that saves you time, money, and frustration down the line. 

• Define your property lines (your "as-built survey" will be a life saver) and take accurate measurements of the area in question, then do it again! Typically a measurement wheel or 100' tape is used for this step.
• Draw a layout of your measurements, including your home, and mark any gates. The more detail the better. Consider including points on the home where you'd like the fence to start or finish and whether or not you'd like your gates centered.
• Send Nature Coast Fence Supply your layout to get your complimentary breakdown, fence supply list, and total cost of the materials.
• Call 811 to mark any underground electric, cable, or telephone lines. 811 will NOT mark any private lines (ie; septic, gas, sprinklers).
• If you live in an HOA community, make sure to get prior approval. Also, check with the zoning department in your city or county to make sure permit requirements are satisfied.

Here's the fun part! Follow the instructions below for a seamless and professional DIY fence installation, without the price tag!

• Prepare your yard (according to your double checked measurements) with string line and stakes. Mark out your corners and where your gates will be placed. Make sure to square up your corners to ensure straight lines.
• Grab a pair of post hole diggers and dig your first hole (finally!) For 6' tall vinyl fence, your posts should go 2 1/2' - 3' into the ground and for 4' & 5' fence 2' is typical, so dig accordingly but don't over dig!
• Secure your post with a 60lb bag of dry concrete mix and fill with dirt. This first post is a critical part of the whole vinyl fence DIY installation process and should be perfect and plumb before moving on. 
• Measure and mark for your next post. Vinyl panels are typically 6' or 8' on center so measure for the width you purchased. Dig the next hole and put the post in, but don't cement your second post just yet.
• Insert the bottom rail of your panel between the 2 posts and lock it in. Place your u channel against the post and grab your pickets (either 11 or 15 total in a full panel). Start sliding the pickets into the bottom rail. Once all of your pickets are placed use another u channel against the opposite post, insert the top rail, and lock it into place.
• You may come to a spot where it's necessary to cut or trim a picket, this is normal. Make sure to place the cut side of the picket towards the u channel so it hides any imperfections.
• Once you are pleased with the placement of the panel and post, cement the post.
• This panel-post process is repeated until all of your fence has been installed.