How To Raise The Height Of A Vinyl Fence

If you want to extend the height of a vinyl fence but aren’t sure how then your in luck. It’s not that hard and makes a great DIY project. Although I do recommend doing it with a friend if your fence is high or heavy. It’s much cheaper, easier and faster to raise a vinyl fence than it is to replace one. And there’s typically no demolition involved. In general, vinyl fences come in sections, called panels, which attach to posts that are anchored into the ground. Raising the height of a vinyl fence is made possible by using fence kits, post extensions, or u-channels with some lattice or other similar material. All three methods are typically sold in most hardware stores, fence supply houses or online.

The first step involved in raising a vinyl fence is almost always raising the posts. Fence posts are what support the panels and gives a fence it’s strength. Take your time with this step. You can build a beautiful new fence panel to raise your fence, but without support it won’t last long.

The new fence panel can be installed right on top of the old one which creates more height. This can produce a great looking fence because it allows for creativity. The lower section of vinyl fence will be factory made. But this new upper area can be whatever you like.

Whether your raising a fence to gain more privacy, keep the dog in your yard or those pesky deer out, there’s probably a fence kit that will work.

Below we’ll go over all the methods and techniques we use to raise the height of a vinyl fence in detail.

Extend Your Vinyl Fence’s Height With A Fence Kit

Fence Kits an easy and affordable way to extend a vinyl fence’s height. They’re easy to use and only require some basic power tools. Generally the fence kit will have all the parts and supplies you’ll need other than the tools.

There are many reasons why you may want to raise a vinyl fence. Buy a kit that’s designed for the intended purpose. For example, the vinyl fence raising kit you’d use to keep out deer are different than kits designed for more privacy. If you install the wrong kit, you may raise the fence but still not achieve the desired result.

Once you’ve bought the right vinyl fence raising kit for what you want to do, read the directions carefully. Generally the kits are easy to install but sometimes there are special instructions that may apply to your specific kit.

Assembling fence extensions are generally as easy as putting together furniture. But they do get harder to work with as the fence gets higher. Make sure to follow safety instructions if your using a ladder.

Consider the fence kit’s color, material and style. Whenever I use a fence kit, I always make sure it not only does the job I want it to do but also looks good. People typically see the top of the fence which is more noticeable as the fence gets higher. What you want to avoid is a fence that looks like it has an extender stuck on top. Matching the color and style to your existing fence makes the finished product appear more natural.

I generally buy my fence kits at Home Depot because that’s where I buy most of my vinyl fences. But if you’re looking for something special then order online.

Vinyl Fence Post Extensions

Post extensions are a great way to raise the height of a vinyl fence.

You can buy fence post extensions either individually or in kits. Extensions come in different sizes, styles and colors so make sure to buy extensions that match your existing posts. Generally vinyl fence posts comes in either 4″, 5″ or 6″ widths. You can also buy post extension kits in different lengths. This comes in handy because some areas of your vinyl fence may only need to be raised 6 inches while others may need a foot or more.

Fence post extension kits are generally flexible so you can adjust the height as needed.

Keep in mind that fence post extension kits only extend the post, not the fence panel. You will also need some sort of material like lattice to extend along the length of the fence. After you raise the fence posts, the new height needs to be filled in.

Here is how to extend your own vinyl fence using post extensions:

Count how many post extensions you’ll need to complete the job. For some fence raising projects it’s not necessary to raise every post. For example, most suburban residential neighborhoods can have a higher vinyl fence in the backyard than the front.
Extend the post extensions to the desired height you want and then install them. Read the directions that come along with the extensions.
Use the rails of the post extensions to help install the vinyl lattice, or other material, over the existing fence panels.

U-Channels

U-channels are u-shaped pieces of material typically used outdoors. They’re usually made out of vinyl, plastic, or metal. I recommend buying the type that corresponds with your fence material.

