Tools and materials you will probably need:
- Post hole digger or power auger
- Shovel
- Level
- Saw
- Tape Measure
- Drill/driverw/bits
- Sledge
- Mason’s trowel
- String or chalk line
- Wheelbarrow
- Cement
- Gravel
Plan and Measure Your Aluminum Fence Layout
Draw a plan to scale on a piece of graph paper as shown in example. This drawing will help you estimate materials and plan location of posts and gates. Show location of structures, driveway, trees, property lines, sidewalks and or elements of your landscape. The more accurate your measurements, the less chance for errors and waste.
PLEASE NOTE: It is responsibility of installer to comply with relevant local building codes. Most styles can be customized to meet specific building codes. Be sure to specify codes when ordering. IMPORTANT! CALL BEFORE YOU DIG! Electric, gas, water and many other lines crisscross most urban areas. Even rural areas have concentrations of underground utility lines. To avoid hitting lines (some of which are only inches below ground) call your local utility companies 2-3 days before you dig. (Most states have a one-call toll free number.)
If not already done, select a Gilpin style from our website or catalog that blends with landscape and surrounding architecture. Check following before committing to a project:
- Local building codes
- Zoning restrictions
- Buried utilities
- Neighborhood associations
Determine your needs:
FENCE: Count number of 6’ sections
POSTS: Count number of each type of post. Order posts same height as installed fence height (e.g. order 4’ post for 4’ fence height). Posts are furnished for in ground installation i.e. 4’ posts are 70” long (approximately 22” of post is buried).
GATES: When locating gates, width of opening should be width of gate selected. Delivered gate will be 1” smaller than opening. See Page 3 for more gate details.
Determine corner locations for fence and drive stakes to mark positions. Run string or chalk line between corner stakes. Stakes should be tall enough so that line does not touch ground.
If distance is less than 6’, order one set of Fixed Attachment Fittings. Cut fence to fit exactly. Cut from both ends to maintain spindle spacing.
If distance is greater than 6’, order one set of Fixed Attachment Fittings, two fence sections and two line posts. Cut one section to fit opposite ends as shown.
Gate Installation
When installing gate posts, opening should be width of gate ordered. Gate will be approximately one inch (1”) less than ordered size to accommodate hinges and latch; e.g. plan for 36” opening for 36” gate; gate will be 35” wide. Determine swing of gate. Hinges should be mounted on inside of swing.
Mount hinges to gate (Instructions included in package).
o Attach top and bottom hinges 3 inches from top and bottom of Gate Frame. Use self-drilling screws (included).
o Barrel of hinge should be exposed. (This permits gate full swing.)
o Remaining hinge(s) should be spaced evenly between top and bottom hinges.
o Hinges must be installed in line with gate frame.
o Elite hinges are mounted differently than Standard hinges as shown.