U-channel is also used to wrap doors, windows, and other places around the house. So if your shopping in Home Depot or Lowes, you may find it by the doors or siding aisle.

If you’ve ever worked with siding then you’ll be familiar with how u-channel works. They’re just like the J-channel you buy to wrap around a window or door. Only instead of siding slipping into the channel you’ll be working with lattice or some other fence material.

Essentially all you’re doing with u-channel is building a frame that wraps around a material like lattice. Azek or plastic sheets also work really well. These materials are too flimsy to support themselves so you build a stronger frame around them with u-channel.

You’ll typically need 4 pieces of u-channel cut to the proper size to support each lattice section. For example, if your raising an 8 foot section of vinyl fence 6 inches, you’ll need 4 pieces of u channel. 2 pieces cut at 8 feet and 2 pieces at 6 inches. You’ll also need a 6 inch x 8 foot piece of lattice to go inside the u-channel frame.

I recommend securing the pieces of u-channel together with some glue and screws. When the glue dries it creates a very strong bond.

Once the u-channel frame is built and the lattice or other material is in place, secure the channel to your fence posts. I recommend a stainless steel or exterior grade screw. Don’t use anything that can rust.

Here are some tips on how to extend the height of a vinyl fence using u-channel:

The first thing I always do when extending a vinyl fence with u-channel is to take measurements. The u-channel is a frame around some other flimsy material so you’ll need to take measurements.
Make sure to have the tools you need to cut and secure the u-channel. The tools needed will vary based on the material u-channel your using.
Simply frame the fence sheet with channel.
I suggest framing the sheet with u-channel first and then placing the panel between the rails and post.
When the panel is in place, screw through the channel into the railing and support post.
Use an exterior grade screw or stainless steel.
Take your time measuring and cutting the u-channel. The frame you build will hold the entire weight of the lattice.

Remember, raising the height of a vinyl fence using u-channel also requires another material like lattice. U-channel is only used to build the frame that holds the lattice in place.

Vinyl Fence Boards

Vinyl boards can be cut to length and secured to the top of a fence. This option requires a lot of work because you won’t be using large panels to raise the fence height. Each individual piece is cut and secured by hand. However, because this is a very custom option it allows you to get creative.

As with u-channel, I recommend building a frame out of fence boards first. Like the example above, if your raising an 8 foot vinyl fence section 6 inches then build a 6 inch x 8 foot frame first. Once the frame is complete you can fill to void with any design you like. This is where some creativity comes into play.

I recommend building the frame and panel section on the ground and then installing it on top of your fence. I always do as much work as I can on the ground.

Azek is a great materials for building the inside panel. I wouldn’t recommend it for the frame because it’s flimsy, but it’s easy to cut and shape which makes it great as a panel material.

I use thicker stuff vinyl boards for the frame. They’re stronger and can support the weight of the panel.

Make sure you secure the frame to the fence and posts. Use exterior grade screws or stainless steel. Without a secure connection your new fence panel could blow right off the fence.

More Vinyl Fence Raising Options

There are lots of options when it comes to raising a vinyl fence. Use your imagination and be creative. The usual methods of buying a fence raising kit and matching the existing fence may not be the best solution for everyone.

Here are a few more ways to do it that are a bit less conventional.

More Ideas:

Trellis. Another great way to raise a fence, and possibly my favorite, is with a trellis. A trellis is a framework of wooden bars used to support climbing plants. I love the look of climbing plants on top of a fence. They make the fence blend in with the surrounding landscaping and help hide the look of a high vinyl fence. Which I’m not a huge fan of. Also climbing plants tend to need zero maintenance which is huge benefit for me.
Trees. If your considering raising your vinyl fence for privacy reasons but don’t love the look of a high fence then consider trees. Planting trees are a great way to achieve the same result as a high fence without actually having to raise the fence.

If you have any creative ideas for how to raise a vinyl fence let me know. I’ll add it to this section.